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3 Former Jets New York Should Sign for a Reunion in Free Agency

Free agency is going to kick off and there are a few former Jets that New York should look into bringing back.

By Richard Louis

Aug 12, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Jets defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (98)
Aug 12, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Jets defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (98) / Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
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2. Folorunso Fatukasi, DT

Defensive tackle Folorunso Fatukasi was released by the Jacksonville Jaguars on Mar. 4 in a move that saved the team $4.5 million in cap space. Fatukasi came into the league as a sixth-round pick in 2018 and developed into a quality run-stuffer in the middle of the defense.

In three seasons with the Jets from 2019 to 2021, the UConn product notched 115 total tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and 14 QB hits.

The Jets have a hole along the interior of their defensive line with Quinton Jefferson and Solomon Thomas hitting the open market.

Fatukasi would step in and have a serious role as a run-stopper next to Quinnen Williams. GM Joe Douglas should look into bringing the 29-year-old back to town.

3. Sheldon Rankins, DT

Sticking to the theme here: the defensive line! The Jets need to fill in the void next to Quinnen Williams and Sheldon Rankins provides Gang Green with another intriguing option.

Rankins has been a stout run-defender who has the skill set to be effective as a pass-rusher too. The Louisville product suited up for New York in 2021-2022, logging 75 total tackles and six sacks. Rankins' solid play led to him inking a one-year, $10.5 million deal with the Houston Texans in March 2023.

He already has familiarity with the Jets' defensive scheme and would have no trouble picking things up. New York has $25 million in cap space and will be making moves ahead of a pressure-filled 2024 campaign.

Filling this need in free agency is wise and having Rankins return to Florham Park would be huge for the locker room. During his tenure in New York, the 29-year-old was beloved by his teammates.

The Jets are underdogs to win the AFC East. Their +275 odds to win the division rank behind the Bills and the Dolphins. This means that they have to nail their offseason decisions to overcome their underdog status. If you want to take advantage of these odds, head over to FanDuel Sportsbook and claim your sign-up bonus.

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