(Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
The New York Jets are said to be “highly motivated” to bring in a certain defensive star ahead of a season in which they hope to finally make the playoffs.

The Jets were expected to qualify for postseason play after their trade for Aaron Rodgers last year. However, things did not work out as planned.

Expectations are again through the roof with the quarterback likely to be fully healthy in time for the upcoming 2024 campaign. And, despite already having one of the best defenses in the league, the team is said to be keen on adding three-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney.

That is according to Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz, who reports that the 31-year-old has already met with representatives of the New York Jets, with the team now very intent on finalizing a deal as Clowney is also reported to have attracted attention from the Carolina Panthers, while the Baltimore Ravens want him back.

The defensive star is coming off a very productive campaign in which he matched a career-high 9.5 sacks, also registering 43 tackles, two forced fumbles, and 19 quarterback hits for the Ravens.

Pro Football Focus ranked him as the 19th-best edge rusher in 2023.

“Clowney set career highs in pass-rush win rate and pressure rate while finishing ninth among all edge players in run-stop rate (9.6%),” PFF’s Lauren Gray noted. “He led Baltimore’s edge group in total pressures (78), stops (28) and tackles for loss or no gain (seven).“

The New York Jets Are In Need Of A Pass Rusher

The New York Jets are in the market for a pass rusher after losing sack leader Bryce Huff to free agency while Carl Lawson has also left the team after an injury-plagued three-year stint.

Veteran edge rusher Shaq Barrett recently revealed he was close to joining the Jets before the Miami Dolphins swooped in late. His decision to play for a division rival in 2024 makes the Jets even more desperate to land Clowney, who is now the best rusher still available in free agency.