Finally, the New York Jets’ search for a “head coach of the offense” is over. Former Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich has been hired by the team to run the offense in 2026.

Reich, 64, is coming to New York with the understanding that he’s trying to fix an offense at a desperate time for the current regime. The easiest way for him to find instant success with the Jets is to bring in veteran free agents who fit his scheme, including players he has worked with in the past.

With that in mind, it’s time to look at some potential free agent targets the Jets should consider this year to pair with Reich’s play-calling abilities.

QB Jacoby Brissett

Names like Kirk Cousins and Carson Wentz will be tied to the Jets over the next month because of their connections to Reich. Wentz developed into an MVP candidate under Reich in Philadelphia. Cousins has not played under Reich, but has a close relationship with the coach.

However, the best option to help the current roster acclimate to Reich’s scheme might be Jacoby Brissett.

In 2019, Reich’s second season with the Colts, Brissett started 15 games following the surprising retirement of Andrew Luck. Brissett led the Colts to a 7-8 record while throwing 18 touchdowns to six interceptions.

If the Jets are going to draft a quarterback this year, pairing him with Brissett would make a lot of sense.

WR Alec Pierce

The Colts drafted Pierce in the second round of the 2022 draft, heading into what would be Reich’s final year with the team.

New York is in desperate need of multiple quality pass catchers next to Garrett Wilson, especially given Reich’s preference for 11 personnel packages. Pierce has developed into one of the league’s top deep threats, leading the NFL in yards per reception in each of the past two seasons.

Pierce won’t demand top-flight money at the wide receiver position, but he won’t be cheap, either. There is an argument to be made that he is the best receiver in this year’s free agent class.

The Jets desperately need receivers, though, so Pierce is worth the price, especially now that he is familiar with the offensive coordinator.

RB Kenneth Gainwell

Instead of paying Breece Hall to be the every-down back for over $14 million (potentially), the Jets could save cap space by utilizing a committee approach.

Back when Reich was the Eagles’ offensive coordinator, Philadelphia had Darren Sproles in the backfield, a reliable third-down pass catcher who could be moved all over the field. Kenneth Gainwell is a fit to fill the third-down role for the Jets.

This past season for the Steelers, Gainwell caught 73 passes for 486 yards and three touchdowns. He has never handled a large role as a rusher (4.7 career rush attempts per game), but that’s where the next target comes in.

RB Rico Dowdle

While Gainwell fills the pass-catching role in Reich’s offense, Dowdle can be the thumper, similar to LeGarrette Blount in the Eagles’ 2017 championship run. Dowdle is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons for the Cowboys and Panthers.

A 1-2 combo of Dowdle and Gainwell would give the Jets a reliable option for any situation while likely saving cap space compared to Hall.

G Isaac Seumalo

The Jets should absolutely look to retain either Alijah Vera-Tucker or John Simpson before looking to the open market to sign any free agent. If they want to go in a different direction, though, Isaac Seumalo would be a wise target.

Seumalo was drafted by the Eagles in 2016, Reich’s first year as the offensive coordinator. He played in 23 games across Reich’s two seasons with the team, starting six.

At 32 years old, Seumalo doesn’t have the same ceiling as Vera-Tucker, but he’s been a consistent starter throughout his career and remained one of the league’s better left guards for Pittsburgh in 2025.

On an affordable, short-term deal, it would make a ton of sense for the Jets to bring in Seumalo, whether it’s for depth or to compete for a starting spot.