Entering the 2025 season, the New York Jets have a lot of question marks. After moving on from Aaron Rodgers, DJ Reed, and others, there are massive gaps to fill for the Jets to be competitive in the first year of new head coach Aaron Glenn’s tenure. And, in the first week of NFL free agency, the Jets were one of the more active teams. We’re going to dive into the additions for New York, and give our early grades.
New York Jets Free Agency Additions
Justin Fields, Quarterback
One of the bigger splashes in free agency was when the Jets added quarterback Justin Fields. New York signed the former 2021 first-round pick to a two-year, $40 million deal with $30 million guaranteed.
A lot of analysts and Jets fans like the addition of Fields. And, I would have too – if it were 2021. Yet since then, Fields has regressed from his time at Ohio State. Sure, part of that can be due to coaching. However, his overall processing speed has become considerably worse. I’ve written about this at length for GGN, but the numbers just don’t look good.
Sure, Fields is athletic, but he’s not a player to be relied upon on as a quarterback. His 6-14 record when throwing more than 25 times speaks for itself. I know that the plan is for him to be a bridge quarterback, but it’s still a move I’m lower on than most. Time will tell how it all works out, but for now, I’m not ecstatic about this addition.
Grade: C
Brandon Stephens, Defensive Back
The other “big” move that the Jets made in free agency was signing former Baltimore Ravens defensive back Brandon Stephens. New York signed Stephens to a three-year, $36 million deal on March 10. Yet as a cornerback, Stephens left a lot to be desired during his time in Baltimore.
Stephens gave up the second-most yards amongst cornerbacks in 2024, and was penalized a total of seven times. And despite being in the right position more times than not (Stephens had the fifth-highest “tight window rate” amongst cornerbacks in 2024), he still allowed a 107.4 passer rating. On top of that, his CPOE (completion percentage over expectation) allowed was 9.5, which was one of the worst in the league among full-time players.
While Stephens did perform well in run-stopping opportunities, a $36 million contract for a player with that poor of an overall performance is bad – to say it kindly. It remains to be seen as to whether or not the Jets will utilize him as a true corner or safety. Regardless, this was a bad move in my opinion.
Grade: D
Andre Cisco, Safety
Also on March 10, the Jets signed safety Andre Cisco to a one-year, $10 million contract. Cisco was an above-average free safety in 2022 and 2023, but took a step back in 2024 on a Jaguars defense that had multiple problems within the unit.
Cisco is your quintessential low-risk, high-reward contract. He will still just be 25 years old by the start of the season, and has showcased an ability to play well before. With that said, Cisco is more average than elite, based on both his coverage and run-stopping ability as a safety. Because of that, it’s hard to be completely overcome with emotion with this addition, too.
Grade: B-
Rashad Weaver, OLB
Yet another head-scratching signing, Rashad Weaver was signed by New York on a one-year contract. Weaver was selected in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL draft by the Tennessee Titans. He would have his best year in 2022, where he had 5.5 sacks and 27 tackles. Outside of that, the linebacker has had essentially zero production in the NFL.
While the terms of this deal have yet to be released, I couldn’t tell you with a straight face why the Jets chose to sign Weaver in free agency.
Grade: F
Chukwuma Okorafor, Offensive Tackle
Would you believe me if I said this was another confusing move for the Jets to make in free agency?
Chukwuma Okorafor has 60 starts under his belt, most recently playing for the New England Patriots last year. The problem is, he played so poorly for the Patriots that he was benched in the middle of the team’s first game. After that, he literally quit on the team – informing them he would be leaving.
This was the second time that Okorafor had been benched in his career, and the offensive tackle has been mediocre when put in as a starter. Yet at the moment, he’s currently slated as the Jets’ starting tackle – which is not good.
For a new regime, adding players with high character is important. And thus far into his career, Okorafor has shown he’s far from that type of player. The terms of this deal have not yet been made known, but it’s hard to give this anything better than an F.
Grade: F
Josh Myers, IOL
The Jets signed center Josh Myers to a one-year deal worth $3.5 million. The offensive lineman was a four-year starter for the Green Bay Packers, and also played at Ohio State with now-Jets quarterback Justin Fields. However, that’s where the positives end.
Myers has been one of the worst centers in the NFL during his tenure as a starter. In the last three seasons, he’s been graded in the bottom-quarter of the NFL (25th or worse). Last year was even worse, with him finishing 30th out of 32 qualifying players. He also had his worst-graded season of the year (53.3 grade).
In fact, Myers has been such an under-performing player, that he’s most known for throwing up on the football pre-snap in 2024. And no, that isn’t a joke.
While the Jets needed depth, it’s hard to get excited about the Myers’ signing. The one positive is that he has starting experience, which can help if an injury occurs.
Grade: C-
Stone Smartt, Tight End
With the Jets bereft of playmakers at the tight end position, Stone Smartt is a player who could useful in a depth role. Smartt, who was once a QB and WR in college, has made the transition to tight end and seems to have started putting things together.
The 2024 season was his best year as both a pass-catcher and a blocker. Tight end is a position that usually takes years to develop, so taking a shot on a player who has shown upside is worth making a move for. With so many underwhelming moves in free agency by the Jets, this is one that should make fans happy.
Stone Smartt in 2024:
– 10.1 ADOT
– 84.2% catch rate
– 1.78 yards per route run
– 112.3 passer rating when targetedHere's every target from his season… you can see the potential #Jets pic.twitter.com/xjU95h4a5y
— Michael Nania (@Michael_Nania) March 13, 2025
Smartt signed a one-year deal with the team, but terms have not yet been disclosed at the time of writing.
Grade: B
Byron Cowart, Defensive Lineman
Adding to the defensive line, the Jets added Byron Cowart through free agency. Cowart once worked with current Jets defensive line coach Eric Washington. Yet while there’s familiarity there, the production from Cowart has been middling at best.
Cowart had a run-stop rate of 6.8 percent with the Bears, but was also graded as the second-worst defensive player on Chicago last year, with a 58.9 grade.
The Jets desperately needed some depth and help for Quinnen Williams. However, I’m not sure Cowart was the best option for New York. The terms of the deal are still unknown, but this is another move that’s hard for fans to be excited for.
Grade: C-
Jay Tufele, Defensive Tackle
Jay Tufele is another player who has underwhelmed at the NFL level. He’s performed well in preseason matchups, but that has not yet translated to NFL games.
A fourth-round pick in 2021, Tufele has just 0.5 career sacks and 44 total tackles. Tufele comps as more of a space-eating defensive tackle, which could be beneficial for the Jets. The current terms of his deal are yet to be known at the time of this writing.
Grade: C-
Austin McNamara, Punter
Austin McNamara has no NFL snaps, and was an UDFA who was picked up by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2024.
McNamara spent five years at Texas Tech, where his 45.91 average was the highest in school and Big 12 conference history. The punter also earned All-Big 12 first team honors three times in his collegiate career.
Grade: C+
Tyler Johnson, Wide Receiver
For a team desperate to add to their receiving core, adding Tyler Johnson isn’t necessarily the splash Jets fans wanted to see in free agency. Johnson is a solid WR4/WR5, but should not be relied on more than that. The terms of this deal have not yet been disclosed.
Grade: C
Kris Boyd, Cornerback
Adding to the list of head-scratching decisions is the Jets adding Kris Boyd to their roster. Considering the team already has multiple special team contributors, it seems bizarre to add another. More-so, it seems bizarre to add one that has shown to be a malcontent on a winning team. If you’re unaware, Boyd is most known for him shoving his special teams coach, instead of anything he’s done on the football field.
Overnight the Jets agreed to deals with ST/CB Kris Boyd and WR Tyler Johnson.
You might remember Boyd shoving his Texans special teams coach Frank Ross in the playoffs last year. pic.twitter.com/W8Tgaoam0d
— uSTADIUM (@uSTADIUM) March 15, 2025
Grade: F
New York Jets Free Agency Re-Signings
Jamien Sherwood, Linebacker
This was a no-brainer. Jamien Sherwood went from one of the worst coverage linebackers in the league into one of the best overall players at the position. The Jets made sure to keep him in-house by re-signing him to a three-year deal worth $45 million.
This breakdown from our TV show in January exemplifies what Jamien Sherwood is about. The Jets were 3-9 in Week 14 without postseason hopes.
Sherwood then turned in 18 tackles, tied for the most in a game in the NFL this season. All hustle, all the time. pic.twitter.com/TF9fQOUgHI
— Ethan Greenberg (@EGreenbergJets) March 13, 2025
Sherwood had the 14th-best defensive grade by PFF (73.8) and was fifth in the NFL in tackles this past season with 109. He was also T-28th in missed tackle percentage at 10.7.
The best part is that Sherwood still can get better. This was a must-have re-signing for the Jets, and a great deal to get done in free agency.
Grade: A+
Isaiah Oliver, Defensive Back
Another player the Jets re-signed in free agency was Isaiah Oliver. While the terms are still not known, it’s a good move for New York. Oliver is a veteran player who was selected in the second round of the 2018 NFL draft. He saw a lot of playing time while Michael Carter II was injured, and played in a variety of alignments on the field.
While Oliver leaves much to be desired as a coverage defensive back, he is a plus as a run-stopper, posting a 71.6 grade in 2024. The veteran will be a good utility tool for Aaron Glenn in the Jets’ defense, if not solid depth otherwise.
Grade: B
Jamin Davis, Linebacker
Believe it or not, I was one of only two people who had Jamin Davis as a first-round prospect in 2021. While he hasn’t lived up to his potential, he has shown bursts of success during his time with the Washington Commanders.
Davis has the tools to be a solid Will linebacker. Maybe there’s a chance that he’s able to do so under Glenn and the Jets defense going forward. At worst, it doesn’t hurt to have a former first-round pick as depth at the position. This isn’t a move that will “wow” anyone, but it’s solid.
Grade: C+
Kene Nwangwu, Running Back
Kene is primarily a special team’s returner who can also contribute at running back if necessary. Fans may remember Nwangwu for his 99-yard touchdown last season before getting injured. The returner was brought back on a one-year contract worth up to $2.5 million. Like most of the other re-signings, I actually like this move by the Jets.
Grade: B+
NY Jets: Overall Free Agency Thoughts
To be honest, it’s hard to see these signings and be too enthusiastic if you’re a Jets fan. Yes, the team did well in re-signing some key players. And, they did address the issue at quarterback. However, the rest of the signings are incredibly underwhelming, full of poor performers and outcasts from other teams.
It will be surprising to see if these signings pan out. However, at this point you can only hope for the best.
Overall Grade: C-
