Jets’ Micheal Clemons finds new home in free agency

New York Jets fans believe they are free at last.

Defensive end Micheal Clemons, infamous among Jets fans for his rampant penalties, has found a new home in free agency.

Per Jordan Schultz, Clemons is joining the Indianapolis Colts on a three-year, $17.5 million deal, worth up to $18.5 million.

When Gang Green drafted Clemons in the fourth round of the 2022 draft, the team believed it was getting a steal at the edge rusher position. Clemons was a physical freak who had 11 sacks in his final season at Texas A&M.

But for all the good he did in college, Clemons was unable to be a productive member of the Jets during his four-year run in Florham Park.

In four seasons with the Jets, Clemons recorded more penalties (10) than sacks (8.5).

The very fact that Clemons was able to get a contract is something of a surprise for Jets fans, let alone a deal of that value. Fans won’t complain, though, as Clemons is joining a team that owes its 2027 first-round pick to New York.

The Jets’ free agency plan made it an easy call to move on from the veteran.

Jets’ edge rusher room

The trade of Jermaine Johnson during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine had some fans concerned that the team was willing to bring back Clemons on a team-friendly deal.

The first wave of free agency ended any doubt, though. On Monday, New York agreed to terms with Joseph Ossai on a three-year, $36 million deal, and minutes later, Kingsley Enagbare was brought in on a one-year, $10 million deal.

Both players have been significantly more productive in their careers than Clemons. Their arrivals eliminated any need for the Jets to bring back the controversial defensive lineman.

Ossai has recorded 10 sacks over the last two seasons, while providing solid run defense. Enagbare is a quality backup who should be an upgrade over Clemons in the back end of New York’s rotation.

Time will tell if either addition is as undisciplined as Clemons was in New York, but it’s clear that the Jets had a plan in mind when addressing their defensive line. Clemons was simply no longer part of that plan.