NY Jets: Jordan Jenkins returns home to Gang Green in free agency

The NY Jets have retained edge rusher Jordan Jenkins in free agency. Here are all the details and why this is a major win for the front office.

In a somewhat unexpected move, the NY Jets have retained outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins, per Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News.

The Jets attempted to sign him to a long-term deal in 2019, but to no avail. It seemed like Jenkins and the team was pretty far off on the numbers. Reportedly he was searching for a lucrative long-term deal that would’ve paid him between $12 and $14 million annually.

***UPDATE***

Several league insiders confirm that Jordan Jenkins is returning to the NY Jets on a one-year deal worth $5 million.

Ultimately he decided that playing for the NY Jets was more desirable “than the options he was weighing in free agency.” Per Mehta, the other offers were from Baltimore and New England.

Mehta is reporting that it’ll be a one-year deal, but the specifics haven’t yet been revealed on the contract.

This provides Jenkins an opportunity to prove himself on a short term deal coming off of the best year of his career. Jordan Jenkins recorded eight sacks (a career-high), two forced fumbles, three pass deflections, 13 quarterback hits, nine tackles for loss, and 32 combined tackles in 2019.

The Jets Zone w/ @BoyGreen25 feat @RichCimini:– Fact or fiction on #TakeFlight free agency rumors.– Which FAs #Jets are trying to re-sign ahead of next week.– Joe Douglas, Ozzie Newsome relationship details.– Latest on Quinnen Williams.– Tom Brady?!https://t.co/yWFRXUrPzb

— The Jets Zone (@TheJets_Zone) March 12, 2020

It’s a win-win for the NY Jets who continue to dominant free agency with a smart meticulous plan. The team continues to fill holes on the roster with short-term band-aid contracts on one to three-year deals that aren’t cost-prohibitive.

Jenkins was the team’s leading sack getter last season and it made sense to bring him back. The Jets needed more edge rush help regardless of whether or not Jordan decided to return.

Gang Green defensive coordinator Gregg Williams was able to get the most out of his players and really unlocked Jenkins’ potential. If Jordan plays his cards right, he’ll continue to thrive under Williams’ leadership and that’ll lead him to a bigger payday in 2021.

Jenkins reportedly turned down “several serious suitors” to return to the team in free agency. Jenkins is 25 years old (will be 26 by the start of the 2020 season). He epitomizes the kinds of players the Jets want to build their foundation on.

Jordan was the 83rd overall pick in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He earned his stripes on the gridiron steadily improving each of the last four years. For now, the NY Jets have retained a homegrown talent at a critical position of need.