The New York Jets have a ton of needs all across the roster, especially on the defensive side of the ball. There will be plenty of roster moves made in the coming days for the Jets and every team around the NFL.
But when it comes to the Jets in free agency, with over $70 million in cap space, it wouldn't be a surprise to see them spend a lot this offseason. At least, that should be the case.
According to Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic, the Jets' plan this offseason isn't expected to revolve around big-ticket free agents. Instead, Jets fans are likely to be disappointed as the Jets target the second and third tiers of free agency, according to this report.
Jets expected to go after second, third tiers of FA
"Just don't expect them to be particularly active in the first wave of free agency, when the top free agents often get the biggest contracts," Rosenblatt writes.
Instead of pursuing those top players, like Alec Pierce or Trey Hendrickson, the Jets "will be shopping in the second and third tiers of free agency, trying to find bargains where they can."
What makes this report from Rosenblatt so frustrating is that the Jets have the money to spend on top-tier free agents. While there are plenty of holes all across the roster, the Jets need to do more than just add a few tier two and three veterans.
Instead, the Jets should land a top-tier free agent on a long-term deal to be a core member of their team as they rebuild with their abundance of draft capital over the next few seasons.
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While this is a frustrating angle for the Jets to take in free agency, there is a reason for this approach. As Rosenblatt notes, the Jets have a goal this offseason: "Adding veterans, leaders and culture fits, especially on defense."
The Jets may not be big spenders by acquiring top-of-the-market talent in free agency, but they can still land some key players to begin building a roster over the next few years.
They're not going to be Super Bowl contenders in 2026, barring the most stunning turnaround in NFL history. But they can begin building towards such a goal with smart and savvy spending this offseason.
While this is already a bit of a disappointing start to free agency, before it's even begun, it does make sense from one perspective of not overpaying free agents just because there's a need. This team is not a player or two away. There's a lot more work that needs to be done.
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