The New York Jets are picking second overall for a reason — but this isn’t just about adding “talent.” It’s about choosing a direction. Between quarterback uncertainty, a roster full of holes from a rebuild-in-progress, and premium draft capital to weaponize, the Jets’ 2026 offseason will be judged by how they spend their cap space and whether they avoid forcing a QB pick at the top.
In this Jets edition, we break down: the biggest roster holes, contract/cap implications, which positions should be targeted in free agency vs. the draft, and the fantasy football takeaways (hello, backfield).
Salary cap contract information provided by Spotrac.
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Pick 2: New York Jets
2026 Free Agents:
- QB: Tyrod Taylor, Hendon Hooker (ERFA)
- RB: Breece Hall, Kene Nwangwu, Khalil Herbert
- TE: Stone Smartt, Jelani Woods
- WR: Josh Reynolds, John Metchie (RFA), Tyler Johnson
- OL: G John Simpson, OT Alijah Vera-Tucker, RT Chukwuma Okorafor, LT Max Mitchell, G Xavier Newman-Johnson (RFA)
- EDGE: Micheal Clemons
- DL: Khalen Saunders, Jay Tufele, Jowon Briggs (ERFA)
- LB: Quincy Williams, Mykal Walker, Cam Jones (RFA), Marcelino McCrary-Ball (ERFA)
- CB: Kris Boyd, Ja’Sir Taylor
- S: Andre Cisco, Tony Adams, Isaiah Oliver
- ST: Nick Folk, Andrew Beck
2027 Free Agents:
- QB: Justin Fields, Bailey Zappe, Brady Cook (ERFA)
- WR: Isaiah Williams (RFA), Mac Dalena (ERFA)
- OL: C Joe Tippmann
- EDGE: Will McDonald (CLUB), Jermaine Johnson, Kingsley Jonathan, Eric Watts (RFA), Braiden McGregor (RFA)
- DL: Harrison Phillips, Mazi Smith (CLUB)
- LB: Ochaun Mathis (RFA)
- CB: Samuel Womack, Tre Brown, Jordan Clark (ERFA), Jarius Monroe (ERFA)
- S: Christopher Smith II, Keidron Smith (ERFA), Dean Clark (ERFA)
- ST: Austin McNamara (ERFA),
Team Needs: QB, RB, WR, DT, CB, EDGE, S, IOL
Sources told Tony Pauline that the Jets have let it be known they’d like to bring Tyrod Taylor back in 2026 in a similar role to the one he manned last season.
However, Justin Fields may not be so lucky. After a disastrous first year with the Jets, second-year HC Aaron Glenn might not feel obligated to return Fields as QB1 in 2026 (last year on his deal). This would be extremely telling about Fields’ status in New York if he is released, given that the Jets already have a ton of salary cap space (4th-most).
Frank Reich was brought in as the new OC after finishing last year as Stanford’s interim HC. Reich has been out of the NFL since he was fired by the Panthers in 2023 (just 11 games as HC). Carson Wentz could be a stopgap option for the Jets given his relationship with Reich. Or Andy Dalton. Reich typically wants a big pocket passer. Essentially, as far removed from Fields as possible. Derek Carr-Bill Musgrave reunite!?
Given that this is a one-QB class…The Jets are better off punting the QB position entirely with veteran options than investing in one with the second overall pick (or even the 16th overall pick). At least that’s one man’s opinion.
Breece Hall is one of the most highly-coveted RBs hitting free agency. Rumblings suggest the team wants to use the transition tag on Hall, according to NFL Insider Jonathan Jones.
Given that the Jets have so much cap space, it’s hard to see them just letting Hall completely walk without at least offering him something. However, given all the needs this team has during a full rebuild, it shouldn’t be surprising to see them allocate resources to younger assets who don’t play RB.
Also, does Hall even want to be a Jet? For lyfe?
Bodes well for third-year RBs such as Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis to see expanded roles. Also, keep an eye on rookie RB Jaydn Ott. Bill Musgrave (new Jets QB coach and certified Derek Carr stan) was his OC at Cal in 2022 during Ott’s true freshman season.
FWIW, Musgrave was the offensive coordinator at Cal when Fernando Mendoza was a freshman.
So you’re saying there’s a chance?
Because here’s the thing about the Jets – it’s not a completely terrible landing spot for a QB. You have a stud No. 1 WR in Garrett Wilson (but not much depth behind him aside from Adonai Mitchell). The offensive line is bookended by two young, promising tackles. The IOL needs some work, but I presume Gang Green can re-sign guys in FA.
Defense. Literally. Anybody who has ball-hawking skills. The Jets need to get defensive playmakers to force more turnovers after getting zero interceptions in 2025. Basically, they need to replace DT Quinnen Williams and CB Ahmad Gardner, who were traded last year before the trade deadline.
Luckily, they have all the draft capital they need, with four picks inside the top-44 (two in the top 20 at second and 16th, respectively).
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