Darren Mougey reveals where Jets stand on future contract extensions

The New York Jets had their first day of training camp on Wednesday, and key figures like head coach Aaron Glenn, star wide receiver Garrett Wilson and general manager Darren Mougey spoke to the media. The latter individual touched on contract extensions, per ESPN's Rich Cimini.

"Doesn't sound like any contract extensions are on the horizon," Cimini reported. "After extending [running back Breece] Hall and [offensive lineman Joe] Tippmann, Mougey says they're 'in a good spot.'"

The Jets offered Hall the franchise tag worth $14.2 million for next season on March 3 before signing him to a three-year, $43.5 million deal on May 11, which runs through 2028. They then signed Tippmann to a four-year, $62 million extension that starts in 2027. Hall will once again start at running back and Tippmann at right guard.

Now, pass-rusher Will McDonald IV is New York's best remaining young player without an extension, but the team exercised his $14.475 million team option for 2027 in April. The 27-year-old led the team with eight sacks last season, double the amount of its second-leading player.

Meanwhile, defensive tackle Harrison Phillips is on an expiring deal after playing all 17 games with the Jets last year. The 30-year-old run-stopper hasn't missed a game since 2021.

Jets don't need to rush on Will McDonald, Harrison Phillips extensions

Now that core pieces like Wilson, Hall, and Tippmann are taken care of, New York can be patient with McDonald. If the 6-foot-4, 245-pounder has another productive season in 2026, it can negotiate a longer agreement without fear of him walking in free agency next offseason.

McDonald should be even better next season playing opposite pass-rusher David Bailey, whom the Jets drafted No. 2 overall out of Texas Tech this year. If Bailey is effective as a rookie, he'll command attention from opposing offensive lines, which his veteran colleague could take advantage of.

Plus, Mougey and company could wait until after McDonald's contract expires before offering him the franchise tag for 2028. That differs from the Hall situation, as he wasn't eligible for a fifth-year team option as a second-round pick. He was drafted in 2022, while McDonald was selected No. 15 overall in 2023, both out of Iowa State.

On the other hand, it wouldn't be a tragedy for New York if Phillips walks next offseason. It would be worth signing him to a longer deal worth less than $10 million per year, but he's not a core young piece.

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