Jets quietly shopping for help at an unexpected position ahead of trade deadline

The New York Jets are expected to be among the most active teams in the trade market this year, with a number of players already generating interest around the league. But while most expect the Jets to sell assets, they also could be in the market to buy.

The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported on Saturday that the Jets have already started to receive calls on the availability of both running back Breece Hall and defensive end Jermaine Johnson.

This aligns with previous reporting that has also suggested the likes of Quincy Williams, Allen Lazard, Michael Carter II, and others could be available, too. But that's not all the Jets might do over the next few weeks.

Russini also revealed that the Jets are making calls of their own in search of a new kick returner. It appears the team could be looking to buy at the deadline — and that’s certainly an unexpected position to target.

Jets reportedly trying to trade for a new kick returner

The Jets have cycled through various returners this season, mostly in the wake of Kene Nwangwu's hamstring injury that sidelined him for four weeks. A whopping eight different players have returned kicks for the Jets in 2025, with three different players assuming the role of punt returner.

There was Xavier Gipson, whose Week 1 fumble ultimately cost the Jets what should have been their first win of the season. Gipson was released shortly after the game, as the Jets turned to other internal options like Isaiah Davis, Braelon Allen, and Arian Smith.

Allen would later suffer a serious knee injury on a Week 4 kick return, sidelining him for much of the remainder of the season. The Jets have also sought out external options, with the likes of Isaiah Williams, Avery Williams, and Khalil Herbert all getting an opportunity in the return game.

Isaiah Williams has somehow managed to stick around despite his multiple gaffes this season and was just re-signed to the 53-man roster this weekend. He and Nwangwu will handle kick returns in Week 7, with the former handling punt return duties.

Despite the team’s struggles in the return game, it’s still a bit surprising to hear the Jets are exploring a trade for a new return specialist. Their external additions haven’t exactly panned out, but it’s hard to justify giving up assets for a kick returner.

The Jets already have one All-Pro returner in Nwangwu, and while, yes, it's important to have two competent kick returners with the NFL's new rules, that doesn't mean the Jets are in a position to be trading away draft capital to acquire one.

Regardless, it’s notable that the Jets are still actively looking for ways to improve their roster despite their winless record. Don’t be surprised if they make another midseason acquisition or two — similar to the Jarvis Brownlee, Harrison Phillips, or Jowon Briggs trades — before next month’s deadline.