NY Jets nearly pulled off last-minute free agency heist for top Broncos target

The New York Jets were relatively quiet this free agency period, signing just two external free agents to multi-year deals while rounding out the roster with a series of short-term, low-profile fliers. It was a strategy that made sense and aligned with where the organization currently stands.

But just because the Jets didn't sign many high-profile free agents doesn't mean they didn't try. In fact, the Jets made a strong push to sign one of the top safeties on the open market.

According to Broncos insider Mike Klis of 9News, the Jets "swooped in to make an after-the-bell pitch" to new Denver safety Talanoa Hufanga after reports leaked that he had agreed to a deal with his new team.

Hufanga ultimately held true to his word and signed with the Broncos, but not before general manager Darren Mougey made an aggressive attempt to steal a top free agent from his former team.

NY Jets tried to sign Talanoa Hufanga in free agency

A fifth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Hufanga broke out in 2022, earning first-team All-Pro honors in just his second pro season. The USC product looked to be on the verge of stardom, but he hasn;t quite reached those heights since.

Injuries have partially derailed Hufanga's career. A torn ACL limited him to just 10 games in 2023, and he would miss the start of the 2024 season as a result. Hufanga would later suffer a wrist injury that once again landed him on the injured reserve.

In total, Hufanga has played just 17 games since his All-Pro 2022 campaign, but the Broncos still felt comfortable betting on his upside with a three-year, $39 million contract worth up to $45 million. The Jets seem to have felt the same way.

The Jets pivoted to former Jacksonville Jaguars standout Andre Cisco, whom they signed to a cheaper one-year, $10 million deal a few hours later. Cisco was one of the few notable signings the Jets made in free agency this year.

Hufanga would have been an exciting addition to the Aaron Glenn–Steve Wilks defense, and it’s certainly noteworthy that the Jets were at least exploring the top of the safety market. The team also reportedly showed interest in Jevon Holland, who ended up signing a lucrative deal with the New York Giants.

While the Jets ultimately missed out on both safeties, their aggressive approach shows they're not afraid to swing big under Mougey. Even if the Jets weren't able to close the deal, the intent suggests a more ambitious free-agent approach in the coming years.

Add Hufanga to the growing list of almost-Jets that also features memorable names like Anthony Barr and Kirk Cousins.

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