5 former NY Jets who are still having trouble finding jobs
These former Jets are still free agents
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.
