ORLANDO — The Jets are looking to add another offensive skill position piece to the puzzle, but general manager John Idzik may first have to fend off a pair of division rivals.
The Daily News has learned that the Jets, Patriots, Dolphins and Steelers are in the hunt to land veteran running back Maurice Jones-Drew. The teams are expected to meet with the Jones-Drew camp at league meetings this week.
The News reported two weeks ago that the Jets had serious interest in the former Jaguars running back. Jones-Drew, 29, visited the Steelers last week, but left without signing a contract.
A CBS Sports report last week indicated that Jones-Drew, who has spent eight seasons in Jacksonville, was looking for $3.5 million per year in a new deal, but two sources said that number is high. The Dolphins brought in Broncos free-agent running back Knowshon Moreno for a visit last week, but he left without a deal.
Two different sources told the News that Idzik’s hard-line stance cost the Jets an opportunity to sign their top running back target early in free agency. That player signed with another AFC team.
Jones-Drew, who has rushed for 8,071 career yards, would be a good find for Idzik & Co. on the secondary free agent market.
The Jets are looking for a running back to complement Chris Ivory, who has had durability concerns throughout his career. Jones-Drew, who has had six seasons with at least 40 receptions, would also provide a pass-catching dimension that fits in Marty Mornhinweg’s offense.
The three-time Pro Bowler averaged a career-low 3.4 yards per carry last season, but he could provide another quality option with a shared workload for an offense that had a dearth of weapons last season. Jones-Drew had 1,117 total yards and five touchdowns last season.
The Jets, who have about $30 million in salary cap space, have been hunting for bargains since signing wide receiver Eric Decker to a 5-year, $35-million deal at the start of free agency. They inked four-time Pro Bowl QB Michael Vick to a one-year, $5 million deal last week.
Owner Woody Johnson admitted at the league meetings on Sunday that the organization has discussed Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson, who is reportedly on the trading block.
“He’s still under contract,” Eagles general manager Howie Roseman told reporters on Monday. “I obviously know there’s lot of speculation going on.”
NOTE: Former Jets offensive lineman Vlad Ducasse agreed to a one-year deal with the Vikings, according to a source. Ducasse was a second-round disappointment for Gang Green.
