With NFL free agency just a few days away, only one thing is for sure when it comes to the New York Jets: we’re about to learn a whole lot about how this team will operate under new coach Aaron Glenn and new general manager Darren Mougey.
The Jets enter this new era at a delicate junction in franchise history.
Clearly they are attempting a rebuild of sorts as they move on from the failed Aaron Rodgers experiment. But there is also immense pressure to be competitive given the team’s horrific 14-season playoff drought; fans aren’t going to stand for another miserable losing season, especially with the new regime insisting they have the talent now to be competitive.
So how will they handle their first big test in free agency? With $51.4 million to spend ([according to Over The Cap](https://overthecap.com/salary-cap-space)) the Jets have the 12th most cap space in the NFL heading into 2025, so they can make some meaningful additions.
Here are 10 players we would target if we were running the show.
**WR Chris Godwin, Bucs**
Godwin would be an ideal receiver for the Jets, because he’s already proven he can exist in a room with other proven weapons – thriving in Tampa Bay alongside Mike Evans. His reliable hands, precise route running, and track record would make him the perfect partner for Garrett Wilson. It seems unlikely with Godwin likely to command more than $20 million per year, but at 29 he still has enough good years left to justify the financial commitment in our eyes.
**LB Jamien Sherwood, Jets**
Sherwood was a great fit in the Jets defense last year, unexpectedly becoming their best and most consistent linebacker. The big question now is how the rest of the league views him and how much it’ll cost to keep him – there’s a chance the Jets could be priced out given their other needs. But if the Jets can bring him back it would go a long way toward solidifying the linebacker room in 2025.
**QB Justin Fields, Steelers**
The Jets have to do something at quarterback with only Tyrod Taylor and Jordan Travis in the room at the moment. And Fields would be the most exciting option available on the free-agent market, by far. He proved with the Steelers last year he can win as a starter and his ability to create plays with his legs would be a unique weapon for new offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand to show what he’s capable of. But his limitations throwing the ball would put pressure on the Jets to find a quarterback in the draft as a long term solution.
**S Jevon Holland, Dolphins**
Safety is one of the Jets’ most glaring needs, and while Holland carries some significant question marks after being dogged by injuries in recent years, his talent remains undeniable and at 25 he could be worth rolling the dice on as he enters the prime of his career. The Jets don’t need to do a whole lot to stabilize the back end of their defense and committing to Holland could be the answer.
**DT Javon Hargrave , 49ers**
He didn’t live up to his big contract in San Francisco thanks to a season-ending triceps injury early in 2024. But Hargrave was still a Pro Bowl caliber defensive tackle when healthy and before last year had never played fewer than 15 games in a season. He could be a perfect option to pair with Quinnen Williams on the interior d-line, if the price is right.
**RT Morgan Moses, Jets**
It wouldn’t be the most exciting signing, but it would be a smart one to bring the veteran back: Moses proved once again last year he can play through pain and be effective. And keeping him around would be a strong move in the locker room where Moses is respected and give the Jets freedom to pursue a long-term starting right tackle option in the draft.
**QB Jameis Winston, Browns**
He’s not going to be the top free agent quarterback available, but if the Jets can’t land Fields or trade for someone like Kirk Cousins, Winston would be a smart option to compete for the job with Tyrod Taylor and a potential quarterback draft pick. Winston is still plagued by some puzzling decisions with the ball, but gives the offense boom potential every week.
**WR Dyami Brown, Commanders**
He showed his potential as a top receiving option in the playoffs, with huge games against the Bucs and Lions to help the Commanders to the NFC Championship game. And with Washington adding Deebo Samuel the odds of him being available on the open market just got better. At 25, he could be the perfect high-upside option to pair with Garrett Wilson.
**Edge Dante Fowler, Commanders**
The Jets need a proven edge rusher to pair with Will McDonald and to take some of the burden off Jermaine Johnson as he returns from a torn Achilles. Fowler would fit the Bill. No, he’s never lived up to his high draft pick, but he’s likely to give the Jets a more reliable presence off the edge than they could get early in the draft.
**CB Carlton Davis, Lions**
D.J. Reed seems certain to be a goner in free agency, and the Jets need a starting caliber corner to pair with Sauce Gardner and Michael Carter II. Davis would arguably be an upgrade over reed, and his familiarity with Glenn could make him a perfect fit if the Jets and give the Jets one less thing to worry about in the draft.
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_Andy Vasquez may be reached at_ [_avasquez@njadvancemedia.com_](mailto:avasquez@njadvancemedia.com)_._