Could A.J. Brown or DK Metcalf become available? New York Jets ready to strike for star receiver

There is a look at what is happening around the New York Jets.

1. Do you want to catch a rising star? The pursuit of Tyreek Hill revealed the Jets desire to make a bold move for a receiver, and team officials made no attempt to throw a wet blanket on that idea at this week's owners meetings. We told you last week that they were keeping an eye on the wide receiver market.

If the opportunity is right and the price is right, Joe Douglas said in Palm Beach, Florida.

There are two players who are up for mega-extensions and have only one year left on their rookies contracts. The receiver market has exploded in recent weeks, prompting John Schneider to express sticker shock. The Jets took notice of that and created a picture of Metcalf in green, meaning the Jets color, not money, although the latter would certainly apply.

Is it wise for the Jets to make a big move? A source said that the Seahawks are telling teams that Metcalf isn't available. Two weeks ago, the name to watch was Brown, because of the tight cap situation.

Let's look at it.

The Jets are close to being a legit contender, and the cost of a trade would impede their ability to address other needs. Seattle would want back their first-round pick from the Jamal Adams trade if it decided to shop Metcalf. Tennessee would target that pick.

Douglas was unwilling to comment on a hypothetical scenario, but he did say that he would be willing to part with one of his two first-round choices. He acknowledged that wide receiver is a premium position for us, and that it would help the quarterback.

There are six projected first-round picks in the latest mock draft, including a receiver. The fourth or 10th pick could be taken by the Jets. A player drafted at 10 will cost $23.5 million over four years, while Metcalf and Brown will make at least $25 million per year.

The Jets have the benefit of a rookies quarterback contract, but it is more cost-effective to draft and develop. The three-year window affords them tremendous flexibility. That is a game-changer for the Jets. If Hill becomes available, they would be interested in Brown, or another marquee receiver if he becomes available.

His best days are ahead of him as he is only 24. Brown is on the same level as Metcalf but is less durable. They are four years younger than Hill, which adds to the appeal of this potential trade. As long as they don't give up the fort, the Jets should go for it. No risk it, no biscuit is what Bruce Arians would say.

2. Did you know? We have never seen so many blockbuster trades. In March, seven first-round picks have been traded for veteran players, the most in a single month in the common-draft era. The breakdown was Deshaun Watson, Russell Wilson, Davante Adams, and Hill.

3. Wide receiver, defensive end, corner, and safety are the biggest needs, but there is a good chance the fourth pick will be an offensive lineman. What, then? If the first three picks are defensive ends, Douglas will not stray from his board, so an offensive lineman can be ruled out. Cornerback Ahmad Sauce could enter the conversation if that happens.

There is a chance to win $100,000 if you answer questions on the NFL draft. Pick your favorites.

4. The most compelling players from a Jets standpoint are edge rushers. It is a no-brainer if one is available. Not exactly. According to some talent evaluators, Thibodeaux lacks all gas, no brake mentality, and could be over-rated. Walker has rare qualities, but his production concerns some.

Todd McShay is a fan of Walker, but he doesn't think there is a player in this class who can generate more power from the ground up. His production numbers are going to be better in the NFL than they were in college.

If the Jets don't pick an edge player at No. 4 or 10, it will be a surprise.

5. The Jets followed through on their objective to add leadership to the locker room, specifically, players with winning background. It has been a long time since the Jets won anything, so coach Robert Saleh wanted to sign players who had experienced championship moments.

The Jets' top seven free-agent additions have combined for 31 playoff games. Five of them played in a Super Bowl. The only other person with a Super Bowl ring is Whitehead.

The payoff is hoped to start with this year.

6. The turf at the stadium is demon exorcised by Thomas. He tore his knee in Week 2 of the 2020 season, one of a few 49ers injured that day. They were unhappy with the quality of the turf that had just been installed. Thomas, who will play on it at least eight times, said before a game last season against the New York Giants that he wanted the turf to be smooth.

Thomas said he sat on the turf after coming out early before the game to make up for it. I forgive it. I said, "Hey, going forward, we're going to be buddies." Me and the turf are on good terms now."

He thinks the quality will be better now that it has been broken in.

7. The Jets have had 10 former top 10 picks since 2000. Take a walk down memory lane. Bad memories will be triggered by some of these names. Some worked out well. Thomas Jones was the best.

There are 8. Woody bucks: You can't say the Jets don't spend. Over The Cap numbers show that they have given out $81.4 million in fully guaranteed money. They re-signed their own players.

There are 9. Can anyone kick straight? The Jets want to end the kicking carousel and have set the stage for a competition between Greg Zuerlein and Eddy Pineiro. This is not a sure thing. Zuerlein has never kicked in cold weather. Pineiro showed promise in December/January but hasn't put together a full season.

The Jets gave out a few bucks when it came to kickers. Zuerlein was given a $1 million guarantee. Pineiro got a lot of money. The Jets have been in the middle of the pack in field goal and PAT percentage.

10. The final word: Absolutely. We need to be playing meaningful games in December.