Jets GM Darren Mougey is faced with a problem that few of is predecessors have had to consider in recent years. Perhaps even decades? He’s taking over a team with a plethora of players worthy of big money in the near, and likely distant future.
This offseason we’ve seen Mougey re-sign linebacker Jamien Sherwood before he extended Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner over the past couple of days. So where should Mougey set his sights next? We take a look at who should be among his top priorities.
LB Quincy Williams: A new deal for Williams now feels unlikely, but the Jets would be wise to get a deal done. With a new, more aggressive defensive scheme, Williams could have a breakout season in terms of getting to the quarterback. If that were to happen, his price tag will skyrocket.
OG John Simpson: Simpson was a revelation at left guard for the Jets last season. Arguably their best offensive lineman, he was a beast in the trenches and only inked a 2-year deal. If he repeats his 2024 performance this season, he’ll be one of the NFL’s top paid guards this time next year.
OG Alijah Vera-Tucker: A popular choice among Jets fans for the guy Mougey should extend next, the Jets will likely want to see another season out of Vera-Tucker in which he misses little to no time before handing him the bag. If he misses little to no time this year, look for AVT to get paid huge money.
DE Jermaine Johnson: While Johnson’s injury last season was a huge loss for the team, it works in their favor this offseason. Had he played and continued trending upward, a double-digit sack season would not have been out of the question. Had that happened, they would have a third first-round pick looking for a huge deal along with Wilson and Gardner. A big season this year should mean Johnson gets his money in the end.
RB Breece Hall: Not only is Hall unlikely to see a new deal very soon, but he may not ever see one with the Jets. Barring an absolute monster season, the Jets aren’t likely to dole out a ton of money for a back with Hall’s track record.
DE Will McDonald: No, McDonald won’t be next in line as he’s just now entering year three, but the Jets had better be planning to make room for him in the budget heading to next offseason. If McDonald logs another double-digit sack season and improves against the run, it’ll mean another young star looking for $20+ million per year.
C Joe Tippmann: Ditto Tippmann on the timing of a new deal. It won’t happen this offseason, but Tippmann is an ascending young player at a key position. If he takes another step forward in his development this year, he’ll be in line for a nice pay raise sooner rather than later.
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