The first day of the NFL’s legal tampering period is in the books, and it was a busy day across the league.
New York Jets general manager Darren Mougey took a measured approach, signing three players. Meanwhile, the Jets saw several of their former players earn hefty paydays with new teams.
Jets add QB Justin Fields and two defensive backs
It was reported all week that the Jets wanted quarterback Justin Fields, and smoke quickly turned to fire.
First reported by NFL Insider Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, the Jets signed Fields to a two-year contract worth $40 million, with $30 million guaranteed.
Former teammates Garrett Wilson, Jeremy Ruckert, and Chris Olave expressed excitement at the deal. Fields’ dynamic rushing ability will add an element the Jets have never seen at this position, although Fields still needs plenty of development as a passer.
The Jets followed that up by signing cornerback Brandon Stephens from the Baltimore Ravens.
Stephens received a three-year, $36 million contract with $23 million guaranteed, which garnered mixed reviews. While the Jets needed a second starting cornerback after losing D.J. Reed to the Lions, Stephens allowed the second-most yards among cornerbacks in 2024.
Stephens’ 2023 season was much more encouraging (82.4 passer rating allowed, 2:2 TD:INT ratio), but the Jets will have to hope he gets back to that level. Stephens also played safety as a rookie, so he offers versatility.
Later in the evening, the Jets signed safety Andre Cisco from the Jacksonville Jaguars on a one-year deal worth up to $10 million.
Cisco is a true free safety, which the Jets have lacked in recent years. He is coming off a down year with one interception and a 125.7 passer rating allowed, but he had seven over the two years prior, allowing a sub-85 passer rating each year.
Aside from the new faces, the Jets took a step to retain one of their own. Antwan Staley reported the Jets extended a right-of-refusal tender on safety Tony Adams.
The former undrafted free agent has started 26 games over the last two seasons.
Altogether, the Jets landed a high-upside quarterback while shoring up the back end of their defense.
Former Jets players cash in with new teams
The Jets re-signed linebacker Jamien Sherwood over the weekend but they lost several other starters on Monday.
Offensive tackle Morgan Moses joined the Jets’ division rival New England Patriots on a three-year, $24 million deal.
Defensive end Haason Reddick signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a one-year contract worth up to $14 million.
Defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw cashed in with the Washington Commanders on a three-year, $45 million deal.
Cornerback D.J. Reed got a well-deserved payday in a three-year, $48 million deal with the Detroit Lions.
New York could potentially earn some compensatory picks as a result of these deals. The Jets have had big signings of their own, so we’ll see how it balances out when it’s all said and done.
Plenty of work left to be done as day two begins
First-year general manager Darren Mougey wasn’t the biggest spender on Monday, but he was still active.
The Jets still have plenty to do, however. Wide receiver, tight end, right tackle, and defensive tackle are the top remaining needs. They also need to decide what they’re doing with quarterback Aaron Rodgers and wide receiver Allen Lazard.
Onto day two.
