The New York Jets will have their work cut out for them this offseason.
There are several positions to address on both sides of the ball with their premium draft capital and projected $66.3 million in cap space, according to Over the Cap.
Luckily, though, the offensive line is mostly set, with New York’s last two first-round picks, Armand Membou and Olu Fashanu, bookending both tackle spots, recent second-round pick Joe Tippman at guard, and Josh Myers re-signed to a two-year deal at center.
The only decision the Jets will have to make is at their left guard spot, with veteran John Simpson set test the open market as an unrestricted free agent.
Should New York try to re-sign a starter who has never missed a game as a Jet? Or look elsewhere to fill the final spot on their offensive line?
Jets Urged to Re-Sign John Simpson
SNY’s Lucas Hutcherson urged the New York Jets to retain Simpson as one of their starting guards for 2026, citing his durability as the main reason why.
“The Jets had the luxury of an offensive line that remained healthy throughout the 2025 season. None of their five Week 1 starters missed a game all year, and four of those five are already under contract for 2026,” wrote Hutcherson.
“If the Jets can lock up Simpson as well, this will mean they would head into next season with excellent continuity and a group which has already had a good chance to gel.”
In March 2024, Simpson signed a two-year, $12 million contract in free agency with New York.
That price has likely gone up over the past two years, thanks to the former Baltimore Ravens‘ steady play and ability to stay on the field.
The Case Against John Simpson
Simpson’s sturdiness is certainly a highly valued trait for an offensive lineman, but for the New York Jets, penalties and a slight decline in play from 2024 may turn them in a different direction.
Hutcherson noted that while Simpson was solid this past season, he wasn’t a perfect player.
“His on-field discipline was also a concern in 2025, as he had a team-high 10 offensive penalties, including some costly ones at inopportune moments and a few coaches wouldn’t expect from a player with his experience,” continued Hutcherson.
“Simpson only committed seven penalties in 2024, but has now reached double-digits for flags in three of his six NFL seasons. If the Jets feel that Simpson has regressed, they make seek to find an upgrade, or someone that can provide similar contributions for less money.”
While Simpson hasn’t regressed from a talent standpoint, his penalties are hard to overlook, and that may be the deciding factor on a potential extension.
If the Jets want to pivot in a different direction, there may be an in-house option who was voted an offensive captain ahead of the 2025 season, who is also scheduled to be a free agent.
What About Alijah Vera-Tucker?
The other alternative for the New York Jets’ open left guard position would be former first-round pick Alijah Vera-Tucker, who has shown Pro Bowl upside when healthy, but can’t seem to stay healthy.
The 14th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft has only played in 43 of 85 possible games throughout his NFL career, and is set to hit unrestricted free agency this offseason.
The conundrum is that Vera-Tucker is a better player than Simpson when healthy, but in this league, your best ability is availability.
Back in December, ESPN’s Rich Cimini reported that the Jets had “interest” in re-signing AVT, but his market was hard to project considering his lengthy injury history.
If New York can bring Vera-Tucker back on a one-year prove-it deal, that may be worth their while.
Jets Urged to Re-Sign Starter Who Hasn’t Missed a Game in Two Seasons