Free Agent Forecast: Jets Most Likely to Stay, Leave
The New York Jets have 24 pending free agents this offseason and won't be able to keep all of them.
Coming off a 7-10 season with just $7 million in cap space, Gang Green understands that they'll have to do some cap gymnastics just to be able to improve the roster from 2023.
That means several top players might have had their last moments with the Jets a few months ago. Today we break down the key players who will probably stay or leave Florham Park in the coming weeks.
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Bryce Huff - Leave
It's becoming increasingly unlikely that the Jets will bring back Huff in 2024. The former undrafted free agent turned 10+ sack starter is only 25 and in line for a major payday this offseason. He may not get the figures he wants, but it'll be far too much for New York to pay this offseason. This is why Will McDonald was drafted in the first round this past NFL Draft.
Jordan Whitehead - Leave
Whitehead has done a lot of solid things with New York including his three-interception game in the season opener of 2023. That being said, his coverage and tackling skills haven't been excellent. I think New York will let Whitehead walk simply because there are a lot of safety-needy teams out there who will overpay for his services.
Chuck Clark - Stay
Whitehead was SUPPOSED to partner with former Ravens' safety Chuck Clark in 2023, but the latter suffered a torn ACL in OTAs last spring. While Clark's future in the NFL is in question, it wouldn't hurt the Jets to bring back Clark on a one-year "prove-it" deal for 2024.
Ashtyn Davis - Stay
When he finally got more playing time late in the year, Ashtyn Davis showed that he can be a quality starter on a good defense. He is simply always around the ball. With the position of safety in flux for the organization, Davis' return would be a smart one.
Thomas Morstead - Stay
New York's special teams wasn't the problem in 2023. Finding a punter as good as Thomas Morstead that is available will be extremely difficult. The Jets need to keep Morstead this time around.
Greg Zuerlein - Stay
Allow me to use this time to say that Greg "The Leg" was screwed out of a Pro Bowl and All-Pro nod in 2023. Going 35-38 on kicks is impressive and will be more than enough of a reason to keep him.
Bryce Hall - Leave
When Sauce Gardner and DJ Reed were both out with concussions, the Jets turned to Bryce Hall and he helped upset the Philadelphia Eagles in dominating fashion. If he were on any other team he's probably a starter. New York also won't pay him with Brandin Echols on the team.
Connor McGovern - Stay
The Jets need depth along the offensive line. While the center position has officially been turned to Joe Tippmann, having McGovern back as his backup would make a lot of sense if the money is right.
Solomon Thomas - Stay
Thomas had a solid year for New York both as a pass rusher and run defender. He wasn't nearly as bad as the 37 grade Pro Football Focus gave him. As the organization's Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee, I think he could be back on a one-year deal.
Justin Hardee - Leave
Hardee has been New York's best special teamer for a few years now. Despite the leadership he brings to the table, I think there's a chance the organization will let him walk.
Additional Players: Leave
Randall Cobb, Billy Turner, Trevor Siemian, Duane Brown, Quinton Jefferson, Al Woods, Carl Lawson, Bradlee Anae, Ifeadi Odenigbo
Restricted Free Agents: Stay
Zack Kuntz, Xavier Newman-Johnson, Javelin Guidry Jr, Kenny Yeboah
