Jets looking to bolster defense with former No. 1 overall pick

The Jets have been one of the most active teams in free agency, adding the likes of former Cowboys left tackle Tyron Smith and former Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams. 

New York doesn't seem to be done yet, as it is looking to bolster its defense with a former No. 1 overall pick.

According to The 33rd Team's Ari Meirov, the Jets are hosting free-agent edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, on Wednesday.

Clowney is coming off one of the best seasons of his 10-year NFL career. In 2023, the 31-year-old posted 43 tackles, 9.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery with the Ravens.

Baltimore likely would have re-signed Clowney if it had the salary cap space to do so. That's not the case, however, and New York hopes to convince him to join its roster, which has the makings of a Super Bowl contender in 2024.

The Jets sack leader in 2023 was edge rusher Bryce Huff (10), but with his departure to the Eagles in free agency, the team needs a new veteran to lead the group. Clowney proved he could do just that in Baltimore last season.

So, what would it take to sign the rejuvenated Clowney?

According to Spotrac, Clowney is expected to receive a one-year, $7.2 million contract. Meanwhile, New York has about $9.1 million in salary cap space, per Over The Cap.

So, the Jets should be able to sign him if they want to, but it may need to make a move or two to sign its 2024 draft class.

That's a problem for another day, though, as New York is going all in with the return of QB Aaron Rodgers and the hope of hoisting a Vince Lombardi Trophy by season's end.