Jets hear agreements with free agents Jamison Crowder and Anthony Barr, sources said

The Jets headed for a free agency needing a slot receiver and an upgrade at the linebacker and they had both.

A few hours after signing a three-year contract with Redskins receiver Jamison Crowder, the Jets outbid several teams to land free-agent Anthony Barr of the Vikings.

A league source confirmed the Jets signed an agreement with Crowder, which will receive a $ 28.5 million, three-year contract ($ 17 million guarantee) to become a star player of Adam Gase's attack. The bargaining period with free agents began on Monday. Executive Director Mike Maccagnan had more than $ 82 million and a long list of needs. Giving more weapons to Sam Darnold was on this list and the Jets had one.

Crowder, weighing 5 to 9 pounds and 177 pounds, has captured 221 passes for 2,628 yards and 14 touchdowns over the past four years for Washington. He made only 29 receptions for 388 yards and two touchdowns last season, while an ankle injury limited him to nine games. Crowder had at least 99 targets, 66 catches and 789 rushing yards in each of the previous two seasons. He also returned punts.

Barr, a first-round pick of the Vikings in 2014, collected 13½ sacks in five seasons and showed steady improvement. In 71 games, Barr also forced seven fumbles. It is expected to reinforce the rush of the Jets' passes, one of their biggest shortcomings of recent seasons. The Jets may draft a third goal in the third choice, although Barr's signature allows them to nominate an elite defensive lineman who can play end-to-end or attack in all three to four.

A league source confirmed Barr's contract agreement Monday night. Crowder and he should sign their contract after the start of the league's first year at 4 pm Wednesday.

Crowder will be 26 in June, so he could grow up with Darnold, who should have a decent receiver group. The Jets still have no receiver # 1, but they have talent, speed and versatility with Crowder, Quincy Enunwa, restricted free-agent Robby Anderson and forward Chris Herndon.

The pending agreement on Crowder, which can not be signed or announced until Wednesday, is a clear sign that the Jets will not sign Jermaine Kearse.

The Jets still have a lot of work to do on both sides of the ball. They did not acquire a half-offensive or grommet.

The Jets are targeting the Steelers' scoring midfielder, Le'Veon Bell, as well as several other teams. He is widely regarded as the best free agent on the market. "I'm so torn right now … decisions," tweeted Bell Monday.

After the former NFL cornerback, Charles James, tweeted to Bell to pitch a coin, he replied, "It would be easy if it was just between two."

Bell, absent last season, refused a $ 70 million five-year contract with the Steelers. It appears that only $ 17 million has been guaranteed. Bell, one of the most talented players in the league, wants to be paid as a wide receiver. It could be too rich for the Jets.

Atlanta offensive midfielder Tevin Coleman may be their next option. It would be more affordable for a team of 26 free agents.

Two potential Jets defenders, Trey Flowers and linebacker Dante Fowler Jr., have signed agreements with Lions and Rams, respectively.

If the Jets can play in the linebackers, they could separate from Darron Lee, who ended last season with a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's drug policy.

The Jets addressed the offensive line on Sunday when they agreed on the principle of acquiring Kelechi Osemele, Pro Bowl goalkeeper twice, and a choice among the Raiders for the fifth round. Osemele tweeted Monday: "J-Jets Jets Jets! I can not wait to bring one with my new band. "

Protecting Darnold is a priority, the Jets will try to recruit the Broncos center, Matt Paradis. The Jets were also interested in the Mitch Morse Chiefs Center, but he was apparently going to Buffalo.

The Jets are planning to recruit Josh Bellamy, a former Bears special receiver / teammate, a source said. He caught 14 passes for 117 yards and one touchdown last year.

They are also aggressively pursuing Ravens linebacker, C.J. Mosley, whom several teams have in sight. If the Jets can improve the linebacker's position, they could part with the 2016 first-round pick, Darron Lee, who finished last season with a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's drug policy.

The Jets reached an agreement on Monday with one of their own free agents, rear defender Darryl Roberts. It was important to lock him up. Morris Claiborne is expected to become a free agent on Wednesday, and cornerback Buster Skrine has agreed to the contract with the Bears, a source said.

Roberts started 10 games last season, scoring Trumaine Johnson at the corner and Marcus Maye safe after their injury.

Roberts is the second independent player that the Jets bring back. They have agreed with offensive lineman Jonotthan Harrison over the weekend. Other free agents that the Jets would like to retain include defensive wing Henry Anderson, returning Andre Roberts and kicker Jason Myers.