The New York Jets have made it clear that wide receiver is the top priority on the team’s offseason to-do list. With Jeremy Maclin no longer an option, the Jets are expected to make a strong push for Emmanuel Sanders.
Sanders, an unrestricted free agent, is the a strong candidate to land in New York this offseason, the New York Daily News reported. Sanders nearly signed with the New England Patriots last spring as a restricted free agent before the Pittsburgh Steelers matched their offer.
The Jets are also keeping tabs on the New York Giants’ Hakeem Nicks and the Seattle Seahawks’ Golden Tate. Nicks is already familiar with New York but is coming off of back-to-back down years. Jets general manager John Idzik was a member of the Seattle front office when the team drafted Tate. Sanders, however, is expected to command less money.
Speaking of Tate, the wide receiver told Sirius XM NFL Radio he hasn’t heard too much from the Seahawks, who have reportedly been making cuts in order to retain defensive lineman Michael Bennett.
“Right now it’s been pretty chill. I haven’t heard too much.” Tate said in the interview. “I’ve kind of just trusted in my agent and him being good at his work. Todd (France) has had some great deals in the past and so I’m letting him handle it. Just trying to stay stress free and really enjoying being a Super Bowl champ.”
Another free-agent wide receiver has made headlines recently, this time Eric Decker. Arguably the most coveted free-agent receiver has reportedly set his price.
According to the Denver Post, Decker is being viewed as a top-tier No. 2 wide receiver and is seeking a multiyear deal worth between $8 million and $9 million. In addition, the report indicates Decker’s agent had discussions with the Denver Broncos about staying with the team. However, general manager John Elway has already stated he plans to let Decker test the market.
Sticking in Denver, the team has another decision to make regarding Knowshon Moreno. The veteran back enjoyed his best season as a pro in 2013 but is now heading toward free agency. And perhaps the Broncos will elect to let Moreno walk.
According to the Post, it’s unlikely Moreno returns to the Broncos as the team is high on last year’s second-round pick Montee Ball, who is expected to move up from his role as a backup. “The Broncos want to give Ball the first chance at becoming their No. 1 running back in 2014,” writes Mike Klis.
The New York Giants took a chance on Brandon Myers last offseason, though that signing did not pan out as expected. This year, tight end is again a priority, and the team reportedly has a player in mind.
According to NJ.com, the Giants have their sights set on Green Bay Packers tight end Andrew Quarless who spent his first two seasons playing under new Giants offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo. Quarless just had a career season with 32 catches for 312 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Previously, the other Packers tight end — Jermichael Finley — was being recruited to New York by safety Antrel Rolle.
Another soon-to-be former Packer is already focusing on his next team. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, wide receiver James Jones doesn’t want to leave Green Bay but doesn’t think he has a choice in the matter. So in an interview with NFL Network’s “Around the League,” he let it be known he has a list of desired landing spots.
“I’ve thought about places that I would like to go play, whether it’s in Indy or there’s coming back home, San Diego or somewhere. Teams have popped up in my head. I can’t say I haven’t thought about it, but in a perfect world I’d love to go back (to Green Bay).”
