The New York Jets spent over $45 million to re-sign one of their better defensive players from last season in linebacker Jamien Sherwood. That showed the team is willing to negotiate long-term deals with good players already on the roster.
That evidence was further enhanced by their decision to tender one of their best special teams stars.
New York announced that they tendered wide receiver Irv Charles and offensive lineman Xavier Newman. That means no team will be allowed to negotiate a contract with the players this offseason so long as that is in place.
While Newman can be considered a role player along the offensive line and only used for depth, the Jets tendering Charles is significant.
Since they let the veteran special teams ace in Justin Hardee walk in free agency two years ago, Charles has become the organization's best player on that end. He recorded seven tackles and a blocked punt before tearing his ACL late last season.
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Charles' ACL injury will be one to watch as the injury requires a full two years for an athlete to get back to where they were before the surgery happened. The undrafted free agent out of Indiana could simply not have the same burst he once had and it could alter New York's plans.
At the very least, though, New York is in the business of keeping good players in their specific roles.
And Charles happens to be one of the best special teamers out there.
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This story was originally published March 10, 2025 at 8:00 AM.