4 priority free agents the NY Jets should re-sign in the 2025 offseason

The Jets should make these four players a priority.
Jamien Sherwood
Jamien Sherwood | Al Pereira/GettyImages

With a new regime set to take over Florham Park in 2025, the NY Jets are poised to make significant roster changes this offseason. Such transitions often spell trouble for holdover players, and that may well be the case for Aaron Glenn's Jets.

The Jets have a whopping 28 players set to hit the open market this offseason, ranging from notable starters to afterthought roster fillers. The vast majority of the Jets' internal free agents will likely be looking for new homes in 2025.

That said, even with a new front office and coaching staff in place, there are still key players the Jets should prioritize re-signing. Here are four internal free agents the team should attempt to retain this offseason.

NY Jets free agents the team should sign

1. Jamien Sherwood, LB

Perhaps the Jets' most high-profile free agent, Jamien Sherwood is coming off a breakout season in his first full year as a starting linebacker. Sherwood emerged as one of the Jets' most important players, leading the NFL in solo tackles while even receiving All-Pro votes.

The former Auburn star took several years to find his footing in the NFL after switching from safety and enduring a torn Achilles in his rookie season. In 2024, however, the Jets finally began to reap the rewards of his development.

Sherwood with a Pro Football Focus grade of 73.8, which ranked ninth among all qualified linebackers (min. 700 snaps). He also finished fourth among all linebackers with 59 run stops and missed just over 10 percent of his tackles, one of the best rates on the team.

Having just turned 25 years old, Sherwood should be the Jets' top internal priority this offseason. Unfortunately, his market could get pricey, especially with the Atlanta Falcons (Jeff Ulbrich/Mike Rutenberg) and San Francisco 49ers (Robert Saleh) both looming.

2. Morgan Moses, OT

The Jets' offensive line was one of the only bright spots in a dark year for the organization last season. Four of the team's five starters are under contract in 2025 — the lone exception is Morgan Moses.

The veteran right tackle started 14 games for the Jets last year, battling through multiple serious injuries. Even with the injuries, Moses still played at a starting-caliber level. The Jets could do a lot worse than Moses as their starter heading into 2025.

SNY's Connor Hughes reported earlier this month that Moses "isn't expected to return" to the Jets next season, but it would make sense to bring him back. Ideally, the Jets could re-sign Moses to another short-term, team-friendly contract and draft a tackle to develop behind him.

Of course, just because the Jets might want Moses back, doesn't mean he's interested in returning. But if he's open to it, the Jets would be wise to explore a reunion next season.

3. Isaiah Oliver, DB

Isaiah Oliver was quietly one of the Jets' best free-agent signings of last offseason. The former first-round pick converted to safety in the summer but ended up playing a good portion of the year at nickel cornerback following an injury to Michael Carter II.

Oliver proved to be a reliable fill-in at both safety and nickel corner, finishing with the lowest missed tackle rate (8.3%) on the roster. He also held his own in coverage and was rock-solid in run defense.

Oliver's versatility could be very valuable to a Jets' secondary that's expected to undergo some changes this offseason. At worst, he's quality and affordable depth at multiple positions.

RELATED: One thought on all 28 pending NY Jets free agents in 2025

4. Jalen Mills, SAF

Another versatile defensive back who impressed last season is Jalen Mills. Signed to the practice squad in September, Mills was quickly elevated to the active roster, starting eight games for the team in 2024.

Mills was credited with allowing just 11 catches for 139 yards in nine games, finishing with a very respectable 68.4 Pro Football Focus run defense grade, but it was his leadership that stood out the most.

Mills was already breaking down pre-game huddles a month into his Jets tenure, as he developed into one of the team's most vocal on-field leaders despite joining the team in September.

It might be worthwhile to bring Mills back to compete for a roster spot this summer — he's exactly the type of character new head coach Aaron Glenn should want in his locker room.

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