The New York Jets are officially in offseason mode, and after a 15th straight year without a playoff appearance, the pressure is on to finally turn the corner. With general manager Darren Mougey and new head coach Aaron Glenn leading the charge, the 2026 offseason isn’t just about change-it’s about course correction.
And while the 2026 NFL Draft looms large-especially with the Jets holding two first-round picks, including the No. 2 overall selection-free agency comes first. March will be a critical month, not just for adding outside talent, but for deciding who from the current roster is worth bringing back.
The Jets are staring down a list of 30 pending free agents. That’s not just a few depth pieces and special teamers-that’s a significant chunk of the roster, including impact starters on both sides of the ball. Let’s break it down by position and what it could mean for the team’s offseason blueprint.
Offensive Core on the Line
Start with the offense, and the name that jumps off the page is Breece Hall. The dynamic running back has been a bright spot during some otherwise dark stretches for the Jets. If healthy and retained, he remains a key piece for Glenn’s offense.
Then there's Alijah Vera-Tucker, a versatile offensive lineman who’s been one of the few stabilizing forces up front. Losing him would mean starting over at a position group that’s already been a revolving door in recent seasons.
John Simpson, Max Mitchell, and Chukwuma Okorafor are also on the list, giving the Jets some major decisions to make in the trenches. Continuity on the offensive line is critical-especially if the Jets are planning to bring in a rookie quarterback with that No. 2 pick.
Quarterback Room Questions
Speaking of quarterbacks, Tyrod Taylor is a free agent. He was brought in as a veteran presence, and depending on how the draft shakes out, the Jets may want to keep a steady hand in the room. Hendon Hooker, an exclusive rights free agent, is also in the mix, though his future likely depends on how the team views his development and potential role.
Skill Positions in Flux
At wide receiver, Tyler Johnson, Josh Reynolds, and John Metchie (a restricted free agent) are all up for new deals. While none are WR1 material, each brings something different to the table-whether it’s route-running, red-zone ability, or depth. The Jets will need to weigh those skill sets carefully, especially if they plan to surround a young QB with reliable targets.
At tight end, Jelani Woods and Stone Smartt are on expiring deals. Neither has fully broken out, but Woods, in particular, has shown flashes that could warrant another look under a new offensive system.
Defensive Identity at Stake
Defensively, this is where things get really interesting-and potentially costly.
Quincy Williams has become a tone-setter at linebacker. He brings energy, speed, and playmaking ability, and he fits the mold of the modern hybrid linebacker. Letting him walk would create a sizable hole in the middle of the defense.
Up front, Micheal Clemons, Khalen Saunders, Jay Tufele, and Jowon Briggs (ERFA) are all set to hit the market. Clemons, in particular, has shown the kind of motor and versatility teams covet in today’s defensive linemen.
In the secondary, the Jets have decisions to make on Andre Cisco, Tony Adams, Ja’Sir Taylor, Kris Boyd, and Isaiah Oliver. That’s a lot of turnover potential in the defensive backfield.
Cisco has been a playmaker at safety, and Adams has carved out a role as a reliable contributor. Whether the Jets see them as long-term fits will shape how aggressive they are in free agency and the draft.
Special Teams and Depth Pieces
Veteran kicker Nick Folk is also on the list. While kickers don’t always make headlines in the offseason, stability at that position can quietly win games. The Jets will have to decide whether to stick with the veteran or look for a younger leg.
Elsewhere, players like Andrew Beck (FB), Kene Nwangwu (RB/KR), and Marcelino McCrary-Ball (ERFA) round out the list as depth and special teams contributors. These aren’t splashy names, but they’re the kind of players who fill out a winning roster.
The Bottom Line
This free agent class isn’t just big in quantity-it’s loaded with quality. The Jets have foundational players, key role players, and young talent all hitting the market at the same time. That puts the front office in a tough but crucial position: decide who fits the new vision under Aaron Glenn, and who doesn’t.
With free agency opening before the draft, how the Jets handle this list will shape everything that follows. Do they lock in core pieces now and go best player available in April? Or do they let some veterans walk and use the draft to fill the gaps?
One thing’s for sure: this offseason isn’t just about adding talent-it’s about making the right calls on the guys already in the building. And for a franchise desperate to end its playoff drought, getting those decisions right could be the difference between another year of rebuilding and finally making a run.