The 2023 season has put a damper on fans, but a win on Christmas Eve vs. the Commanders feels pretty good for the New York Jets. The team has been struggling for consistency on offense, but hope remains high for a return to the playoffs in 2024. But, as we draw closer to the postseason, the off-season is rearing its head. There will be questions about how the offense can improve but the New York Jets’ free agency decisions are going to be at the forefront. An off-season filled with big-name players like Mike Evans, Tee Higgins, and Michael Pittman will be on the block. However, it is important to appreciate some of the personnel who need extensions. These three have put in the work and have earned new contracts.
Here for the Long Haul: Three Jets Who’ve Earned Extensions
Heading into the off-season, the Jets will have 21 players heading into free agency. This includes Carl Lawson, Duane Brown, Jordan Whitehead, and Dalvin Cook. This opens up potentially over $40 million in cap space if they don’t return. After Woody Johnson confirmed his and Robert Saleh’s return, Joe Douglas will have options to improve the roster. One potential move includes a trade for veteran wide receiver Davante Adams from Las Vegas. Before that can happen they should consider locking up these three players first.
Justin Hardee
Special teams personnel often get overlooked. Even so, people recognize it mainly for kickers and punters. A gunner is just as valuable in the spectrum of the sport. It takes a unique skill set to track the ball on kickoffs and be fast enough to tackle a returner. One individual who excels in this aspect is Justin Hardee.
Want to highlight all six players who directly contributed to paving the way for Xavier Gipson's game-winning TD:
– Ashtyn Davis
– Micheal Clemons
– Chazz Surratt
– Justin Hardee
– Bryce Hall
– Jamien SherwoodTeam effort ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/pUIFA3O66t
— Michael Nania (@Michael_Nania) September 13, 2023
The seven-year veteran came to New York in 2021 and has been arguably a premier free agent signing of Joe Douglas’ tenure. Hardee played in all 33 games between the 2021 and 2022 seasons and made a considerable difference in the unit. With 14 total tackles and a forced fumble; Hardee earned Pro Bowl honors for the first time in his career. While he missed time in October due to a hamstring injury, he returned to form. The best ability is availability, and Hardee is on pace to play over 10 games a season each year of his career. Allowing him to test free agency would be a massive misstep on the Jets’ part.
Greg Zuerlein
Unfortunately, playing in an offense routinely incapable of scoring touchdowns deflates a team’s projections. This is the reality of a Nathaniel Hackett offense sans Aaron Rodgers and an offensive line thinner than copier paper. However, it’s a good thing New York has a talented veteran kicker on their team.
Six years ago, Greg Zuerlein earned First-Team All-Pro honors after leading the NFL in scoring. Going 38/40 on the season and kicked the game-winner in the NFC Championship to send the Rams to their first Super Bowl since 2001. Fast forward to 2023, and he’s still a machine when needed.
Greg Zuerlein’s game-winning and franchise record-setting FG to the tune of Celine Dion. enjoy pic.twitter.com/UNMySiBYnT
— Jack Stollow (@jetsbyjack) December 25, 2023
An efficient 27/28 on his field goals this year has him arguably the most dominant player on the offense. He’s been ten of 10 on field goals between 40-49 yards and five of six from 50 yards or more. He even made both game-winning field goals over the Giants and the Commanders at home this season. One should never underestimate the value a quality kicker brings to your franchise.
Bryce Huff
The last name has arguably had the most difficult challenge to earn an extension. Despite this, he’s gone above and beyond everything Robert Saleh has asked of him since joining the team. Make no mistake, be it in New York or elsewhere, Bryce Huff is going to be a hot commodity this off-season.
The former 2x All-conference linebacker didn’t hear his name on Draft Day in 2020. But, Joe Douglas took an opportunity on the Memphis Tiger. He has since turned into one of the league’s premier pass-rush specialists. Considering the depth of talent at their disposal, Huff’s emergence is all the more impressive. Essentially unseating Carl Lawson as a starter, Huff is in the midst of a career season.
Bryce Huff reaking havoc… what else is new pic.twitter.com/Tm7ZqxfTe4
— Will Parkinson (@Willpa11) December 26, 2023
Huff has 62 tackles through 52 games over his career, 26 of which came this season. What makes Huff unique is his ability to get after the quarterback. He’s more than doubled his sack total from last year with eight sacks to his credit through 15 games. Huff’s talent makes him a perfect fixture alongside John Franklin-Meyers and Jermaine Johnson on the edge. Whether he stays or not is yet to be determined, he’s more than earned a raise this year.
Main Photo: [Kevin R. Wexler/The Record] – USA Today Sports
