Jets on the brink of signing 3-time Pro Bowl free agent, it was swift and quiet deal, they took the fans by surprise
The New York Jets are still several weeks away from the start of their training camp, but there is still time for General Manager Joe Douglas to make some strategic moves in free agency. One potential target that stands out is veteran safety Quandre Diggs. According to Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report, the Jets should strongly consider signing Diggs, along with wide receiver Hunter Renfrow and defensive lineman Lawrence Guy, before camp begins.
Knox highlights Diggs as a particularly budget-friendly option, noting that while he is no longer the player he once was at 31 years old, his experience and skill set could provide the Jets with valuable depth in the secondary. “Diggs was released in a cap-saving move this offseason and isn’t the same player at 31 that he was earlier in his career. However, that only increases New York’s chances of adding him as a cap-friendly depth piece,” Knox wrote. “It’s not the flashiest potential signing for the Jets, but it could be one that gives the Jets some much-needed depth at the safety spot.”
Does Quandre Diggs Have Anything Left in the Tank?
Despite being in the latter stages of his NFL career, Diggs has shown that he can still perform at a solid level. Drafted in the sixth round by the Detroit Lions in 2015, Diggs had some notable seasons before truly flourishing after being traded to the Seattle Seahawks in 2019. During his time with the Seahawks, Diggs accumulated 32 pass breakups and 18 interceptions over four and a half seasons, earning Pro Bowl honors three times consecutively from 2020 to 2022.
However, the 2023 season marked a decline in his production, as he finished with just one interception, his lowest since 2016. Nevertheless, Pro Football Focus reported that Diggs still performed well, allowing a passer rating of just 95.4 with only one touchdown when targeted. Although Diggs’ best years may be behind him, his ability to provide solid coverage without relying on turnovers makes him an attractive veteran option for a team like the Jets, who could sign him to a cost-effective contract.
The Jets’ Need for Safety Depth
The Jets’ roster currently lacks depth at the safety position, making a player like Diggs an appealing addition. While Tony Adams has emerged as a reliable starter, with 83 tackles, five pass breakups, and three interceptions in 15 games last season, there are few other proven options behind him. The team is optimistic about Chuck Clark, acquired from the Baltimore Ravens, who missed the 2023 season due to a torn ACL but is expected to be ready for 2024.
Beyond Adams and Clark, the Jets’ options are limited. Ashtyn Davis, primarily a special teams standout, could serve as a rotational safety but has not proven himself as a full-time starter. This lack of depth highlights the potential value of adding an experienced veteran like Diggs. While he may no longer be at a Pro Bowl level, Diggs’ presence could bolster the secondary and provide a stabilizing influence for the younger players on the roster.
In conclusion, as the Jets approach training camp, signing a veteran like Quandre Diggs could be a smart move to address their need for safety depth. With his experience and ability to still perform at a respectable level, Diggs could be a valuable addition to the Jets’ secondary, offering both depth and leadership as the team prepares for the 2024 season.