Jets “Covet” Free Agent WRs Jeremy Maclin & Emmanuel Sanders

According to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News, the Jets “covet” free agent wide receivers Jeremy Maclin and Emmanuel Sanders.

Mehta mentions that the team is prepared to part ways with WR Santonio Holmes as it would free up $8.25 million in cap space that they could use to upgrade the receiver position.

Last year, the Jets finished 31st in the league as a passing offense, so it’s clear that the talent level needs to be addressed at some point this offseason.

Mehta adds that Broncos WR Eric Decker isn’t likely to be an option for them this offseason. Although he doesn’t rule out the possibility that they could check in on him at some point during free agency to gauge his salary demands.

According to Mehta the Jets see Maclin as a “quality No. 1 receiver when healthy.”

Maclin, 25, has said publicly that he is open to signing a one-year contract after missing the entire 2013 season due to a torn ACL. Some believe this could end up being his best option, but that could change depending on the level of interest from teams.

The Eagles figure to be in the mix for Maclin even though fellow WR Riley Cooper will also be a free agent.

As for Sanders, Mehta writes that his quickness would be a solid fit in OC Marty Mornhinweg’s offensive system. Mehta adds that the Patriots could also have interest in Sanders seeing as they signed him to an offer sheet last year before the Steelers elected to match the restricted offer.

We have both Maclin and Sanders listed in our Top 100 Free Agents list.