The NFL’s legal tampering window will open tomorrow, March 9, at 12 p.m. EST.
With the craziest time of the NFL calendar on the horizon, let’s lock in our final free agency predictions for the New York Jets.
1. Carson Wentz will be the team’s primary addition at quarterback
Considering the lack of appealing options on the market and his connection to offensive coordinator Frank Reich, Carson Wentz seems like the most logical candidate to be the Jets’ starting quarterback in 2026.
It’s an option that will inspire little optimism about New York’s hopes of competing in 2026, but there simply isn’t much the Jets can do about it. Outside of a Kyler Murray pursuit, there are no surefire upgrades available in free agency, the draft, or the trade market.
Pursuing Murray should be a no-brainer for New York, but Murray may simply ignore the Jets in favor of a landing spot that he believes will give him a stronger chance of resurrecting his career.
The harsh reality is that the Jets will probably be forced to punt their pursuit of a quarterback with legitimate long-term starter potential for a second consecutive season, after doing so in 2025.
2. The Jets’ most lucrative signing will come in the secondary
Whether it’s a safety like Bryan Cook or Coby Bryant, or a cornerback like Nahshon Wright or Riq Woolen, the Jets’ biggest signing will be a defensive back.
The Jets allowed 36 touchdowns and zero interceptions last season. With numbers like that, the pass defense will likely be the team’s top priority with its mountain of assets this offseason, especially with a former defensive back as the head coach.
New York’s two starting safety spots are wide-open. The cornerback room has slightly more talent, as Brandon Stephens is a semi-competent starter while third-round rookie Azareye’h Thomas showed promise, but neither of those players should be viewed as guaranteed starters.
Every spot is up for grabs after a historic zero-interception season.
3. The Jets will play it safe with the offensive line
I have advocated for the Jets to pursue upgrades at the left guard and center positions. However, my hunch is that New York will prioritize value and continuity along the offensive line instead of overall talent.
In that case, I envision the Jets re-signing left guard John Simpson and standing pat otherwise. They will allow Alijah Vera-Tucker to walk, likely saving them money compared to Simpson while improving the unit’s reliability on the injury front.
The Jets have a chance to run back the same five-man unit that started all 17 games together in 2025. That continuity could allow the young group to take a significant leap in 2026, especially with offensive line coach Steve Heiden returning.
However, center Josh Myers will remain a weak link, and Simpson will need to deliver a bounce-back year after enduring inconsistency in 2025. Continuity can only take you so far if two of the unit’s starters are exploitable in one-on-one matchups.
4. Fans will be frustrated with the lack of help for the offensive weaponry
It goes without saying that the Jets need some more offensive weapons. However, I don’t see the Jets adding heavily to that unit in free agency.
The free agent wide receiver class is thin. The only players who might be considered legitimate above-average starters are Jauan Jennings, Alec Pierce, and Wan’dale Robinson, and each might command at least $20 million per year in an exploding market with limited supply.
I’m not sure that I see the Jets committing that much money to any of those three players. Sure, each would be an upgrade for the Jets, but are any of them truly worth that much?
Jets general manager Darren Mougey has not shown desperation or recklessness in his short stint at the helm. In his first free agency period, Mougey did not sign any non-quarterbacks to a contract worth more than $12 million per year.
Mougey’s trades are another indicator of his decision-making mentality. His deals have almost always been applauded for their excellent value, whether it’s dealing a player for a strong haul of draft picks or sending out minimal draft capital for quality players. We haven’t seen Mougey sell out for any splashy, name-chasing moves.
In line with Mougey’s tendencies thus far, I foresee the Jets making multiple mid-tier signings at wide receiver to strengthen the unit’s depth, while focusing on the draft to find ceiling-raising talent.
5. The Jets will sign multiple former Lions defenders
Aaron Glenn made the choice to take over the Jets’ defensive play-calling. Meanwhile, he hired a defensive coordinator, Brian Duker, with whom he had worked for three years in Detroit.
It’s safe to say that Glenn wants to rebuild this Jets defense in the mold of his Lions days. Having some players who are familiar with the scheme would help him in that endeavor.
Linebacker Alex Anzalone, cornerback Amik Robertson, edge rusher Marcus Davenport, and edge rusher Josh Paschal are a few free agents who played under Glenn in Detroit and would assist the Jets at a position of need. I think the Jets will add at least two of Glenn’s former pupils.
