Robert Saleh's New York Jets Position Group Reveal: Not Jamal Adams, Right?

The New York Jets will need a new starting safety in 2024 and that player may still be out on the free-agent market, according to head coach Robert Saleh.

The New York Jets' secondary will look slightly different this year, specifically at safety.

Strong safety Jordan Whitehead, who made 34 consecutive starts over two seasons in New York, has chosen to return to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the team that drafted him, through free agency. Whitehead's departure leaves the Jets with three safeties under contract, including 2023 sixth-round draft pick Jarrick Bernard-Converse who spent most of his rookie season on Injured Reserve.

"We're not done with the position," said Jets' fourth-year head coach Robert Saleh at the league meetings in Orlando. "There's some work to do in that room, for sure."

Christian McCaffrey, Jamal Adams

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Last season, the Jets simultaneously carried four safeties on their 53-man roster. Tony Adams was part of the group after winning the starting free safety spot as a second-year player.

"Obviously, Tony Adams will be coming back. Chuck Clark, excited to get him re-signed," said Saleh.

While Adams performed adequately, making three interceptions over 15 starts, Clark did not make it past OTAs. While seemingly a front runner to earn a starting job, Clark, who was traded from the Baltimore Ravens, tore his ACL on the final day of spring activities.

With Clark coming off a major injury, the Jets would be smart to add insurance behind him. One option is the bring back free agent Ashtyn Davis. The 2020 third-round selection played all 17 games in 2023, but New York has not appeared overly eager to re-sign the Cal product.

Former Jet Jamal Adams is currently available, but the former No. 6 overall draft pick struggled in Seattle and has seemingly burned bridges in New York.

After being released by their respective teams, Eddie Jackson (Bears) and Justin Simmons (Broncos) are both on the free agent market. Both players are 30 years old and come with All-Pro credentials.