After adding quarterback Justin Fields, a number two cornerback in Brandon Stephens and safety Andre Cisco, Jets GM Darren Mougey went on to focus on depth through the remainder of the first wave of free agency.
Here’s a full rundown of every Jets free agent addition and how they may figure in the team’s plans for 2025 and beyond.
QB Justin Fields: There’s no denying Fields’ elite physical talent, but he’s still had his share of problems at the pro level. Poor accuracy on intermediate throws, holding on to the ball too long and lack of going through progressions has been an issue. But he has shown flashes throwing the ball down the field and is one of the top rushing threats at QB in the NFL. All of this makes QB coach Charles London one of the most important people in the building at 1 Jets Drive.
CB Brandon Stephens: Stephens may be the biggest head scratcher of the young offseason. Having surrendered roughly 1,800 receiving yards over the past two seasons with just two interceptions in four years, one would think the Jets wouldn’t have been in such a hurry to give him a 3-year $36 million deal.
S Andre Cisco: A ball hawk in college, Cisco has had his ups and downs as a pro but should still be an upgrade over much of what the Jets have trotted out at safety in recent years. It’s a 1-year prove it deal for the New York native who could be part of the future if he takes a step forward in 2024.
Edge Rashad Weaver: Likely added as a special teams ace, Weaver has seen little action on defense as a pro and isn’t likely to see much as a Jet.
CB Isaiah Oliver: A nice depth piece with tons of versatility, Oliver filled in nicely on defense last year at a variety of spots. A smart move by Darren Mougey to add a body to the secondary at safety and corner.
RT Chukwuma Okorafor: The most intriguing addition thus far, Okorafor was a 4-year starter for the Steelers at right tackle and could fill that some role with the Jets. He missed all but a few snaps in 2024 when he left the Patriots following a disastrous performance in week 1. Should he bounce back and return to his Pittsburgh form, he could be a steal.
C Josh Myers: Justin Fields’ center at Ohio State, Myers has been a starter for three and a half years in Green Bay. He gives the Jets experienced depth behind Joe Tippmann.
LB Jamin Davis: A former first-round pick (19th overall), Davis logged 269 tackles (166 solo) through his first three seasons before being let go last season. He could find time in Aaron Glenn’s defense where the Jets head coach likes to deploy bigger linebackers in certain packages.
TE Stone Smartt: A high upside young pass catcher, Smartt had sixteen catches on nineteen targets last season with the Chargers. With no proven tight end talent on the roster, Smartt has a good chance to hang around.
DT Jay Tufele: The 6′ 3” 305 lb Tufele was let go by one of the worst defenses in the NFL in Cincinnati where he had a hard time getting on the field. Another bottom of the depth chart option added by Mougey.
DT Byron Cowart: No relation to former NFL linebacker Sam Cowart, Byron is a defensive tackle who has spent time with the Patriots, Colts and Bears as a rotational piece. He figures to be the same with the Jets.
RB/KR Kene Nwangwu: Nwangwu finished up last season with the Jets and showed his prowess on special teams as a dynamic returner.
WR Tyler Johnson: With no real depth behind Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard, the Jets have to find pass catchers before, during and after the NFL draft. Johnson had a decent start to his pro career a few seasons ago but has been virtually invisible since then. Can he get back on track with the Jets as what is likely to be a fifth or sixth receiver spot at best?
CB/ST Kris Boyd: Best known for shoving one of his coaches during the playoffs last year, the Jets are adding the special teamer who has not started a game on defense since 2021.
P Austin McNamara: Some competition for Thomas Morestead, McNamara was one of the better punters in college football two seasons ago with Texas Tech.
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