Jets Enter Offseason With 30 Free Agents, Major Cap Space-and Even Bigger Decisions Ahead
The New York Jets are heading into one of the most pivotal offseasons in recent memory, and the numbers speak for themselves: 24 unrestricted free agents, plus three restricted and three exclusive rights free agents. That’s 30 players who could be wearing different uniforms come Week 1. For a team coming off a 3-14 season, that’s not just a challenge-it’s an opportunity.
It’s a stark contrast to a team like the Patriots, who are dealing with just six unrestricted free agents. But for the Jets, this kind of roster turnover might be exactly what they need. When you finish with one of the worst records in the league, change isn’t just expected-it’s necessary.
Mougey's Reset Year Sets the Stage
Last year was Darren Mougey’s first offseason as general manager, and he approached it with calculated restraint. Of the 16 free agents the Jets signed, only two-Brandon Stephens and Justin Fields-got multi-year deals. The rest were short-term flyers, part of a broader reset strategy.
Mougey handed out roughly $73 million in total guarantees, a relatively modest figure when you consider that the Patriots gave just one player, Milton Williams, $51 million in guarantees alone. That tells you everything about where the Jets were mentally last offseason: clearing the decks, assessing the roster, and setting the table for a more aggressive rebuild.
There’s one big hurdle still looming, though-the Jets will carry the NFL’s largest dead cap hit next season at $75.6 million. That’s the price of past mistakes.
But the good news? They’ve got flexibility.
With over $83 million in cap space and a war chest of draft picks-nine in the first three rounds over the next two years-New York is in a strong position to reshape its roster.
Coaching Moves and Quarterback Clarity?
The Jets are adding more experience to their coaching staff, hiring veteran Bill Musgrave as quarterbacks coach. Musgrave brings nearly three decades of coaching experience, much of it working directly with QBs. Pairing him with Frank Reich gives the Jets one of the most seasoned offensive coaching rooms in the league.
Musgrave also has a notable history with Derek Carr, and with Kirk Cousins expected to stay in Minnesota, Carr could become a name to watch in New York. That connection could gain momentum in the coming weeks.
WR Splash? George Pickens Linked to Jets
According to PFF, the Jets are one of the most logical landing spots for wide receiver George Pickens. The Cowboys are reportedly considering using the franchise tag if they can’t lock him up long-term, but the Jets have both the cap space and the draft capital to make a move if Pickens becomes available.
The idea of pairing Pickens with Garrett Wilson is certainly intriguing. The Jets already have a working relationship with Dallas after the Quinnen Williams trade at the deadline, and with so much draft ammo and financial flexibility, they’re one of the few teams that can afford to make a splash.
Quarterback Carousel: Fields, Taylor... or Murray?
There’s still no clarity on who will be under center next season. ESPN’s Ben Solak floated the idea of running it back with Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor, plus a mid-round rookie. Fields was hesitant at times last season, but the free-agent market doesn’t offer many clear upgrades.
The Jets do have the cap space to pursue bigger names like Tua Tagovailoa or Kyler Murray. A move for Tagovailoa seems unlikely given the in-division familiarity, but Murray could be a more realistic option. The Cardinals are reportedly eager to move on from his contract, and Mougey-who saw the Russell Wilson saga unfold firsthand in Denver-knows the risks and rewards of swinging big at quarterback.
Mock Draft Watch: No QB at No. 2?
The Athletic’s latest three-round mock draft offers some insight into how the Jets could approach April. With the No. 2 pick, they’re projected to take linebacker Arvell Reese.
That’s a clear signal that New York might not be ready to hand the keys to a rookie quarterback just yet. Instead, they could focus on building a stronger foundation before making that move.
Later in the first round, they’re projected to take Caleb Lomu, a versatile and athletic tackle from Utah. He’s quick, mobile, and could fit multiple spots on the line-an asset in both the stretch run game and screens.
In the second round, edge rusher Trinidad Chambliss comes off the board at No. 33.
He fought hard to get another year of college eligibility, but his upside is undeniable. He’s a developmental project with the kind of tools that could make him a steal down the line.
Free Agency Priorities: Who Should Stay?
With 24 unrestricted free agents on the board, not every name is going to be a must-keep. But there are a few players who stand out as potential building blocks-or at least valuable contributors-moving forward.
Here’s a breakdown of the UFAs by position group:
Offense:
- Tyrod Taylor (QB)
- John Simpson (OG)
- Alijah Vera-Tucker (OG)
- Josh Reynolds (WR)
- Breece Hall (RB)
- Kene Nwangwu (KR)
- Stone Smartt (TE)
- Jelani Woods (TE)
- Chukwuma Okorafor (OT)
- Andrew Beck (FB)
- Tyler Johnson (WR)
- Khalil Herbert (RB)
- Max Mitchell (OT)
Defense:
- Andre Cisco (S)
- Quincy Williams (LB)
- Tony Adams (S)
- Isaiah Oliver (DB)
- Kris Boyd (CB)
- Khalen Saunders (DT)
- Jay Tufele (DT)
- Michael Clemons (DE)
- Ja’sir Taylor (CB)
- Mykal Walker (LB)
Special Teams:
- Nick Folk (K)
Restricted Free Agents:
- John Metchie (WR)
- Cam Jones (LB)
- Xavier Newman-Johnson (OG)
Exclusive Rights Free Agents:
- Hendon Hooker (QB)
- Marcelino McCrary-Ball (LB)
- Jowon Briggs (DT)
When you’re coming off a 3-14 season, the list of must-retain players is naturally going to be short. But there’s still talent in this group-pieces that could contribute to a more competitive roster in 2026 and beyond.
What’s Next?
The Jets have laid the foundation. They’ve got cap space, draft capital, and a front office that’s shown patience and discipline. Now comes the hard part: turning all of that into a winning football team.
It starts with deciding who stays, who goes, and who might be worth swinging big for-whether that’s a quarterback like Kyler Murray, a wideout like George Pickens, or a high-upside rookie in the draft.
One thing’s clear: the Jets have options. And after a long, frustrating season, that’s exactly what you want heading into the offseason.