Key 2024 Jets starter without a job deserves a training camp invite

It’s mid-July, and a number of veteran players are still waiting by the phone, hoping to receive a call from NFL teams. Former New York Jets defensive back Jalen Mills is one of the many without a job as training camp approaches.

The nine-year defensive back has started 91 career games, won a Super Bowl with the Eagles, and played key roles in three different secondaries. That includes an impromptu important role with the Jets last season.

Mills went from a practice-squad flier to one of the leaders of the Jets’ defense, starting eight games and filling in at both safety spots and even at nickel cornerback. He did it all until a broken collarbone abruptly ended his season in December.

The 31-year-old remains one of the more notable names remaining on the market. The Jets have gone in a different direction this offseason, but Mills showed enough in 2024 to warrant another shot, if not in New York, then somewhere else.

Ex-Jets DB Jalen Mills deserves to be on an NFL roster

Mills joined the Jets in late September after being released by the New York Giants the previous month. Initially signed to the practice squad as a depth move, it didn’t take long for the veteran to earn his way onto the active roster. Mills stepped in and quickly carved out a key role after multiple injuries in the Jets' secondary.

He played 458 defensive snaps for the Jets in 2024, lining up all over the defense, 189 at free safety, 181 in the box, and 65 as a nickel cornerback. His versatility proved invaluable, especially with Michael Carter II battling through a nagging back injury.

Mills also held his own on the field, finishing with a 63.4 Pro Football Focus grade, good for 85th out of 171 qualifying safeties. His 68.2 run defense grade ranked 72nd.

But Mills’ impact went beyond box score numbers and PFF grades. In just a few weeks, he managed to earn enough trust from teammates and coaches to become a vocal leader in the locker room.

By his third game with the Jets, he was already the one breaking down the pregame defensive back huddle. Mills became the vocal on-field leader of a Jets team in the midst of a turbulent season.

Mills is an experienced NFL veteran who appeared in over 100 games combined between the Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots before joining the Jets last year.

Mills may not be a long-term answer for any team at this stage, but if he’s healthy, he still brings value as a versatile depth piece and respected veteran leader. His resume speaks for itself. Now, it’s just a matter of whether a team makes the call.

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