Through the later years of the previous regime, the New York Jets had seemingly wanted to build a team full of veteran talent who understood how to win at the highest level.
That mindset has not only been ignored, but completely flipped under the new regime led by Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey.
Instead of bringing in older veterans to try and end a playoff drought, the Jets have opted to sign younger free agents to lesser deals with the hope that the low-risk, high-reward gamble could work out for a few of those players.
Justin Fields signed a contract that pays him just $20 million annually. Tight end Stone Smartt and wide receiver Tyler Johnson both have been signed to minimal deals that show the organization is more interested in taking fliers on players as opposed to throwing big money around.
A big reason for that mindset is the fact the Jets have to re-sign several key players on their roster to extensions, including wide receiver Garrett Wilson and cornerback Sauce Gardner.
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Both players are expected to sign contracts that pay them over $25 million each. Both players are considered the top of the Jets' young core.
The youth movement - amid much intrigue for fans - is here for New York. The fanbase may consider that a sign that the organization is willing to see more losses in 2025, but that might not be the case.
It could very well be the time for New York to end up finally building a winner behind many of these low-risk, high-reward talents.
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This story was originally published March 15, 2025 at 8:44 PM.