Free agency is almost upon us, New York Jets fans. Gang Green has many decisions to make about players set to hit the open market or on the roster in need of extensions.
How will the Jets roster look once the dust settles, and how will Darren Mougey configure the current cap situation?
As with any offseason outlook, some members of the organization will stick around, while others will move on to other teams around the league.
Today, we break down the likelihood of each potential landing spot and contract for the top five free agents or returning players from last season’s New York Jets.
Breece Hall: 3 years, $45.5 million with the Jets
This deal will eventually get done, but it hasn’t yet, despite what others have said on social media.
A current holdup between the Jets and their star running back could be based on the number of years each side wants to agree to. Hall would most assuredly want the kind of long-term stability that comes with a four-year deal. The Jets, meanwhile, will want to move off quickly if the runner shows signs of slowing down.
A three-year deal worth over $15 million annually will put Hall in the top-five running back conversation. That is the goal of Hall’s ultimately. It should be the goal for New York as well.
Alijah Vera-Tucker: 1 year, $13.5 million with the Jets
Alijah Vera-Tucker should have a robust market. Yet, since he’s dealt with season-ending injuries for most of his career, it’s tough to gauge exactly where he could end up.
A one-year “prove it” deal makes the most sense for all parties involved.
The Jets do not want to walk into the offseason without a plan at left guard, and bringing back Vera-Tucker on a value-based deal should entire the veteran back to Florham Park, NJ.
John Simpson: 2 years, $10 million with the Lions
It’s one or the other. The Jets simply aren’t going to be able to keep both John Simpson and Vera-Tucker on the roster.
There will be many teams in need of interior guard play, and Simpson could be a fair suitor after a successful two-year run in New York.
Ultimately, he’ll end up in Detroit after the Lions’ offensive line undergoes an upheaval of sorts, with Taylor Decker asking for his release and others jumping ship.
Andre Cisco: 1 year, $3 million with the Bengals
Andre Cisco was open to a change of scenery at the end of the year, and going to a safety-needy team like the Cincinnati Bengals makes a lot of sense.
He’s a player whose market won’t be set in stone right away after a down year in 2025, but should still be a quality role player in Cincinnati.
Quincy Williams: 1 year, $10 million with the Cowboys
Don’t be surprised if Robert Saleh and the Tennessee Titans come calling.
If Quincy Williams were a free agent two years ago, the argument could be made that he would deserve top-five linebacker money. Now, though, the highest bidder should come considerably shorter than that.
Dallas already has the younger Williams brother, when Quinnen was shipped to them at the trade deadline. With so many needs on defense and a new coordinator calling plays, it makes sense for the Cowboys to find a way to bring Quincy over as well — even on a one-year deal to prove his worth again.