3 players the NY Jets must prioritize re-signing in 2025 offseason

After an ugly 5-12 season, the NY Jets have officially entered a massive 2025 offseason. The franchise faces major questions, none bigger than who they will hire as their next general manager and head coach.

One of the biggest tasks facing New York's new regime will be figuring out the future at quarterback. They will also have a lot of key decisions to make when it comes to other veterans on the roster and free agents set to hit the open market.

Let's take a look at three Jets free agents that should be re-signed once the new regime is solidified.

The NY Jets must re-sign these key players

Jamien Sherwood, LB, NY Jets

Jamien Sherwood has come a long way from when he was drafted in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft as a safety out of Auburn. In his first three seasons with the Jets, Sherwood primarily played a depth role on defense with special teams reps mixed in as he made the transition from safety to linebacker.

Fast forward to 2024 and Sherwood broke out in a huge way making a name for himself not just amongst the Jets but around the NFL. In 17 games, Sherwood led the league with 98 solo tackles and finished tied for third in the NFL with 158 total tackles. The 24-year-old also added 10 tackles for loss and two sacks to his total.

Sherwood also finished the season as the highest-graded Jets defender, posting a 73.8 Pro Football Focus Grade. This all led to the former fifth-round pick being named the Curtis Martin Team MVP, an award not many people saw going Sherwood's way before the season.

Sherwood now enters free agency coming off of a career year with interest expected to come from a variety of teams. Sherwood has made it known he would like to return to the Jets, and the Jets should want him back, too. With questions surrounding C.J. Mosley's future after playing in just four games, Sherwood could become his successor alongside Quincy Williams.

Morgan Moses, OT, NY Jets

After a poor 2023 campaign for the Jets' offensive line, 2024 was a complete 180 for New York up front. Four of the Jets' five starters up front are 27 and under, with the only one older being Morgan Moses who is set to hit free agency.

Moses signed a one-year deal with the Jets and put together a productive 2024 season. The 33-year-old posted a 63.3 PFF Grade which ranked 66th out of 141 qualified tackles. He also tallied a 69.2 pass block grade which finished 56th out of 141 qualified tackles. Despite battling injuries throughout the season, Moses remained above average in his 13 starts.

For the first time in a very long time, Gang Green has a chance to start building continuity up front heading into the 2025 season. With Olu Fashanu, John Simpson, Joe Tippmann, and Alijah Vera-Tucker still under contract, the Jets should make every effort to re-sign Moses for the 2025 season and potentially draft a right tackle to sit and develop for the future.

Brandin Echols, CB, NY Jets

Over the last few seasons, the Jets have had one of the best cornerback trios in the NFL. However, entering 2025, the secondary could look a little different, with all signs pointing towards D.J. Reed going elsewhere in free agency.

Brandin Echols who has primarily played a depth role at the position since getting drafted in 2021, could become the new number two cornerback alongside Sauce Gardner. In 57 career games played, Echols has registered 121 total tackles, five interceptions, and 16 passes defended.

In his limited playing time, the former sixth-round has shown an impressive ability to create turnovers and play good coverage when stepping into the starting role. At 27 years old, Echols who has shown solid progress since entering the league, projects nicely as a possible Reed replacement if brought back in free agency.

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