The Jets will approach the offseason addressing a number of positions in need.

Linebacker, cornerback, safety, defensive tackle, quarterback, center, and offensive tackle all need to be upgraded. But according to ESPN, it’s a defensive end the Jets should consider signing.

Mario Addison could be the pass rusher the team needs.

“The Jets have lacked playmakers on the edge for years, and Addison has emerged as one of the league's best edge rushers the past two seasons with the Panthers,” ESPN notes.

“Last year was his best effort, as he finished with 9.5 sacks, five QB hits, and 36 hurries on only 309 rushes; his 81.6 pass-rush grade ranked 16th in the NFL.”

The 29 year old Addison (6-foot-3, 251 pounds) has only started four career games in nine seasons, but has combined for 109 tackles, 25.5 sacks, and five forced fumbles over that time, and is coming off his best year.

“The Jets, meanwhile, have been piecing together their edge rushers with bigger bodies such as Sheldon Richardson and Muhammad Wilkerson,” says PFF, “and they need a true presence off the edge, which Addison can provide.”

Addison’s rushing prowess is an asset particularly on the opponents’ blind side, an area of need with outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins still yet to blossom into the pass rusher the team believes he will become. Any additional supporting cast on this portion of the field is an asset.

Second year defensive end Leonard Williams was a positive presence, recording a team high seven sacks, but Muhammad Wilkerson, fresh off his $86 million contract last offseason, only had 1.5 sacks. Sheldon Richardson, meanwhile, has been targeted by multiple reports as the subject of a likely trade, if the Jets can find a willing partner.