New York Jets free agency preview: Time for Gang Green to spend some green

BY Ross Jones • March 2, 2015

The Todd Bowles era has begun.

Without a playoff berth in four seasons, general manager John Idzik and Rex Ryan were sent packing by team owner Woody Johnson. One of their first orders of business is seeing what they have under center.

Geno Smith's first couple seasons in the league have been quite turbulent. The Jets could opt to sign a veteran free agent to compete with Smith.

Bowles, who piloted a defense that won 11 games with lackluster quarterback play, will look to put his fingerprints all over this unit.

How they finished:

2014: 4-12 -- No postseason

2013: 8-8 -- No postseason

Projected salary cap space (per Spotrac.com): $49.9 million

Potential free-agency targets: Bowles likes to employ an aggressive defense and rely on athletic cover corners. That fact makes a return to New York for Antonio Cromartie, who played for Bowles last year in Arizona, all but a certainty. How about another possible reunion in Darrelle Revis? With other areas to address, the Jets could look at a few offensive tackles like Dallas' Jeremy Parnell and Green Bay's Bryan Bulaga.

Potential cap casualties: The Jets already parted ways with running back Chris Johnson earlier this offseason. Percy Harvin could be the next to get released from the Jets. Harvin's $10.5 million figure could be a lot to swallow after seeing his minimal production in Gang Green last season.

Offseason needs: QB, CB and OT

Notable free agents:

LB David Harris

OG Willie Colon

DL Damon Harrison

S Dawan Landry

S Jaiquawn Jarrett

QB Michael Vick

DL Kenrick Ellis

WR Greg Salas

RB Bilal Powell

CB Kyle Wilson