The New York Jets are looking to bounce back from a forgettable first year under head coach Robert Saleh. In order to establish a winning culture, Jets GM Joe Douglas needs to fill out the roster with proven talent. Through the first two days of NFL free agency, he’s done just that. How do we grade Gang Green’s progress so far?
Grading the New York Jets’ offseason
The Jets entered the year with roughly $60 million in salary cap space. Through two days of negotiations, Douglas has put that money to good use, bringing in a handful of talented players on notable contracts. The Jets have won just 13 games since Douglas joined the organization in 2019, and his desire to get to the playoffs has been felt in the Jets’ early free agency moves.
Laken Tomlinson | Guard
Contract Terms | Three years, $40 million
While Tomlinson has played left guard his entire career, he is expected to move to right guard for the Jets. Tomlinson’s new position will be an adjustment, but he has plenty of familiarity with the offense that Mike LaFleur calls in the Meadowlands. Tomlinson has blossomed into a consistent and impactful offensive lineman, and he will help keep Zach Wilson upright this year and beyond.
Braxton Berrios | Wide Receiver
Contract Terms | Two years, $12 million
With a young QB developing within their system, the Jets decided to bring back one of his favorite targets. Berrios offers reliable mitts on offense and strong return skills on special teams. Considering the going rate for wideouts in this market, Berrios’ deal is palatable.
C.J. Uzomah | Tight End
Contract Terms | Three years, $24 million
The Jets have been looking for a consistent tight end presence for nearly a decade, and Uzomah should be able to fill that void fresh off his appearance in last month’s Super Bowl. Uzomah has consistently improved throughout his time in the NFL, and he knows what it’s like to be a key figure in a rebuilding offense.
Tevin Coleman | Running Back
Contract Terms | One year, $1.5 million
Like Berrios, Coleman offers familiarity for Wilson. The veteran running back reunited with LaFleur this past season and offered up solid returns. The further he gets away from his injury struggles in San Francisco, the better he will be.
Jordan Whitehead | Safety
Contract Terms | Two years, $14.5 million
Whitehead will replace Marcus Maye in the secondary. The Jets needed an alpha safety in the defensive backfield with Maye set to depart in free agency, and Whitehead certainly fits the bill. Whitehead will be able to establish himself as a leader on defense, as he was a key figure on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense during their Super Bowl run a couple of seasons ago.
D.J. Reed | Cornerback
Contract Terms | Three years, $33 million
Reed is being brought in to enhance a struggling coverage unit. Given his background with the Seattle Seahawks, he should be able to thrive in Saleh’s similar Cover 3-heavy defense. Reed is an ascending young player who has really come into his own over the past two seasons. He had 4 interceptions over the past two years.
New York Jets Free Agency Grade
The Jets have been aggressive early in free agency. With key additions at guard, tight end, safety, and cornerback, Douglas has made the Jets much better. The team also re-signed a pair of its own free agents for the sake of continuity. Wilson should benefit greatly from the additions of Uzomah and Tomlinson, while Saleh should be able to rely more on the secondary with the arrivals of Reed and Whitehead.
Jets Free Agency Grade: B+
