new york jets sidney rice.jpg

The Jets pursued wide receiver Sidney Rice during free agency, but could not land him, as he decided to return to Seattle.

(Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports)

NFL teams have now transitioned from the heart of the free agency season into the beginning of offseason workouts – the Jets started Monday – and teams are also closing in fast on the draft, which is May 8-10 this year.

The Jets, who desperately needed wide receivers, emerged from the first month and a half of free agency with two of them: a potential (but not definite) No. 1 receiver in Eric Decker, who was considered the top receiver on the free agent market this offseason, and a complementary player in Jacoby Ford.

This does not mean, of course, that the Jets are done pursuing receivers. They could pick one with the 18th selection in the draft. They are widely expected to do so – unless, that is, they select a cornerback, because they have a significant need there, as well.

But nobody would be surprised if the Jets wind up with Oregon State receiver Brandin Cooks or LSU receiver Odell Beckham Jr. on their roster after the draft.

Last week, they had a courtship with a familiar player: Seahawks receiver Sidney Rice, a free agent who visited the Jets but decided to re-sign with Seattle. The total value of Rice's one-year contract with Seattle is $1.4 million.

The Jets’ general manager, John Idzik, knows Rice well because Idzik worked in Seattle’s front office before taking the Jets’ GM job last offseason.

But the Jets not landing Rice apparently was not for lacking of trying …

During the radio interview, Rice said, "I had opportunities to make more money in New York. But just being back here around the guys I know and love and care for me not only as a teammate but as a person, that played a big factor."