Matt Jones Featured Columnist Steven Ryan/Getty Images

The New York Jets are reportedly working to tie down Robby Anderson to a new contract before he hits free agency.

According to ESPN, while the Jets would sign the wide receiver for $10 million-a-year "in a heartbeat," the 26-year-old "might be able to pull down $13 million APY on the open market."

The report noted the number of receivers available to pick up in the 2020 NFL draft "could depress the receiver market in free agency, which could help the Jets' cause."

Anderson was one of the bright points in a season to forget for the Jets. The receiver continued to post solid numbers, with 52 receptions and five touchdowns on the campaign.

When speaking about his future, there have been mixed messages from the 26-year-old. Per Brian Costello of the New York Post, Anderson has previously said he would like to see what's available on the open market, while he also told NFL Live on Tuesday that he feels as though he has "unfinished business" with the Jets.

Last week, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN said any deal to keep Anderson at MetLife Stadium will not be straightforward:

Per Costello, as things stand there's a chance Anderson may be the strongest receiver on the open market, with the Dallas Cowboys and the Cincinnati Bengals still able to apply tags to Amari Cooper and A.J. Green, respectively.

In the regular season, the Jets averaged the lowest yards-per-game in the NFL, and with that in mind, it would be a big blow to lose their star receiver.

While Anderson has never posted huge numbers with New York, his speed makes him an over-the-top threat that a lot of outfits would benefit from. Some teams may also look at the limited service he's had in a struggling Jets team and bank on him to raise his level if he was part of a stronger offensive setup.

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