Which Free Agent Receiver Makes Most Sense for Jets?

As the New York Jets approach quarterback Justin Fields’ first season in East Rutherford, they’ll hope to set him up for success. The most important piece of that puzzle may be the backing of the coaching staff and an unquestioned starting role, but an improved offensive line and a strong run game certainly help, too.

At receiver, though, the Jets are lacking. Receiver Garrett Wilson is a star and, rekindled with his college quarterback, should be expected to put up big numbers again in 2025. Behind him are Josh Reynolds, a true-blood Aaron Glenn prototype, incumbent veteran Allen Lazard, Tyler Johnson, and a host of gadget receivers and special teamers.

That leaves much to be desired, and there aren’t many quality options remaining. New York may look to the open market, where high-profile stars of yesteryear remain unsigned. But three months into free agency, there are no bidding wars for their services. The receiver cliff can come quickly, and for the top names available, expecting above-average performance is ambitious.

Even so, the Jets could find a starting receiver late in free agency. It’s worth running down the top names available and how they might help New York.

Keenan Allen

Allen took on a bigger role than expected in the Chicago Bears’ offense, seeing 121 targets while fighting off regression. His game was never predicated on stretching the field or churning out explosive plays, but his waning athleticism makes those margins even slimmer.

His inside-outside versatility would be useful, but as a high-floor, low-ceiling starter between Wilson and either Lazard or Reynolds on the boundary, there may not be enough juice after the catch to warrant a signing.

Tyler Boyd

Like Allen, Boyd relies more on nuance than explosiveness, especially as he ages out of his prime. He’s likely the most slot-bound option on the board, offering a complement for Malachi Corley and Arian Smith.

Boyd doesn’t project as a starter over Lazard, who was surprisingly productive in 2024. Still, his trustworthy hands and feel for the middle of the field would be welcome for Fields, who has had trouble finding consistency between the numbers.

Amari Cooper

Cooper’s decline in 2024 was as intriguing as it was concerning. Traded early in the year to the Buffalo Bills, he was more productive with the Cleveland Browns. It isn’t immediately clear whether Cooper saw permanent athletic decline or if the role just wasn’t a fit. His slow-developing market isn’t a great sign.

In either event, he’s fairly redundant with Wilson and seems more likely to sign with a contender that has a proven quarterback under center.