The Jets are reportedly interested in retaining big Foley Fatukasi
One of the longest-tenured New York Jets is currently set to reach unrestricted free agency. Following the fourth year of his rookie deal, defensive tackle Folorunso Fatukasi is one of the Jets’ most important upcoming free agents—and apparently, Joe Douglas knows it.
On Thursday, ESPN’s Rich Cimini reported that the Jets would like to keep Fatukasi and have been talking to his agent for months.
Fatukasi is turning 27 and likely just entering his prime years as a player. In terms of his potential price tag on a new multi-year deal, Cimini stated “Fatukasi is thought to be seeking about $8 million per year.”
Fatukasi brings a ton of value to the Jets that warrants his reported asking price. Cimini wrote, “(he) is a durable, high-character player who led the defensive line with 16 run stuffs.” That ranked Fatukasi fifth in the NFL in terms of run stop rates per NFL Next Gen Stats.
Last season, Fatukasi also seemed to take on a substantial leadership role. He was voted by his teammates as a captain. Without Steve McLendon last year, as a vocal leader, Fatukasi showed he can take that responsibility for the Jets.
Throughout the last three seasons, Fatukasi has earned respect in the Jets building for the type of person he is. In 2019 and 2020, he won the Kyle Clifton “Good Guy” team award. Last year, Fatukasi won the Dennis Byrd “Most Inspirational Player” award for the Jets.
Needless to say, Fatukasi provides a significant amount to the Jets intangibly speaking that must be valued.
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It is well known that the Jets have not retained much homegrown talent. Fatukasi has earned a respectable second contract.
The Jets have a big decision to make in the coming weeks on their starting defensive tackle. After reported months of negotiating, hopefully, the Jets and Fatukasi are able to strike a three or four-year contract sometime soon.
