NFL teams find success in a multitude of ways, but at the end of the day, roster building comes down to value. That could mean executing wise trades, making smart signings in the bargain bin, or drafting well in the later rounds.

New York Jets general manager Darren Mougey has done a tremendous job of acquiring talent across all three facets. Entering the 2026 season, here are the Jets’ three best contract values.

3. LG Dylan Parham

This offseason, the Jets inked left guard Dylan Parham to a two-year deal worth $16 million, one day after losing John Simpson to the Baltimore Ravens on a three-year, $30 million contract.

As our Michael Nania broke down, Parham has the upside to be the steal of the entire offseason.

In 2025, Parham ranked 14th among left guards (min. 500 snaps) in Pro Football Focus’ rankings, whereas Simpson ranked 20th. Also, keep in mind that Parham, 26, is two years younger than the 28-year-old Simpson. It is an outstanding value to land Parham on a deal with just $7.5 million in guarantees, compared to the $17.5 million that Simpson received.

Parham has a lot of starting experience, making 63 starts for the Las Vegas Raiders since entering the league as a third-round pick in 2022. Over the past few years, though, he has really developed into a quality starter on an atrocious line, while playing multiple positions.

In 2024, he graded out as PFF’s 10th-ranked right guard (min. 500 snaps), before his strong season on the left side in 2025. He also has experience at center, logging 82 snaps at the position in 2023.

His contract with the Jets ranks 23rd among left guards in total guarantees at $7.49 million, seven spots behind Simpson. It is also important to note where that ranked among other left guards who signed in this year’s free agent market.

Zion Johnson, who is a year older than Parham and hasn’t been close to as effective, received over $32 million in guarantees from the Cleveland Browns on a three-year deal worth over $49 million.

In 2025 with the Los Angeles Chargers, Johnson earned just a 57.2 overall grade, per PFF, which placed him 52nd among 81 qualified guards.

If Parham’s production continues to trend upward, which it should within a far better line in New York, his contract has the potential to be one of the best among offensive linemen.

2. DT T’Vondre Sweat

Ahead of free agency, the Jets acquired T’Vondre Sweat from the Tennessee Titans in exchange for Jermaine Johnson in a player for player swap.

It’s the perfect example of a trade bound to benefit each side. The Jets acquire one of the league’s top run-stoppers in Sweat, while Johnson reunites with the coach who drafted him while returning to the defensive system where he found his best success.

After entering the NFL as a second-round pick in 2024, Sweat has quickly established himself as one of the top nose tackles in the league. In 2025, his 83.4 overall grade from PFF finished fifth among 134 qualified DTs, anchored by his fourth-ranked 79.3 run defense grade.

While run defense is Sweat’s calling card, he has also proven to be a solid pass rusher, especially for a 362-pound nose tackle. Out of 97 qualified DTs last season (minimum 200 pass-rush snaps), he ranked 16th in PFF’s pass rush grade (74.1), 36th in pressure rate (9%), and 40th in pass-rush win rate (9.4%).

Given that he remains on his rookie contract, Sweat’s APY (average per year) of $2.38 million ranks 87th among interior defensive linemen. To boot, the Jets have him under team control through the 2027 season on that deal.

For a player of Sweat’s caliber, that is insane value. According to his former teammate and four-time Pro Bowler, Jeffery Simmons, the Texas product has the upside to be “the best nose tackle in football.”

With a strong first season in the Big Apple, Sweat can put himself in line for a massive payday.

1. DT Jowon Briggs

Acquiring Jowon Briggs in exchange for a sixth-round pick is arguably Mougey’s best move since becoming the Jets’ GM last January.

Last season, Briggs was an absolute monster of a pass rusher, especially once he got the opportunity to shine after the team traded Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys.

Thrust into a starting role for New York, Briggs racked up 29 total pressures from Weeks 10-18, ranking seventh among DTs. He was also second in PFF’s pass-rush grade (89.4), sixth in pressure rate (14.4%), and third in pass-rush win rate (19.4%).

As a seventh-round pick from the 2024 draft, his APY of $1.075 million ranks 184th among defensive tackles. The Jets kept Briggs on an exclusive rights tender in 2026, and they retain control of his future in 2027, as he will be a restricted free agent.

The Briggs trade is the type of move that separates successful organizations from the pack.