Robert Saleh Says New York Jets Want to Keep Free Agent Safety

Former New York Jets safety Ashtyn Davis is a free agent, but could a shrinking market and New York's prospects bring him back?

The New York Jets have established themselves as a legitimate threat to both the AFC East and the conference in general with their acquisitions in free agency. From shoring up the backup quarterback spot to improving the offensive line and giving receiver Garrett Wilson a running mate, the open market has been kind to the Jets.

Bringing back some of their own talent may be their next priority.

Having already agreed to deals with special teamers Greg Zuerlein and Thomas Morstead, along with safety Chuck Clark and defensive tackle Solomon Thomas, talent retention has played a role in maximizing New York’s roster.

Dec 24, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets safety Ashtyn Davis (21) celebrates

Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Who might be next?

Jets head coach Robert Saleh joined Eric Allen to talk about the offseason and upcoming campaign – one that looks much brighter than it had a few weeks ago. There, he briefly spoke about the team’s plans at safety, which may include former Jets safety and current free agent Ashtyn Davis.

“Traditionally we keep four, and we love Ashtyn,” Saleh said. “I know he’s out there. I know he’s looking, but if he watches this video, we love you, buddy.”

Saleh may have been joking in his plea for Davis to return, but it’s a situation that makes sense for both sides.

New York, currently starting safeties Chuck Clark and Tony Adams, can feel good about the state of its first-stringers. However, the only safety left on the roster is Jarrick Bernard-Converse, a hybrid who is more of a project than a part-timer at this point.

Davis entered free agency looking to be a starter elsewhere, and that could very well hold him back. But after the first … and the second … and the third wave of free agency, starting spots seem to be filled, and the NFL Draft will provide a handful of additional starters.

Another year as New York’s third safety and a chess piece in Saleh’s defense could be the type of season that earns him a starting role – and starter-level pay – in 2025.

Davis had a breakout season of sorts in his fourth year in the league, earning playing time after just 13 defensive snaps in the season prior. It was a clear step down from the 745 defensive snaps he played in 2021, but for the first time he looked optimized.

The production followed. He set career-highs in interceptions (three), pass breakups (four), and passer rating against (32.0) while playing all over the field.

It seems the league isn’t sold on his services, but where better to prove them wrong than in the role he found such success in? The Jets seem open to welcoming him back and can offer a more proven path to playoff football than ever before in his short career. With the hole on the roster and the flexibility to bring in more talent, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Davis donning the new uniforms in the near future.