The Jets nearly pulled off one of the biggest trades of the offseason, which is certainly saying something in an offseason where Russell Wilson was dealt to the Broncos.
But Gang Green almost pulled off a stunner by acquiring superstar wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who eventually expressed a desire to go to the rival Dolphins, leading the Chiefs to accept Miami’s return package for the six-time Pro Bowler.
“We knew it was going to be an uphill battle, but we wanted to make a really strong offer to convince the player and the agent that this was a good place to be,” Jets general manager Joe Douglas said of the team’s pursuit of Hill. “Ultimately, it didn’t work out, but there was full transparency in the process.”
The Jets have also pursued other dynamic receivers in Calvin Ridley and Amari Cooper, clearly looking to make significant upgrades to help Zach Wilson. After missing on Hill, Douglas made it clear that the team won’t go into desperation mode to add a receiver, or slip into an overpay situation.
“You try to put in a little bit of wiggle room when you have your walkaway number, but at the end of the day, you have to be firm,” Douglas said. “We want to be aggressive, but we don't want to be reckless. We don’t have to be too out in front of our skis. There were some players we were in on in free agency, and we were right there at the end, and just couldn’t get it done. There was a number we felt was bordering reckless.”
One star receiver that the Jets could have significant interest in is Seattle’s DK Metcalf, who could be on the move after the Seahawks traded away Wilson. While reports indicate that Seattle is listening to, but not engaging in, trade talks for Metcalf. Douglas wouldn’t comment on any involvement in those talks.
“You hear about rumors. Until those opportunities become a little more concrete, that’s what they are, just rumors,” Douglas said. “We weren’t expecting the opportunity to pop up last week, but when it came available, we were ready.”
Douglas voiced confidence in the current receiving group, but if an opportunity for Metcalf came along, like it suddenly did for Hill, the Jets would be ready to do their due diligence.
“We feel good about this receiving corps we have,” Douglas said. “We have the opportunity to keep adding to it. If the opportunity’s right, the price is right, we’re going to strike.”
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
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