3 ways Jets can replace retiring Ferguson

With news that New York Jets left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson will announce his retirement, the team suddenly has a major hole to fill.

Though Ferguson's surprising decision is not a shock to his coaches, whom Ferguson reportedly tipped off weeks ago, it puts the Jets in the difficult position of needing to find a starting left tackle deep into free agency.

Here are three options for the team:

Draft a LT in the first round

The Jets own the 20th overall pick in the draft and whatever plans they had for the pick may have to be scrapped now that there's a gaping hole on the offensive line.

Potential first overall pick Laremy Tunsil will surely be off the board by the time the Jets are on the clock, and it's likely that Notre Dame's Ronnie Stanley, the consensus second-best tackle prospect, will be gone, too.

Michigan State's Jack Conklin and Ohio State's Taylor Decker have a much better chance of being available, and either player could be hard for Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan to pass up.

It's sub-optimal to be forced into drafting for need rather than taking the best player available, but left tackle is arguably the second-most important position in football, and the Jets may have to forfeit the luxury of going BPA.

Trade for Joe Thomas or Ryan Clady

If the Jets prefer a veteran to a rookie at left tackle, the good news is there are a few appealing options potentially available to them via trade.

The Cleveland Browns say they are committed to perennial All-Pro left tackle Joe Thomas, but it's clear the team is rebuilding, and it's possible the 31-year-old could be acquired for the right price. Might the Browns have interest in a swap for Jets defensive tackle Muhammad Wilkerson, who is rumored to be on the trade block? Player-for-player trades are exceptionally rare, but this is a case where it might make sense.

If the Jets want to aim a little lower, Ryan Clady could potentially be acquired from the Denver Broncos for a mid-round draft pick. Clady is way overpaid ($9.5 million in 2016) considering his durability issues (30 games missed over the last three seasons), but he's a stud when healthy, and the risk-reward proposition may be worth it for the Jets.

Go hunting for a free-agent gem

There are no stars left on the market this deep in free agency, but there may be a player who can serve as a stopgap at left tackle while the Jets regroup and search for a long-term answer.

Former New York Giants tackle Will Beatty is probably the most appealing option out there. After him, there's Jake Long, Nate Chandler, Don Barclay, and a bunch of guys you've probably never heard of.

Is there a gem out there waiting to be discovered? Probably not, but it's possible the Jets will find someone they can talk themselves into.