New York Jets Prioritize Safety

2025 was a brutal year for the New York Jets, and everyone knows the front office needs to put in serious work this offseason to avoid another disappointing AFC showing in 2026 after finishing 3–14. That work is already underway with NFL free agency here. As the team moves through the offseason, fans are closely watching developments, especially around running back Breece Hall’s expected contract extension. What that deal will look like and how much it will cost general manager Darren Mougey remains a big question.

There is also some surprising Andre Cisco news to digest, something few people following DraftKings promotions would have predicted when projecting offseason moves. Around the NFL, many assumed the Jets would move on from the 25-year-old safety after he joined from the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2025 on a one-year deal. It’s fair to say his season was inconsistent and impacted by injuries, including a shoulder issue that ended his year early. However, the Jets have decided to bring him back on a new one-year deal worth up to $5.25 million, according to reports.

The Jets now have plenty of depth at safety after trading for Minkah Fitzpatrick and signing Dane Belton earlier in the offseason. It will be interesting to see how playing time shakes out, as Fitzpatrick is widely expected to be the starter. Head coach Aaron Glenn, entering his second season, may have a different plan, but fans will point to Cisco’s first eight games last year as a reason for optimism. During that stretch, he recorded 41 tackles and a fumble recovery, showing a solid understanding of the defensive scheme.

The hope is that with another year in the system and better health, Cisco can take a step forward. Before arriving in New York, he had a productive run in Jacksonville. The 2021 third-round pick totaled 229 tackles, eight interceptions, 1.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles over three seasons. Getting back to that level of production would be a big win for this defense.

Another positive in bringing Cisco back is the value. It’s a relatively low-risk, cost-effective deal for a player who now has experience in the system, even if last season didn’t go as planned. Still, not everyone will be sold on the move, and some will see it as Glenn hedging his bets by adding Fitzpatrick and Belton to the mix.

At the end of the day, the Jets have added depth and flexibility at the position. If multiple players perform, it gives the coaching staff options throughout the season. For a team looking to bounce back in a big way, that kind of competition and depth could go a long way toward improving results in 2026.

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