Jets could quietly target these 3 unexpected positions in free agency

We're just a few days away from the beginning of the NFL legal tampering period, when teams and free agents can agree to contracts that will become official at the start of the league year on March 11, and for the New York Jets, the rumor mill is already spinning in overdrive.

From Kyler Murray to Jarrett Stidham (really?), much of the focus will be on potential quarterback targets, with other needs sprinkled in. The Jets will spend big, meaning much more than just a quarterback is on the table. They need the talent influx, but they'll also be required to spend a huge chunk of their available cap.

But while a lot of attention will be on positions like wide receiver, safety, and guard, some other, less-talked-about needs exist that could prove to be early focuses for Gang Green once negotiations kick off.

Three under-the-radar positions the Jets could target in free agency

1. Cornerback

One might think the Jets are set at corner. Many questioned the big-money investment in Brandon Stephens last season, but he delivered in 2025. Third-round rookie Azareye'h Thomas took some lumps but ultimately showed a lot of promise on the other side once he was inserted into the lineup. Jarvis Brownlee looked like a steal of a deal when he came over the play in the slot.

But the situation has changed. Last year's defense was reminiscent of the scheme run by Robert Saleh and Jeff Ulbrich during their time in New York. With Aaron Glenn calling the plays, that goes out the window. Glenn much prefers man coverage looks over the heavy-zone principles utilized by Saleh.

Given his current personnel, running a man-heavy scheme could be problematic. Stephens posted a PPF coverage grade of 35.9 in man. Thomas struggled even more with a 33.0 grade. Brownlee could only muster a 44.0 mark.

Either Glenn tweaks his preferences, or Darren Mougey finds him some new pieces to play with.

2. Linebacker

Linebacker isn't the premier defensive position that it once was, but that doesn't mean the Jets should ignore it once free agency begins. Quincy Williams is likely a goner, and just one year into the big contract, Jamien Sherwood responded by putting up an uneven year.

There isn't much in the way of depth at the position either. The acquisition of T'Vondre Sweat hints at more 3-4 looks in 2026 as well, even if there are still some 4-3 looks mixed in. That could lead to a different type of linebacker who isn't the undersized and speedy flavor that Saleh preferred being on the docket.

Regardless, New York needs reinforcements here. The question will be just how much of a facelift they feel is needed.

3. Running back

Breece Hall coming back on the franchise tag settled the position's prime question, but there's more that needs to be answered.

Braelon Allen's season-ending knee injury clipped his wings before he could fully take off. The supersized 2024 fourth-round pick hasn't yet been able to live up to the promise he was thought to have coming out of Wisconsin. Fellow 2024 draftee, Isaiah Davis looked good once he ascended to the No. 2 role following Allen's injury.

Still, these two were drafted by a different regime and are now entering their third seasons under their third different offensive coordinator. Could Mougey want a different style of back? Does Frank Reich have some different ideas about what the running back depth chart should look like?

If the Jets want to make a change or simply add some competition, a late-round swing in the draft could make sense, but with Hall's long-term future still unsettled and some questions about his durability and consistency, maybe the Jets find a free-agent back who they feel could be the 1B to his 1A while eventually serving as his successor.