As the Jets wrap up another disappointing season, the focus in Florham Park has fully shifted to evaluation mode. With playoff hopes long gone, the front office is staring down a pivotal offseason - one that could reshape the roster in a big way. And with 27 players set to hit free agency in March, the decisions won’t be easy.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most notable names and what their futures might hold in green and white.
RB Breece Hall: The Offensive Centerpiece They Can’t Afford to Lose
Breece Hall’s name floated through the rumor mill earlier this year - from draft buzz to trade deadline whispers - but when the dust settled, he was still a Jet. And that might end up being one of the smartest decisions this front office made all season.
Hall brings more than just big-play potential. He’s the kind of running back who can take pressure off a young quarterback, especially if the Jets head into 2026 with a rookie under center. Hall’s ability to contribute in the passing game makes him a true three-down threat, and his explosiveness is something this offense sorely needs.
The Jets have the franchise tag in their back pocket if long-term talks stall - and with the tag for running backs projected around $14.1 million in 2026, that could be a viable option. Bottom line: with so many other holes on this roster, running back shouldn’t be one of them. Hall is a foundational piece, and the Jets need to treat him like one.
LB Quincy Williams: A Likely Departure
Quincy Williams has been a tone-setter for this defense, but signs point to a parting of ways. The Jets already handed Jamien Sherwood a three-year, $45 million deal, and they moved on from Quincy’s brother at the trade deadline. Add in the fact that Williams was briefly benched earlier this season, and the writing may be on the wall.
With Williams turning 30 before next season and likely looking to join a contender, the Jets could opt to go younger - and cheaper - at linebacker.
OL Alijah Vera-Tucker: A Tough Call Due to Injuries
When healthy, Alijah Vera-Tucker is one of the Jets’ best offensive linemen. The problem?
He hasn’t been healthy often enough. After playing just 12 games combined in 2022 and 2023 due to major injuries, Vera-Tucker missed all of 2025 with a torn triceps.
Joe Tippmann has emerged as a strong option at right guard, which could leave Vera-Tucker without a clear spot on the line. A move to left guard is on the table, depending on how the rest of the line shakes out. But with his injury history, the Jets may be cautious about committing long-term.
OL John Simpson: Decision Time Looms
Simpson has been solid at times, but penalties have been an issue this season. With both he and Vera-Tucker hitting free agency, the Jets could be forced to choose between them. Vera-Tucker is younger and has more upside, while Simpson is two years older and may not offer the same long-term value.
If the Jets are looking to reset the offensive line with youth and upside, Vera-Tucker might get the nod - assuming they’re comfortable with his health.
OL Josh Myers: Serviceable, But Upgradeable
Myers was brought in as a backup center, but injuries forced him into a starting role. He’s held his own, but the Jets could look to upgrade the position - especially if they’re breaking in a new quarterback. Better interior line play would go a long way in stabilizing the offense and improving the ground game.
K Nick Folk: The Steady Foot in a Shaky Offense
At 41, Nick Folk has been one of the few consistent bright spots for the Jets. In a season where touchdowns have been hard to come by, Folk has kept the scoreboard moving.
His age is a factor, but a short-term deal - something low-risk and flexible - makes too much sense. The Jets should lock him in for another year or two and worry about kicker later.
QB Tyrod Taylor: Bridge to the Future?
With Justin Fields benched and the Jets likely eyeing a quarterback in the 2026 draft, Tyrod Taylor could return as a stopgap. He’s a veteran who knows how to manage a game and mentor a young signal-caller. At 37 next season, he’s not a long-term solution, but he could be a valuable bridge if the Jets go the rookie route.
DL Jowon Briggs: A Hidden Gem Worth Keeping
Since stepping in for Quinnen Williams, Jowon Briggs has been a force against the run and a steady disruptor in the backfield. He’ll be an exclusive-rights free agent - which means the Jets can easily retain him - and based on his recent play, they absolutely should. Briggs has earned a bigger role heading into 2026.
DL Micheal Clemons: Depth Option With Upside
Clemons has been inconsistent, occasionally out of position on both run and pass plays. But the coaching staff trusts him, and he’s been a regular part of the rotation. Expect the Jets to bring him back on a team-friendly deal to provide depth along the defensive line.
TE Jeremy Ruckert: The Odd Man Out
With rookie Mason Taylor now in the mix, Jeremy Ruckert’s role has diminished. Don’t be surprised if the Jets pursue a veteran tight end in free agency to pair with Taylor, which could leave Ruckert on the outside looking in.
RB/KR Kene Nwangwu: Special Teams Spark - If He Can Stay Healthy
Nwangwu is one of the league’s most dangerous return men when he’s on the field. The problem is, he hasn’t been on the field enough. If the Jets believe he can stay healthy, he’s worth keeping - his special teams value is too high to ignore.
WR John Metchie: A Depth Piece Worth Retaining
Metchie has shown flashes since joining the team in November and will be a restricted free agent. That gives the Jets control - they can match any offer or receive compensation if he walks. Given his recent play, expect Metchie to stick around as a depth option in the receiver room.
Final Thoughts
This offseason isn’t just about plugging holes - it’s about setting a foundation. With a likely quarterback change looming and a roster that needs a serious overhaul, the Jets have to be strategic about who they keep and who they let walk. There’s no shortage of decisions ahead, but if they want to climb out of the AFC East basement, it starts with getting these calls right.