As the Jets sort out their free agency plan and defensive line situation, Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News reported Monday that the Jets are prepared to pursue Rams defensive tackle Nick Fairley if necessary.
Jets nose tackle Damon Harrison is set to hit the free agent market Wednesday and probably will get more money than the Jets can afford. Mehta’s report said the Jets “would love to trade” defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson, who got the team’s franchise tag last week.
The Jets have some financial maneuvering to do and also have quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and running back Chris Ivory set to hit the free agent market if they aren’t re-signed before it opens Wednesday.
Fairley signed an incentive-laden one-year deal with the Rams last March and played in 15 games as a backup defensive tackle. Though he had a quiet season statistically, he’ll likely land a healthy new contract because so many teams value his skill set as an interior pass rusher.
Fairley, 28, was a first-round pick of the Lions in 2011.