As the 2026 NFL playoffs roll on, the New York Jets know they have a long way to go before they want to even think about being a team still alive in the championship round.

While the talent on the roster remains devoid of transformational players besides Garrett Wilson, there are still quality individuals set for free agency who can help turn the organization around, both on and off the field.

Only a select few free agents are worthy of new contracts with Gang Green.

There are three “must re-sign” talents that the Jets cannot let walk into the open market.

Jets’ “must re-signs”

New York is set to have over $90 million in cap space going into the 2026 offseason. That is plenty of money to re-sign key players and add quality talent on the open market.

Retaining talent is a major test for any rebuilding organization, though. That’s why these three names need to be back in 2026.

Alijah Vera-Tucker

AVT or John Simpson? Which one will the Jets choose to re-sign?

While Simpson has been a two-year starter at left guard, the upside surrounding Vera-Tucker cannot be overlooked. AVT (26) is two years younger than Simpson (28) and, when healthy, he is one of the best guards in football.

It’s a gamble to give long-term money to a player who hasn’t stayed healthy in recent years, so the Jets should not break the bank for him. But bringing back AVT to solidify the offensive line, rather than Simpson, is the higher-ceiling move for the future of the franchise.

Tyrod Taylor

New York’s quarterback room is going to look vastly different next season, whether it be due to a free agent acquisition, trade, an early pick in the upcoming draft, or some combination of those.

Bringing back a presence like Tyrod Taylor still makes sense, though.

Taylor will be 37 by the time training camp rolls around. He very well could retire if he so chooses. If he doesn’t, though, surrounding any future young quarterback with as many veterans as possible will be a big focus for the Jets.

Taylor shouldn’t be expected to start at all in 2026. But his impact is felt far more off the field than on it.

Breece Hall

The debate surrounding Hall is quite simple. While he is not a top-five running back in the league, the Jets do not have a quality replacement ready to step in and replicate his skill set for their much-maligned offense.

The 2026 franchise tag allotment for running backs is projected to be worth over $14 million. That number is certainly large for a single year, but the Jets have cap space to use. Until they have a quality quarterback or a second receiving threat, New York must have Hall back to stabilize their offense.

They simply don’t have a reliable in-house replacement plan.