Obvious next Jets extension candidate is starting to become clear

The New York Jets didn't have many strong position groups during their 2025 campaign, but their offensive line was certainly one of them.

The unit started and played all 17 games together throughout the season, with the Jets' most recent two first picks, Olu Fashanu and Armand Membou, bookending the tackle spots.

John Simpson, Josh Myers, and Joe Tippmann anchored the interior, cementing a solid group that protected the revolving door of quarterbacks the Jets trotted out in 2025. They paved the way for the 10th-best rushing unit in all of football last season, averaging 123.3 rushing yards per game.

The Jets should strive to keep the unit mostly intact, and they'll have a decision to make on their left guard in the offseason. But there's another offensive lineman entering the final year of his rookie contract, and New York would be smart to lock him down before it's too late.

Rich Cimini names Joe Tippmann as next logical extension candidate for Jets

ESPN's Rich Cimini singled out Tippmann as a player who is likely to be the next Jet to receive a long-term contract extension, thanks to his versatility and high-end play.

"The next logical candidate is guard Joe Tippmann, a former second-round pick entering the final year of his rookie deal. He's due to make about $4 million in 2026, thanks to a performance/playing-time escalator. With an extension, he probably would at least triple that amount on an annual basis, based on the current need for guards. "

Rich Cimini

Tippmann, New York's 43rd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has been one of the Jets' best offensive linemen since joining the team. He's only missed two games since entering the league and has shown the ability to play both center and guard.

Cimini notes "it makes sense" to keep the young trio of Tippmann, Fashanu, and Membou for as "long as possible," and is one of the best young cores of offensive linemen across the league.

Tippmann's potential contract is interesting to project. He's not an All-Pro or Pro Bowler, so his deal likely won't reach the heights of, say, Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith, but Cimini projects at least triple his current yearly salary, meaning the former Wisconsin product could be eyeing up a contract worth at minimum $12 million per year.

After Myers' midseason extension and hypothetical Tippmann extension, the Jets would have four of their starting five offensive linemen under contract for the foreseeable future, creating a solid foundation for any future quarterback to work behind.

The lone remaining question mark on the Jets' offensive line would be at left guard, between Alijah Vera-Tucker and the incumbent Simpson. But having only one position to solve on your offensive line is a good problem to have.