Looking into NY Jets rookie extension candidates and what they might get

The NY Jets don't exactly have a lengthy recent history of extending homegrown players. Prior to Quinnen Williams' extension in 2023, the last first-round pick given a second contract by the Jets was Muhammad Wilkerson, who was drafted all the way back in 2011.

The trend holds true for later-round picks as well. Brian Winters and Quincy Enunwa were the only Jets draft picks from the 2013 class to the present day to be given multi-year extensions before Williams. Yes, it's been that bleak.

Fortunately, the Jets have found marginally more success in recent drafts. The team's historic 2022 draft class may not be extension-eligible yet, but their 2020 and 2021 draft classes are.

From soon-to-be free agents to players entering the final year of their rookie contract, here's a closer look at some potential rookie extension options for the Jets and what they might command on their new deals.

5. Bryce Hall, CB, NY Jets

A fifth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Bryce Hall was a projected Day 2 pick before an ankle injury tanked his draft stock. The Virginia product wasted little time working his way into the starting lineup, quickly becoming a fixture in the Jets' defense.

Hall started 24 of the first 25 games of his NFL career and proved to be a starting-caliber cornerback. Unfortunately, he soon found himself plummeting down the depth chart following the additions of Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed.

Hall has been a quality depth piece for the Jets, but there's a decent chance he's given an opportunity to start elsewhere next season. That makes it unlikely he will re-sign this offseason.

I'd expect Hall to receive some sort of one or two-year contract in the ballpark of $4 million per year. There are plenty of cornerback-needy teams out there that present a better opportunity for Hall.

Contract Projection: 1-year, $4 million

4. Mekhi Becton, OT, NY Jets

Unfortunately, the Jets' streak of extending first-round picks will likely end at one with Quinnen Williams. The team's first-round pick the following year, Mekhi Becton, hasn't followed the same career trajectory.

Becton put together an impressive rookie season, but injuries have derailed his career since. The former Louisville standout missed all but one game from 2021-2022 before returning as a starter this past season.

While Becton did stay healthy, his performance on the field left a lot to be desired. Some team will be willing to take a chance on Becton's upside and draft pedigree, but it's hard to imagine that team will be the Jets.

Spotrac projects Becton's market value at around three years, $38.9 million, but I wouldn't be surprised to see the former first-round pick sign more of a one-year, prove-it deal.

Contract Projection: 2-year, $21.5 million ($13 million guaranteed)

3. Ashtyn Davis, S, NY Jets

Ashtyn Davis has developed into one of the few success stories from the Jets' 2020 draft class. The former California star once seemed like a lost cause, only surviving roster cuts due to his inexpensive contract and special-teams prowess.

That changed in 2023, however. Davis maximized his snaps and earned a regular role in the Jets' defense as the team's third safety. He played 217 defensive snaps (as compared to just 13 in 2022) and appeared in all 17 games.

Davis is set to be a free agent this offseason, but it would make sense for the Jets to bring him back. He's one of Brant Boyer's favorites, and he's also proven to be a valuable contributor on defense.

A short-term extension probably makes sense for both parties. Figure somewhere in the range of $3-4 million on a one-year contract.

Contract Projection: 1-year, $3.5 million

2. Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL, NY Jets

Now we get into the members of the Jets' 2021 draft class that could theoretically be extended this offseason. Alijah Vera-Tucker's injury history makes him an interesting discussion, but he's worthy of a shoutout based on talent alone.

The former first-round pick has played just 12 games over the last two seasons as a result of a torn triceps injury and a torn Achilles this past year. Both injuries were freak accidents, but it's fair to be concerned about his health moving forward.

When on the field, however, Vera-Tucker is the Jets' best offensive lineman. He's played four of the five offensive line positions already at the NFL level and, if healthy, would be a Pro Bowl-caliber lineman.

It's unlikely the Jets extend him this offseason, given his injury history. The real discussion will be about whether or not the team picks up his fifth-year option. Even with his injuries, the safe bet is to assume they do.

Contract Projection: Jets pick up his fifth-year option

1. Michael Carter II, CB, NY Jets

If the Jets are going to extend any of their draft picks a year ahead of free agency this offseason, it's going to be Michael Carter II. The former fifth-round pick has quietly developed into one of the best nickel cornerbacks in the NFL.

Carter is often overshadowed by his star cornerback teammates, Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed, but make no mistake about it — he is just as important to the success of his team's defense.

The Jets could look to get ahead of the market and extend Carter this offseason before he becomes even more expensive, but there is no immediate financial benefit to getting a deal done as soon as possible.

The most likely scenario is that the Jets will let Carter play out the final year of his contract before diving into extension talks next offseason. If he is extended this offseason, however, expect Carter to become one of the NFL's highest-paid nickel cornerbacks.

Contract Projection: 3-year, $33 million