When the NFL playoffs roll around, Jets fans are once again watching from the sidelines - a familiar routine that’s now stretched into its 15th straight year. But while Gang Green won’t be suiting up this weekend, that doesn’t mean fans should tune out. In fact, this postseason could offer a sneak peek at the kind of players who might be wearing green and white come 2026.
With holes to fill across the roster and free agency looming, the Jets have no shortage of potential targets. And this weekend’s playoff matchups offer a chance to scout some names that could help reshape the team’s future. Let’s break down one player from each of Saturday’s playoff teams - Denver, Buffalo, San Francisco, and Seattle - who could be on the Jets’ radar this offseason.
Denver Broncos - Alex Singleton, LB
Quincy Williams has been a key piece of the Jets’ defense, but with free agency approaching and a rising market value (estimated around $9 million per year), his return is far from guaranteed. If the Jets decide to let him walk, they’ll need a veteran presence to step in - and Alex Singleton might just be that guy.
Singleton, a former CFL standout who’s carved out a solid NFL career with the Eagles and Broncos, brings a blend of consistency, toughness, and versatility. At 32, he’s not likely to command top-tier money, which could make him a smart, cost-effective replacement for Williams.
This past season, Singleton posted his best run-defense grade yet (82.9 per Pro Football Focus), and he’s shown the ability to play both MIKE and WILL linebacker spots. He’s also no stranger to blitzing, adding another layer of flexibility to a defense that thrives on movement and pressure.
As you watch him try to contain Josh Allen on Saturday, it’s easy to imagine Singleton anchoring the middle of the Jets’ defense next fall - a steady, savvy presence who fits right into Robert Saleh’s scheme.
Buffalo Bills - David Edwards, G
The Jets' offensive line was supposed to be a strength in 2025. On paper, it looked promising.
In reality? Not so much - especially on the interior.
While rookie tackles Olu Fashanu and Armand Membou showed flashes of long-term potential, the guard and center spots were a different story. Joe Tippmann held his own after sliding to right guard, but Josh Myers struggled at center, and John Simpson didn’t offer much stability at left guard.
That’s where David Edwards comes in.
A veteran guard out of Wisconsin, Edwards has been a key cog in Buffalo’s top-ranked rushing attack. He finished the regular season with a solid 68.7 run-blocking grade and an even better 73.7 mark in pass protection. He allowed just one quarterback hit and four sacks all year - exactly the kind of reliability the Jets could use up front.
Set to hit free agency, Edwards would be an immediate upgrade at guard and a much-needed boost for an offense that finished 29th overall. If the Jets want to give their next quarterback - whoever that may be - a fighting chance, shoring up the line has to be priority No.
- Edwards is a name to watch closely.
San Francisco 49ers - Jauan Jennings, WR
Garrett Wilson has been doing everything he can to carry the Jets’ passing game - and frankly, he’s been doing it alone. If the Jets want to avoid another season of quarterback struggles and stalled drives, they need to find him a true running mate on the outside.
Enter Jauan Jennings.
The 49ers wideout is set to become a free agent, and he’s coming off two highly productive seasons: 132 catches, 1,618 yards, and 15 touchdowns. He’s a tough, physical receiver who thrives in contested situations and brings a gritty edge to the position - the kind of player who complements Wilson’s route-running finesse with some much-needed muscle.
Spotrac pegs his market value at $18.2 million per year, which isn’t cheap. But elite production rarely is, and Jennings is entering his prime at 28 years old. Pairing him with Wilson would give the Jets one of the more dangerous receiver duos in the league - a major step forward for an offense that desperately needs firepower.
As the Niners take the field this weekend, keep an eye on No. 15. His ability to win on the outside and make tough catches over the middle could be exactly what the Jets are missing.
Seattle Seahawks - Boye Mafe, EDGE
Will McDonald has shown flashes over the past two seasons, racking up 18.5 sacks and proving he can get to the quarterback. But he’s not yet the kind of edge rusher who keeps offensive coordinators up at night. And in today’s NFL, you need more than just one guy who can bring the heat.
That’s why Boye Mafe should be on the Jets’ radar.
The former Minnesota Golden Gopher has emerged as a high-motor, high-upside pass rusher for Seattle, posting 12 sacks and 72 quarterback hurries over the past two seasons. His 68.7 pass-rush grade this year is right in line with McDonald’s 71.0 - and together, they could form a disruptive one-two punch off the edge.
Mafe isn’t a game-wrecker just yet, but he’s got the tools to be part of a front that consistently collapses pockets and forces hurried throws. And with the Jets already boasting talent on the interior, adding another edge rusher could take this defense to the next level.
Watch him closely on Saturday as he tries to get around Brock Purdy’s blindside. That burst off the line?
That bend around the edge? That’s the kind of pressure the Jets need more of - and Mafe could be the one to bring it.
Looking Ahead
The Jets may not be in the playoffs, but that doesn’t mean they’re irrelevant this weekend. In fact, the road to a better 2026 might just start with watching how other teams’ key contributors perform on the biggest stage.
From linebackers and guards to wide receivers and edge rushers, the building blocks for a turnaround are out there. The question is whether the Jets - and new GM Darren Mougey - can identify the right pieces and bring them to Florham Park.
One thing’s for sure: if you’re a Jets fan, don’t change the channel. You might just be watching the future.