At the start of the free agency this week, it was clear that there wasn't a clear top target at wide receiver for teams to go out and overpay for.
The New York Jets understood that well. Tee Higgins, DK Metcalf, and other quality receivers never hit free agency. They either received new deals or were traded to other teams.
That is what makes New York's free agent strategy through the first week of the 2025 offseason so important.
New York hasn't overpaid for any one player at this time. The two biggest deals came to quarterback Justin Fields and cornerback Brandon Stephens. Neither deal was put in the upper echelon of contracts for each position, though.
And their most recent signings show that the Jets are only looking for efficient players who may be considered underrated around the league.
Take wide receiver Tyler Johnson as the latest example.
Johnson signed a one-year contract with the Jets Friday evening.
The 27-year-old wideout has been in the NFL for five seasons and has never put up over 40 receptions or more than 400 receiving yards in a season. The former fifth-round pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is a quality deep threat, though, that the Jets can utilize in their offense pretty nicely.
Related: Jets Shocking Rumor Has Stefon Diggs Signing As Justin Fields Partner
Johnson wasn't the only offensive weapon added, though.
Whether it's tight end Stone Smartt or the return of special teams ace Kene Nwangwu, the Jets are surrounding their offense with underrated players who won't break the bank for next season.
Jets fans have a reason to be skeptical about this plan; "cheap and underrated" doesn't sound like a way to win quickly.
These moves may not work out, but they do show an organization who is trying to find low-risk, high-reward talent across the board.
Related: Eagles Trying To Trade Free Agent 'Bust' Bryce Huff
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This story was originally published March 15, 2025 at 11:06 PM.