The lineup has holes, several holes. And Mike Tannenbaum has some money to burn. That means ... well, do we really need to spell it out?

No one can do more with less, and now Tannenbaum -- the New York Jets' aggressive general manager -- actually has some salary-cap room to be more than a token visitor in the free-agent market. The Mark Sanchez contract extension provided $6.4 million in cap relief, putting them about $13.5 million under the projected cap. (Keep in mind that about one-third of that is needed to sign draft picks.)

Finally, after a tumultuous offseason marked by locker-room dissension and upheaval on the coaching staff, the Jets can start the process of upgrading an 8-8 roster.

The top questions facing the Jets as they head into free agency, which begins at 4 p.m. Tuesday:

1. Are they going to make an immediate splash?

The Jets aren't going to chase the big names -- Peyton Manning (old news), defensive end Mario Williams, wide receiver Vincent Jackson -- but that doesn't mean they will do the wallflower thing. It's not in their DNA. Don't forget, the trading period also begins and the Jets have a history of deal-making. The player in most demand is tight end Dustin Keller, but it's hard to imagine them parting with one of their core players.

The Jets might make a run at Ravens linebacker Jarret Johnson. AP Photo/Nick Wass

2. What are the Jets' biggest needs?

They need a safety (or two), an outside linebacker to replace Bryan Thomas (an injured free agent), a wide receiver to complement Santonio Holmes, a running back to complement Shonn Greene, a right tackle to put Wayne Hunter on the bench, a backup quarterback, a blocking tight end, a kicker and maybe an inside linebacker (if Bart Scott is dumped).

Otherwise, they're in great shape.

Obviously, they're not going to fill every need in free agency, but we know how Tannenbaum operates. He doesn't want to go into the draft with any crater-like holes in the lineup. Good luck with that.

3. Of their 11 unrestricted free agents, are there any the Jets can't afford to lose?

Yeah, nose tackle Sione Pouha, one of the heart-and-soul players on defense. You can't run a formidable 3-4 defense unless your nose tackle can occupy blockers, and that's what Pouha does best. And for his unique talents, the Jets and the 6-foot-3, 325-pound three-year starter agreed to a new three-year deal on Monday.

4. Are they finally going to bring in some competition for Sanchez?

Yes and no. With $20.5 million in guarantees over the next two seasons, Sanchez is the clear-cut starter, so there will be no competition, per se. But the Jets will try to upgrade the No. 2 spot, with former Dolphins starter Chad Henne expected to be their top target. He already knows the offense, having played under coordinator Tony Sparano in Miami. Some league insiders believe Henne is ticketed for the Jets.

Because of the Sanchez commitment, the Jets are a less attractive destination for quarterbacks in the No. 1/No. 2 category, but they might be able to sell Henne on the idea they'd be the ideal place for a one-year career rehab before looking for a long-term gig. In 2013, the Jets can move Greg (Loose Lips) McElroy up to No. 2.

Two good football men, Jerry Angelo and Bill Polian, lost their jobs after last season because they didn't have adequate backup plans for the Bears and Colts, respectively. Tannenbaum doesn't want to leave himself vulnerable to the law of averages after three injury-free years with Sanchez.

5. What do they hope to add on defense?

That's simple: Speed. The lack of speed on all three levels of the defense showed up in the worst moments last season (see the Victor Cruz and Tim Tebow touchdowns).

They want to add a safety with coverage ability, especially with the emergence of the Patriots' tight ends. Look for the Jets to target LaRon Landry (Redskins).

They also need more speed at outside linebacker. Aaron Maybin is fine in his limited role, but they covet an every-down 'backer who can handle the multiple responsibilities of the position. Jarret Johnson (Ravens) is a Rex Ryan favorite from their days together, and he's on their short list.