3 Young players the Jets should develop, 3 to give up on

The New York Jets' youth movement amid a lengthy rebuild has given the 2026 team a cornucopia of talented players on rookie contracts trying to improve.

Unfortunately, the Jets can't keep everyone along for the long haul. Some players will prove themselves not to be worth the developmental squeeze.

There are three players the Jets need to prioritize developing, but that should come with the caveat that there are a few players who may be kicked to the curb.

3 young players Jets must develop and 3 they need to dump

Develop: CB Azareye'h Thomas

Thomas is currently fighting with Nahshon Wright for the second outside cornerback spot behind Brandon Stephens. Even though Thomas has questions about his long speed, his physicality at the line of scrimmage and active hands are traits the Jets would be foolish to just discard.

Dump: EDGE Tyler Baron

Baron had every opportunity to get some extra snaps on a team that was as bad as any team in the league up front last year, and he was losing snaps to players like Braiden McGregor. The Jets have three new edge rushers brought in via the draft or free agency, giving Baron even less of a chance to make an impact.

Develop: RB Braelon Allen

Allen has been stuck behind Breece Hall on the depth chart and suffered an injury right when he was about to get an opportunity to break out. Weighing in at nearly 250 pounds and still just 22 years old, Allen has physical tools that would make any offensive coordinator blush.

Dump: WR Arian Smith

Smith's speed and special teams potential may be the only reason the former fourth-round pick has a 53-man roster spot, as the Jets' selections of Kenyon Sadiq and Omar Cooper Jr. suggest they have already given up on making the diminutive 100-meter dash specialist a member of their long-term pass-catching core.

Develop: WR Adonai Mitchell

Mitchell is not only a toolsy young player worth keeping an eye on; he's also someone who has been so impressive in OTAs that it appears likely he will start the season as the No. 2 wide receiver. A strong third season could be enough to force his way into the long-term plans.

Dump: EDGE Will McDonald

McDonald is a very good player, but the Jets' offseason signings signal that they have all but given up trying to make him even a below-average run defender. If David Bailey can hit the ground running, there's a good chance McDonald is jettisoned without a second contract and replaced by one of the Jets' 2027 first-rounders.

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