The Jets don’t need to address this position when it comes to starters, but they could use some depth.
Safety is one of the strengths of the team with Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye as starters. Beyond them, though, there is not much depth.
Rontez Miles, who has been their backup safety and a top special teams player for years, remains unsigned as a free agent. They had an agreement in principle with Marqui Christian to fill Miles’ role, but the deal fell through and the Jets still have a hole at the spot.
Depth at safety is critical because a good third safety can be used in some packages and typically is a core special teams player with the ability to play on multiple teams.
It makes sense for the Jets to look at this position on Day 3 of the draft, probably in the fifth or sixth round, where they have two picks.
Notre Dame’s Jalen Elliott, Michigan’s Josh Metellus, Utah’s Julian Blackmon and Ohio State’s Jordan Fuller should all be possibilities late in the draft.
The biggest news at this position for the Jets may not be whom they draft at this position, but does anyone engage them in trade talks for Adams?
The Jets had trade discussions about Adams last fall at the deadline, most notably with his hometown Cowboys. Does Dallas circle back at the draft and try to pry Adams free? Jets GM Joe Douglas has said he wants to sign Adams to a contract extension. Still, he might be tempted if the Cowboys offer a strong package of draft picks. The Jets have so many holes to fill that Douglas would have to consider it if he could acquire another first- and second-round pick.
The chances of Adams being dealt are small, but it is something to watch leading up to and into the first day of the draft.
