With the 2025 NFL draft officially in the books, free agency is expected to pick up to some degree, as teams no longer gain compensatory picks for signings made after the draft.
While head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey addressed several key needs over the three-day draft, the New York Jets roster could benefit by adding depth at certain position groups.
Here are three free agents New York should consider targeting in the coming weeks.
Za’Darius Smith, EDGE
Three-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Za’Darius Smith remains on the open market after being released by the Detroit Lions in early March.
Smith, 32, split the 2024 season between Cleveland and Detroit, notching 9.0 sacks and finishing tied for 10th among edge rushers with 60 total pressures over 17 games.
After being traded to the Lions in November, he thrived under new Jets head coach Aaron Glenn, piling up 36 pressures across just eight games, the third-most of any edge rusher during that stretch.
One of the NFL’s most consistent sack artists over the past decade, the former Lion has racked up 69 career sacks, including standout campaigns of 13.5 in 2019 and 12.5 in 2020. His proven ability to disrupt quarterbacks would immediately bolster a Jets defensive line seeking more production and leadership.
Smith also brings value as a run defender. His 62.8 run-defense grade from Pro Football Focus ranked 55th out of 115 qualified edge rushers last season, a mark that topped every Jets edge player outside of undrafted rookie Eric Watts.
While the Jets found substantial value by selecting Miami’s Tyler Baron in the fifth round of the draft, they could still benefit from adding a proven presence to their defensive end group, and Smith would provide exactly that.
Nick Folk, K
You might be wondering why a kicker is even on this list, but it’s important to remember how much of a problem the position became last season.
Veteran Greg Zuerlein endured an abysmal 2024 campaign, posting the worst field goal percentage among qualified kickers (minimum 15 attempts) at just 60%. Over the first eight weeks, he missed a league-high six field goals, contributing to the Jets’ early-season frustrations.
Even at 40 years old, Nick Folk remains one of the NFL’s most reliable kickers. During his two seasons with the Tennessee Titans (2023-24), Folk led all kickers with a 96.2% field goal percentage and showed little sign of slowing down, converting 10 of 11 attempts from beyond 50 yards.
In 2024, Folk was flawless from long range, drilling all six of his field goal tries from 50 yards or more, including a season-long 56-yarder. He finished the year 21-of-22 on field goals overall, topping the league with a 95.5% success rate, while also converting all 25 extra point attempts.
Known for his steadiness, Folk owns an 84.3% career field goal percentage and has posted marks above 92% in four of the last five seasons, showing remarkable improvement late in his career.
Folk also has strong ties to New York, having spent seven seasons with the Jets (2010-16).
Folk offers a steady veteran presence, a proven track record in New York, and a powerful, dependable leg. Should the Jets move on from Zuerlein after June 1, the cap savings (over $4.1 million) could help pave the way for a reunion with Folk.
Keenan Allen, WR
Veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen entered the offseason as a free agent and remains on the open market after a down year by his standards.
Allen, 33, spent the 2024 season with the Chicago Bears, starting 15 games and catching 70 passes for 744 yards and seven touchdowns on 121 targets.
It was a noticeable drop-off from his 2023 campaign, when he posted 1,243 yards despite playing in two fewer games.
Even after selecting Georgia speedster Arian Smith in the fourth round, the Jets still have a significant void at the No. 2 wide receiver spot behind Garrett Wilson.
Trusting Smith, Allen Lazard, or Josh Reynolds to fill that role would be a risky bet, and one that could ultimately hold back the offense significantly.
Adding a veteran like Allen would not only take pressure off Wilson but also provide quarterback Justin Fields with another proven, reliable target, something the New York Jets currently lack.
