Left tackle Orlando Brown and defensive linemen Fletcher Cox have inadvertently given the Jets and their fans some good news, and some bad news.
The bad news is, the anticipated arrival of future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers isn’t the magical elixir some had hoped it would be in helping lure players to MetLife Stadium. The good news is that it appears the Jets believe they can clear enough cap space to make a significant signing if they believe there’s a player who warrants it.
Among teams that showed interest in Orlando Brown, per agent Michael Portner: The #Steelers and #Jets. Bengals put deal over the top with strong guarantees over long term. @TomPelissero 1st on the deal.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 16, 2023
According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Jets were in on former Chiefs offensive tackle Orlando Brown while Mike Garafolo of the NFL network said Gang Green made a run at Cox, who landed a 1-year $10 million deal to return to Philadelphia. In the case of Brown, he got a 4-year deal worth up to $64 million from the Bengals.
Fletcher Cox back to the #Eagles on a one-year, $10 million deal, as @AdamSchefter said. The #Jets were willing to go higher, but Cox wanted to stay in Philly for another season.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 15, 2023
With virtually no cap space to speak of if they earmark the $15 million necessary to add Rodgers, it was unclear as to whether or not the Jets would be able to offer any deals to highly coveted free agents.
While it seems that’s no longer an issue, the Jets now have to find a way to convince the players to take Woody Johnson’s cash.
