New York

Jets

The Jets traded away two star defenders as they began an organizational reset last season. They reportedly received offers for their star running back as well, but ultimately decided against trading him away. Hall’s new deal averages $15.25 million per year and makes him the NFL’s third-highest-paid running back. That said, SNY’s Connor Hughes notes that the contract’s third year has no guaranteed money, so this could end up being a two-year deal. Hall totaled 36 receptions, 1,415 yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns last season, finishing as the PPR RB19. Given the Jets’ offensive personnel upgrades and the team’s vote of confidence in their star rusher, Hall has decent odds of beating that season-long finish this year.

The Jets used their No. 2 overall pick to shore up their pass-rush with the selection of Bailey. The former Texas Tech Red Raider racked up a blistering 14.5 sacks and 19.5 TFLs in his last collegiate season, earning Unanimous All-American honors while also being named the Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year. In their first season under head coach Aaron Glenn, the Jets were among the worst defenses in the league, allowing the second-most points and the eighth-most yards per game, and were one of the worst against the pass. They impressively failed to force an interception all of last season and tallied the second-fewest sacks (26) of any team. If he lives up to his potential, Bailey should help improve those sack totals and may even force a quarterback into making a bad decision or two along the way.

Sadiq, 21, posted a 52/568/8 receiving line in his third and final season at Oregon before clocking a record-setting 4.39-second 40 at the NFL Scouting Combine. He should operate as the Jets’ primary receiving tight end in year one, while second-year TE Mason Taylor handles blocking duties. It could be tough for Sadiq to produce as a fantasy TE1 as a rookie if he is limited to playing in 12 personnel, but training camp reports should clarify his expected usage. Sadiq’s $22.3 million contract is fully guaranteed.

The move adds a spot to the Jets’ practice squad, allowing the former rugby player to continue developing without counting against the NFL’s roster limits. Ekeji, 24, joined the Jets last season, but did not play. The Jets also waived OL Gus Hartwig and S Chris Smith II.

Reich bravely claimed, “I think his best football’s ahead of him.” Sure. Smith is coming off a year in which he ranked 29th in EPA per play, trailing only Cam Ward. He only appeared in 15 games and still led the NFL in sacks (55) and interceptions (17). A change in scenery was certainly in order for Geno, though he may be better off as a backup at this point in his career. With the Jets making an offer to Russell Wilson this week, it’s clear they aren’t satisfied with the state of their quarterback room. Geno can be penciled in as the Week 1 starter, but it’s unlikely he keeps that job through the end of the season.

CBS is reportedly interested in bringing Wilson on as an anayst, and we doubt they are the only network reaching out to the former Super Bowl champion. On the other hand, Wilson visited with the Jets just after the 2026 NFL Draft, and the team is willing to bring him on as their QB2. While it isn’t a glamorous job, it might be Wilson’s last shot at playing in the NFL. For now, Cade Klubnik, Bailey Zappe, and Brady Cook are all on the able as backup options for Geno Smith this year.

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero was first to report the signing. Taylor, 36, has spent the last two seasons with the Jets and made four starts for them in 2025, throwing for 779-5-5 while completing 59.7 percent of his passes. The veteran signal-caller will serve as the new backup to Jordan Love after Malik Willis left for Miami earlier this offseason. Taylor hasn’t had many opportunities for success over the last four seasons while splitting time between the Giants and Jets, but with 15 years of NFL experience and 100 career games under his belt he should be a serviceable backup for the Packers if called upon for a spot start or two.

Free agent RB Elijah Mitchell attended as well. Herbert appeared in three games with the Jets last year, rushing 16 times for 52 yards and earned three targets. Mitchell logged zero touches and earned one target, playing for the Patriots. The Eagles already have five running backs on the roster, so both players face uphill battles to snag a roster spot.

The Jets acquired Smith when they traded Quinnen Williams to Dallas. Smith only appeared in three games for Gang Green last year. He did not record any counting stats. Smith now enters a contract year with a lot to prove.

The Jets were tied to other team’s backup quarterbacks for a lot of the offseason, as well as Carson Wentz before Wentz re-signed with the Vikings. This is the resignation stage. Wilson threw for 450 yards and three touchdowns against the Cowboys in Week 2 last year. That actually happened. Also he played some other games that weren’t as good before being benched for Jaxson Dart. On a talent level, there are probably teams with worse backups, but a 37-year-old Russell Wilson probably isn’t anything more than a bar for fourth-rounder Cade Klubnik to try to clear.