The New York Jets may be limping toward the finish line of another tough season, but behind the scenes, they’re already making moves to shape the roster for 2026 and beyond. A pair of key extensions - tight end Jeremy Ruckert and center Josh Myers - signal a front office that wants to keep its core intact and reward development from within.
“I think it sends a great message that we want to keep ours here,” said offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand, speaking on Ruckert’s extension. “He’s a player that was drafted here, and since we got here last winter, he’s done everything we’ve asked. The development he’s shown has looked good.”
Ruckert’s new deal, worth up to $11 million, is more than just a payday - it’s a vote of confidence. And it’s clear the 24-year-old tight end isn’t taking it for granted.
Asked what he’d splurge on first, Ruckert smiled and said, “I’m not sure, but I do need to get myself a house. Probably go back home and buy a house.”
A lifelong Jets fan, Ruckert has found a believer in head coach Aaron Glenn, who’s pushed him hard - not out of criticism, but because he sees something special.
“He’s one of the closest head coaches I’ve ever had in my football career,” Ruckert said. “The conversations we have, the ability to go to him and talk to him about anything… I wouldn’t say he’s hard on me.
He just believes in me. It’s stressing the fact that I could do a lot of great things in this league and they believe in me.”
With Ruckert and Myers locked up, the Jets now turn their attention to a handful of key players on expiring contracts - some of whom could be part of the future, others who may be playing their final games in green and white.
Breece Hall: The Franchise Tag Dilemma
Running back Breece Hall remains one of the Jets' most dynamic offensive weapons, capable of flipping a game with a single touch. Aaron Glenn has emphasized Hall’s importance to the offense, and frankly, letting him walk would be a mistake.
But Hall hasn’t hidden his frustration with the losing and the trade rumors that swirled around him earlier this season. His future might come down to the franchise tag - a way to keep him in the building while the team figures out the long-term plan.
Quincy Williams: Defensive Star, Uncertain Future
Linebacker Quincy Williams has been a force - and arguably the Jets’ best defensive player this season. But his future is murky.
Trade rumors, a brief benching, and some candid comments to the media have stirred the pot. With five straight losing seasons under his belt, Williams may be ready for a change of scenery.
Meanwhile, the Jets could look to reunite Glenn with Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone in free agency - a player Glenn knows well. If that happens, Williams’ time in New York might be coming to a close.
John Simpson & Alijah Vera-Tucker: The Guard Conundrum
The Jets’ offensive line has been one of the few constants this season - all five starters have played every game. Left guard John Simpson has been a big part of that, not missing a snap since signing two years ago. He’s the only starter not under contract for 2026, but he wants to stay, and the Jets value the continuity he brings.
Then there’s Alijah Vera-Tucker, arguably the team’s most talented and versatile lineman - when healthy. Unfortunately, that’s been a big “if.”
Vera-Tucker tore his triceps just before Week 1, ending his season before it began. He’s missed at least 10 games in three of the last four years, and that injury history complicates his future.
The Jets may be forced to choose between the two, but given Vera-Tucker’s health concerns, there’s a strong case to try to keep both. Either way, depth at guard will be a priority this offseason.
Tyrod Taylor: Veteran Presence or Moving On?
Tyrod Taylor has been the steady veteran voice in the quarterback room, but injuries have continued to be an issue. With the Jets expected to draft a quarterback - potentially Fernando Mendoza - they’ll need a veteran to guide the rookie. That could mean bringing Taylor back, or it could mean looking elsewhere: names like Mac Jones, Jacoby Brissett, Marcus Mariota, or Jimmy Garoppolo will be in the mix, depending on how the offseason shakes out.
Kene Nwangwu: Special Teams Sparkplug
If there’s one area the Jets don’t have to worry about, it’s special teams - and Kene Nwangwu is a big reason why. The explosive return man has been a nightmare for opposing coverage units, and pairing him with Isaiah Williams has given the Jets one of the most dangerous return duos in the league.
Letting Nwangwu hit free agency would be a mistake. He’s a game-changer in a phase of the game that often gets overlooked.
Nick Folk: Still Automatic at 41
Nick Folk just keeps doing his job - and doing it well. At 41, he’s made 25 of 26 field goals and hasn’t missed an extra point all season.
If he wants to come back for another year, the Jets should make that happen. There’s no reason to fix what isn’t broken.
Coaching Decisions: Glenn’s Hands-On Approach
Aaron Glenn considered calling the defense himself this season but ultimately chose to take a broader approach in his first year as head coach. His decision to delegate was about being involved in every phase - offense, defense, and special teams.
“I think any coach that’s been in the coordinator position - if there’s one thing they do miss, it’s calling the defense,” Glenn said. “But I really felt like in this first year… I want to do a good job managing the team and making sure I have my hands on everything. I think it’s been valuable for me.”
Glenn brought in Steve Wilks to run the defense, but Wilks was let go on Monday. Now, Chris Harris steps in and will call plays this Sunday against New Orleans.
When asked if he might take over play-calling duties himself in the future, Glenn kept it simple: “I’m considering making sure that we beat New Orleans.”
Brady Cook: Why He Chose the Jets
Quarterback Brady Cook will make his second consecutive start on Sunday, and his journey to New York is a story of alignment and trust. Despite interest from other teams after the draft, Cook chose the Jets because of the connection he felt with Glenn, Engstrand, and the offensive staff.
The Jets were the only team to bring Cook in for an official 30 visit - a sign of serious interest. That face time helped build a relationship that ultimately made the decision easy for the former Missouri QB.
“It’s been exactly what I expected since I showed up,” Cook said. “Exactly what they said they were going to do, they did. And this is why I chose the Jets’ opportunity - because I believed in AG.”
Cook’s belief in the Jets’ vision and his role in it is rare for a rookie quarterback, especially one who wasn’t a top draft pick. But it speaks to the culture Glenn and his staff are trying to build - one where players feel seen, valued, and part of something bigger.
Bottom Line
The Jets may not be where they want to be in the standings, but there’s a clear plan unfolding behind the scenes. From locking in young talent to reshaping the coaching staff, this offseason is already in motion. The next few weeks - and the decisions that follow - will go a long way in determining whether this rebuild finally turns the corner.