Evaluating The New York Jets’ Free-Agent Class Now That The Contract Figures Are Known

After concentrating on offense early during legal tampering in free agency, the New York Jets then turned to defense, with the emphasis on fixing a leaky secondary.

Time will tell how well the Jets and general manager Joe Douglas’ free-agent signees improve the team, but one thing seems apparent. The time for merely developing players is over, and the Jets’ approach demonstrates that. It is time for results, if not reaching the post-season, at least making serious improvement in the won-lost record.

No, they aren’t doling out a reported $72 million fully guaranteed to new Miami wide receiver Tyreek Hill, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, but they have made some serious financial commitments.

As re-signed wide receiver Braxton Berrios told the team’s website, “This business is wins and losses. That’s the next step for us. We have to win. We have to show what we feel in this building, we have to show it in the win column.

Here is an analysis of the signings with an emphasis on the financial aspects. As always, monetary terms are from Over The Cap.

Laken Tomlinson, G, San Francisco

Financials: Three years, $40 million, $13.9 million fully guaranteed

If Tomlinson can seamlessly make the switch from left to right guard, he will be worth his deal, the priciest given out by the Jets this month. Tomlinson is durable and has been a consistently top-notch run blocker. He also earned a career-high 75.2 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus last season.

The contract carries $4.26 million in dead money if he is cut in 2024.

Tomlinson’s transition should be helped by the fact that offensive line coach and run game coordinator John Benton held the latter position with the 49ers. However, Benton was arrested for DUI last week in New Jersey, and it is unclear if he may face an NFL-imposed suspension at some point, depending upon how his case is adjudicated.

D.J. Reed, CB, Seattle

Financials: Three years, $33 million, $10.5 million fully guaranteed

Analysis: Reed played under Jets head coach Robert Saleh for two seasons in San Francisco when Saleh was defensive coordinator. Reed was a reserve then but blossomed into a productive starter in Seattle, just in time to hit free agency.

The book on Reed, according to Pro Football Focus, is that he is more used to zone than man-to-man coverage, which fits the Jets’ defense well. He also is good in run support. Reed told Jets’ reporters he felt “disrespected” by Seattle’s offer, whatever it was. The contract carries $3.155 million in dead money if he is cut in 2024.

C.J. Uzomah, TE, Cincinnati

Financials: Three years, $24 million, $15 million fully guaranteed

Analysis: Uzomah projects as a No. 1 tight end in the Jets’ offense after averaging just under 40 receptions for the Bengals in 2018, 2019 and 2021. (He missed most of 2020 because of a torn Achilles’.) Uzomah is a big-time pass catcher but not a strong blocker.

Jordan Whitehead, SS, Tampa Bay

Financials: Two years, $14.5 million, $7 million fully guaranteed

Analysis: Whitehead projects as a box-type safety, but also figures to be a good fit in the Jets’ defense. He has 25 career passes defensed, 22 tackles for loss and five interceptions.

Tyler Conklin, TE, Minnesota

Financials: Three years, $20.25 million, $10 million fully guaranteed

Conklin had a career year in 2021 with 61 receptions for a Vikings team in desperate need of a tight end to step up. He did well for himself with this deal, considering he totaled 32 catches before last season. The contract carries $1.688 million in dead money if he is cut in 2024.

Conklin could compete with Ryan Griffin for the No. 2 tight end slot, although based on this salary, Conklin may have that job locked up already. Griffin could be a cap casualty. The Jets would save just over $3 million by cutting Griffin.

Jacob Martin, DE, Houston

Financials: Three years, $13.5 million, $6 million fully guaranteed

Analysis: Think of Martin as someone in the Carl Lawson mold, although less expensive. The Jets are hoping that his measurables eventually will lead to sacks, even though the raw production has not been there yet. In four seasons with Seattle and Houston, Martin recorded only 13.5 sacks, with a high of four with the Texans last season.

The contract carries $1.321 million in dead money if he is cut in 2024.

Make no mistake, even with the expected return of Lawson from a ruptured Achilles’, the Jets still will need to draft a pass rusher, likely in the first round.

Re-signings

Braxton Berrios, WR-KR, re-signed

Financials: Two years, $12 million, $7 million fully guaranteed

Analysis: A terrific value signing for a vital cog to both the offense and special teams. His chemistry with Zach Wilson is undeniable and his presence in the slot will allow budding star Elijah Moore to stay on the outside. This also meant the end of Jamison Crowder’s tenure as Jets’ slot receiver. Crowder signed a one-year contract with Buffalo for $2 million, $1.87 million fully guaranteed.

Dan Feeney, OL

Financials: One year, $3 million (all fully guaranteed)

Analysis: I erred previously. This is a solid move. Feeney had an excellent 75.9 Pro Football Focus rating last season and provides quality depth at guard and center.

LaMarcus Joyner, S

Financials: One year, $2.6 million, $2.1 million fully guaranteed

Analysis: Joyner was signed to a one-year deal for $3 million last season, with $2.5 million fully guaranteed, and was the opening-day starter. But he suffered a season-ending arm injury in that game. Given the similarity of the money, he has a chance to start again provided New York does not draft Notre Dame star Kyle Hamilton.

Mike White, QB

Financials: One year, $2.54 million, zero guaranteed money

Analysis: Other teams were not impressed by White’s game against, or were unwilling to spend the fifth-round pick it would have taken to pry him away had the Jets not matched for the restricted free agent. Thus, he is back to back up Zach Wilson, along with Joe Flacco, a favorite of head coach Robert Saleh. Flacco’s new one-year deal is worth a reported $3.5 million, but no official figures have been released.

Eddy Pineiro, K

Financials: One year, $2.433 million, zero guaranteed money

Analysis: Pineiro kicked well for the Jets down the stretch. Unlike White, he has yet to sign the tender, however.

Conor McDermott, OL

Financials: One year, $1.55 million, $450,000 fully guaranteed

Analysis: McDermott had a solid 68.4 PFF rating in 2021 and who can forget his touchdown reception?

Tevin Coleman, RB

Financials: One year, $1.5 million, $650,000 fully guaranteed

Analysis: Solid veteran who knows the system. Rushed for 356 yards at 4.2 yards per carry in 2021.

Nathan Shepherd, DL

Financials: One year, $1.085 million, $50,000 fully guaranteed

Analysis: He has a good motor but doesn’t make many plays.

Will Parks, S

Financials: One year, $1.035 million, zero guaranteed money

Analysis: A depth signing. Obviously, Parks is not guaranteed anything, including a roster spot.