5 former NY Jets who are still having trouble finding jobs

The NY Jets have already parted ways with a few internal free agents this offseason. This shouldn't come as a surprise given general manager Joe Douglas' efforts to revamp his team's roster through free agency.

Most notably, star defensive end Bryce Huff left to sign a hefty three-year, $51 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles during the legal tampering period. Other notable players such as Jordan Whitehead, Quinton Jefferson, and Bryce Hall have also found new homes this offseason.

There are still plenty of Jets free agents that remain unsigned at the time of writing, however. Some of those players might not even continue their NFL careers — such as Duane Brown, Randall Cobb, and Duane Brown — but there are still a few notable names looking for a new contract.

Let's take a look at five Jets free agents who remain unsigned through the first two-plus weeks of free agency.

5. Justin Hardee, CB/ST, NY Jets

The Jets made it a priority to bring back their standout special-teams duo of Greg Zuerlein and Thomas Morstead this offseason, but they've yet to re-sign their other special-teams star, Justin Hardee.

Hardee has spent the last three seasons with the Jets, establishing a reputation as one of the NFL's best special-teams players. It was enough to earn him a Pro Bowl nod in 2022 — the first of his career.

Hardee is an obvious favorite of special teams coordinator Brant Boyer, meaning that most would expect the Jets to bring him back. Perhaps the team sees something in fellow special-teams standout Irv Charles, who filled in for Hardee while the veteran was injured last season.

Boyer's influence means there's still a good chance Hardee does return to the Jets in 2024, but it likely won't be at the price he's looking for. Don't be shocked if another team swoops in and offers him more money.

4. Connor McGovern, C, NY Jets

The Jets brought back starting center Connor McGovern on a dirt-cheap one-year, $1.95 million contract last offseason. McGovern would start seven games for the Jets before suffering a season-ending knee injury.

The seven-year NFL veteran has proven to be a capable starter in the past, although given his underwhelming market last offseason and his recent injury, it's fair to suggest that he might not receive a starting opportunity in 2024.

McGovern remains a free agent, and it's possible the Jets look to bring him back as a depth piece. Joe Tippmann has emerged as the team's starting center, but McGovern could provide quality depth to the Jets' interior offensive line.

If the medicals check out and McGovern is willing to take another team-friendly contract, there's no reason the Jets shouldn't explore a reunion at some point this offseason.

3. Carl Lawson, DE, NY Jets

One player who has almost certainly played his final game with the Jets is Carl Lawson. The Jets turned down an opportunity to release Lawson last offseason, a move that would've saved the team $15 million in cap space.

Instead, the Jets restructured Lawson's contract, pushing nearly $6 million in dead cap into 2024. The Jets hoped that a healthy Lawson could still provide value to a talented pass-rush corps. Unfortunately, we never got to see a healthy Lawson in a Jets uniform.

The former Cincinnati Bengals star injured his back in the summer and clearly wasn't himself come the regular season. Lawson spent most of the year as a "healthy" scratch, appearing in just six games.

It's hard to say what Lawson might still have left in the tank at this stage. Perhaps another year removed from his torn Achilles and back injury will allow him to regain some of his pre-injury form. Don't expect that to be with the Jets, however.

2. Ashtyn Davis, S, NY Jets

The Jets have already brought back one safety this offseason in Chuck Clark. While the team did part ways with Jordan Whitehead, the Jets are reportedly still interested in re-signing Ashtyn Davis. The issue is Davis might not feel the same way.

The former third-round pick developed into a key cog in the Jets' defense last season. After playing just 13 total defensive snaps the year prior, Davis forced his way onto the field and maximized his snaps.

Davis is reportedly hoping to parlay his strong 2023 season into a starting job in 2024, but his market has been rather slow. If he's unable to land a starting job with another team, a return to the Jets is still on the table.

Davis is one of the Jets' most valuable special-teams players, and he proved last season that he should have a role on defense as well. The Jets would love to bring Davis back for another year.

1. Mekhi Becton, OT, NY Jets

Perhaps the most notable unsigned Jets free agent is Mekhi Becton. The former first-round pick has had a roller coaster of an NFL career to this point, battling both injuries and inconsistent play.

Becton's promising rookie season was followed by consecutive season-ending knee injuries that derailed his entire Jets tenure. He returned healthy in 2023, although his performance on the field was less than stellar.

Becton led all offensive tackles with 12 sacks allowed, finished fifth-worst in total pressures allowed, and was just one penalty shy of the league lead at his position. It was a difficult season for the former Louisville star.

Becton has visited with a number of teams thus far in free agency, but he hasn't been able to strike a deal just yet. Some team will take a chance on the former top prospect's raw potential, but that team won't be the Jets. His time in Florham Park has come to an end.