Grading every move the NY Jets made in the first wave of free agency

Will Parks, S, NY Jets: 1-year, $1.035 million

Will Parks was re-signed by the Jets before free agency kicked off because of an absurd rash of injuries at safety last year.

After being claimed off waivers four days before Christmas, Parks found his way onto the Jets roster. The 27-year-old former sixth-round pick started two games for the Jets and did a good enough job in his limited audition that the Jets brass wanted him back. 

The well-traveled Parks is good veteran insurance for the Jets, but they could still address the safety position in the draft. Parks has value as a reserve and could see some action as he battles with disappointing 2020 third-round pick Ashtyn Davis for playing time in the summer.

Grade: B-

Dan Feeney, C/OG, NY Jets: 1-year, $3 million

The fan-favorite Dan Feeney is back with the Jets for another season as the top interior backup on the offensive line. Feeney is beloved by the fan base and his teammates — the coaching staff and front office also have faith in him.

Feeney did an admirable job filling in last season at center and guard. Expectations were low based on how he graded out as a Chargers starter, but Feeney held his own last season, and the veteran offensive lineman who can play guard or center in a pinch has value.

The Jets liked what they saw from the 27-year-old and brought him back, and they could've easily gone in a different direction. By guaranteeing his contract for the 2022 season, the Jets' brain trust showed that they wanted Feeney to return.

Grade: B

Nick Bawden, FB, NY Jets: 1-year, $850K

Unlike newly-minted Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, despite coming from the same Shanahan coaching tree, Mike LaFleur doesn't value or utilize the fullback position as much as his colleagues and mentors do. More on that in the Jets featured free agent signings. 

Nick Bawden is returning to New York to serve as the team's only pure fullback. Bawden did a good job for the Jets in 2021 after joining the team late in November.

While he did contribute some on offense as a lead blocker, Bawden's best contribution came on special teams, leading the way on kick returns for Braxton Berrios.

This is the type of move that flies way under the radar, but Bawden could be valuable and useful playing the same role he did late in 2021.

Grade: B