NFL: NFC Championship-Green Bay Packers at Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta Falcons running back Tevin Coleman (26) is tackled by Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Nick Perry (53) during the fourth quarter in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Ga. on January 22, 2017. (Brett Davis | USA TODAY Sports)

The Jets have their eyes on arguably the top pass rusher on the free agent market.

A source familiar with the situation told NJ Advance Media the Jets have expressed "lots" of interest in Packers outside linebacker Nick Perry. They aren't the only team in the running, but it seems like a deal could get done once the league year begins March 9.

The Packers originally selected Perry, 26, in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He played, but was marginally effective his first four seasons. Last year, he broke out. In 14 games, he set career-highs in tackles (52), sacks (11), defended passes (4) and interceptions (1). Perry had 12.5 sacks combined his first four years.

The Jets interest in the 6-3, 265-pound backer shouldn't come as much of a surprise. They haven't had a legitimate threat at outside linebacker since John Abraham, who last played for the team in 2006. Last year's starters (Lorenzo Mauldin, Jordan Jenkins) combined for five sacks.

Originally in cap Hell, the Jets now have the financial means to sign Perry. General manager Mike Maccagnan has freed nearly $50 million in salary cap space this offseason, leaving the Jets with near $34 million in room. A second source, unaffiliated with Perry, set the linebacker's market value between $12 and $14 million a year.

While the Jets have a deficiency at linebacker, they are stacked on the defensive line. If signed, it's unlikely Perry sees many double teams with Leonard Williams, Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson under contract. Obviously, this would work to Perry's advantage.

Connor Hughes may be reached at chughes@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connor_J_Hughes. Find NJ.com Jets on Facebook.