If you’re glancing at the 2026 New York Jets depth chart, you might feel a wave of nostalgia, as if you’ve been transported back to 2014. In a whirlwind of activity, Darren Mougey orchestrated a series of blockbuster moves, reuniting the Jets with a couple of familiar faces in just about 30 hours.
It kicked off on Monday morning when Demario Davis, originally a third-round pick by the Jets in 2012, inked a two-year deal worth $22 million, with $15 million guaranteed. This was just one of several moves Mougey finalized that day. Then, on Tuesday, the Jets brought back Geno Smith, trading a sixth-round pick to Las Vegas to fill their starting quarterback spot.
Now, Smith didn’t exactly shine during his initial stint with the Jets, and Davis only reached his peak after leaving New York. But for Jets fans who have endured some tough seasons recently, the return of Smith and Davis feels like a breath of fresh air, evoking memories of better days.
Their return also stirs up memories of other Jets who made their way back to Florham Park for a second stint. Let’s dive into the stories of a few who returned to don the green and white once more.
Antonio Cromartie - CB
Bringing in Antonio Cromartie was a big deal for the Jets. Fresh off a surprising run to the AFC Championship game under first-year head coach Rex Ryan and rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez, the Jets boasted the best defense in football, anchored by the elite cornerback, Darrelle Revis.
Despite already having Revis, GM Mike Tannenbaum wasn’t satisfied and traded for the talented yet polarizing Cromartie. Known for his athletic prowess and elite coverage skills, Cromartie faced criticism for his tackling. However, he became a crucial part of another AFC Championship run.
After four seasons and two Pro Bowls with the Jets, Cromartie moved on to Arizona following his release in 2014. Yet, he returned to the Jets in 2015 for one more season before exiting the league. While he never captured the ultimate prize, his time with the Jets is fondly remembered by fans who hope for a return to those glory days.
Darrelle Revis - CB
Talking about Cromartie naturally leads us to Revis. Those Rex Ryan-led teams were something special, with a defense that was second to none. The dynamic duo of Revis and Cromartie was one of the greatest cornerback tandems the sport has ever seen.
Revis, drafted 14th overall by the Jets in 2007, evolved into a dominant force, reaching heights few have matched. After six standout seasons, he left for Tampa Bay following a torn ACL in 2012. The real sting for Jets fans came when he joined the Patriots the next year, winning a Super Bowl with their archrivals.
Revis mended fences with Jets fans by returning for the 2015 and 2016 seasons. Though not at his peak, he earned another Pro Bowl nod in 2015 and left a sweeter legacy in New York. He eventually made the Hall of Fame, celebrated as a Jets legend.
Laveranues Coles - WR
While never a superstar, Laveranues Coles was the epitome of consistency, averaging 75 catches and 957 yards over his decade-long career.
Drafted in the third round in 2000, Coles quickly became a key figure for the Jets. After a quiet rookie year, he posted 59 and then 89 receptions in 2001 and 2002, with his yardage soaring to 1,264.
Despite his success, Coles left for Washington after the Jets didn’t match his offer sheet. However, he returned to New York after a trade for Santana Moss. Over the next two seasons, Coles remained a reliable target, catching passes from Chad Pennington and Brett Favre before finishing his career with the Bengals.
Nick Folk - K
Returning to the Rex Ryan era, we find Nick Folk, who joined the Jets in 2010 following a rough year in Dallas. Despite skepticism, Folk quickly silenced doubters by improving his field goal percentage and becoming a Jets hero with a game-winning playoff kick against Indianapolis.
Folk spent seven seasons with the Jets before stints in Tampa Bay and New England. Remarkably, he returned to the Jets last season at age 40, leading the league with a 96.6% field goal success rate. Though it seems he won’t be back in 2026, his eight seasons with the Jets cement his legacy as one of the franchise’s top kickers.
As the Jets navigate their future, these returning players remind fans of the highs and lows of their beloved team’s history.