Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan told reporters he’s open to re-signing free agent cornerback Morris Claiborne after the NFL draft, but he will have to act fast if he wishes to act on those words.

If New York does not re-sign Claiborne by May 7, the risk he signs elsewhere increases. Beginning on the seventh, teams can sign free agents without having them count toward the compensatory pick formula.

Without a compensatory pick attached to him, Claiborne’s market will certainly heat up. The seven-year pro is currently rehabbing an undisclosed injury, but that shouldn’t keep teams away come May 7.

Even though the Jets claim they’re comfortable rolling with Darryl Roberts as their No. 2 corner, they still need depth at the position. Re-signing Claiborne would give New York a reliable, familiar face to help solidify the secondary.

Maccagnan not taking a cornerback until the sixth round of the draft may indicate he is leaning toward bringing back Claiborne for his third season with the Jets. Rutgers product Blessuan Austin has potential, but is rehabbing a second torn ACL and will likely open 2019 on the PUP list.

Either way, it would behoove New York to bring back Claiborne. With the team primed to take the next step in 2019, solid cornerback play is imperative. 2018 was an up and down season for Claiborne, but he proved what he’s capable of throughout 2017.

Betting on Claiborne to return to his form of two years ago is a risk worth taking. Maccagnan and the Jets need to act fast in order to ensure another team does not pounce on Claiborne and leave New York out to dry in its search for cornerback depth.