New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey are set to enter a crucial offseason with plenty at stake. After another disappointing season, the Jets need to start winning games in 2026 if this regime hopes to stick around for the long haul.

That means meaningful roster changes are coming, but don’t expect the Jets to be shopping at the very top of the free-agent market. Instead, the focus will likely be on ascending players who can be signed to value deals and fit the team’s long-term vision.

With the legal tampering period set to begin at noon ET today, here are 27 free agents every Jets fan should know before the market officially opens.

This list will focus strictly on non-quarterbacks, highlighting players at other positions who could realistically be on the Jets’ radar once free agency begins. So don’t expect to see any mention of Geno Smith or Carson Wentz on this page.

RELATED: Jets Free-Agency Tracker 2026: Signings, departures, cap space analysis, and more

27 free agents every Jets fans should know1. Alex Anzalone, LB, Detroit Lions

The Jets’ connection to Alex Anzalone has been one of the more obvious storylines of the offseason. A longtime Aaron Glenn favorite, he figures to be high on the team’s wish list, though his expected market could complicate a potential deal.

2. Micah McFadden, LB, New York Giants

Giants linebacker Micah McFadden could be a backup plan if the Jets miss out on Anzalone. The 26-year-old appeared in just one game last season because of a foot injury, but he still projects as an ascending MIKE linebacker with upside.

3. Kaden Elliss, LB, Atlanta Falcons

Another linebacker who could interest the Jets is veteran Kaden Elliss. Elliss has played all 17 games in each of the last four seasons and crossed paths with Aaron Glenn in New Orleans early in his career. He’s a big, physical presence the Jets could use in their linebacker room.

4. Demario Davis, LB, New Orleans Saints

The Jets are looking for stability and leadership on defense this offseason, and one player who could provide that is someone Glenn knows very well from his Saints days. Even at 37 years old, Demario Davis is still playing at a high level, and a third stint in Florham Park would undoubtedly be welcomed by Jets fans.

5. Nick Cross, S, Indianapolis Colts

Former Colts third-round pick Nick Cross is one of the more under-the-radar names in a deep free-agent safety class. Still just 24 years old, Cross has quietly drawn interest from the Jets, with multiple insiders linking him to the team this offseason.

6. Jaquan Brisker, S, Chicago Bears

Jaquan Brisker is another safety who has been linked to the Jets in free agency. A physical presence capable of playing both safety spots, Brisker brings a tone-setting style, although his past concussion issues remain something teams will monitor. He did start all 17 games in 2025, however.

7. Coby Bryant, S, Seattle Seahawks

A key starter for the Super Bowl champion Seahawks’ defense, Coby Bryant is another young safety (converted cornerback) in this loaded free-agent class. Seattle is still hoping to re-sign him, but if he shakes free, the Jets will likely have interest.

8. C.J. Gardner-Johnson, S, Chicago Bears

One of the NFL’s most controversial players, C.J. Gardner-Johnson would bring a level of toughness and attitude the Jets defense has sorely lacked. He previously worked with Glenn in New Orleans, and Glenn has spoken highly of him in the past.

9. Ifeatu Melifonwu, S, Miami Dolphins

Ifeatu Melifonwu is an intriguing safety option with connections to both Aaron Glenn and new defensive coordinator Brian Duker. The versatile defensive back started eight games for the Dolphins last season and could fit nicely as a third safety in the Jets’ defense

10. Ashtyn Davis, S, Miami Dolphins

Another safety with ties to Duker is former Jets fan favorite Ashtyn Davis. Davis started a career-high 12 games for the Dolphins last season, and the Jets could desperately use a playmaker like him in their safety room.

11. Amik Robertson, CB, Detroit Lions

While the Jets are unlikely to make a splash at cornerback, they could still add depth at nickel behind Jarvis Brownlee Jr. Amik Robertson, a longtime Aaron Glenn favorite, would bring toughness and an edge to the position group.

12. Kader Kohou, CB, Miami Dolphins

Another nickel option with ties to Brian Duker is Kader Kohou. The former Dolphins cornerback missed all of 2025 with a torn ACL but started nearly 40 games over his first three seasons in Miami and was reportedly viewed internally as the team’s top corner entering last year.

13. James Pierre, CB, Pittsburgh Steelers

The Jets are looking for bargain signings of ascending talents in free agency, and James Pierre fits that bill. The 29-year-old posted a stellar 86.2 Pro Football Focus grade as a part-time starter for the Steelers in 2025 and could provide the Jets with outside cornerback depth.

14. Josh Jobe, CB, Seattle Seahawks

If the Jets want to make a slightly more substantial cornerback addition, Josh Jobe, another member of Seattle’s Super Bowl-winning secondary, could make sense. Jobe started 15 games for the Seahawks in 2025 and is still only 27 years old.

15. Al-Quadin Muhammad, EDGE, Detroit Lions

Trading Jermaine Johnson left the Jets with a clear need at edge rusher, one they may not solve with the No. 2 pick alone. Al-Quadin Muhammad is coming off an 11-sack breakout in a rotational role and has familiarity with both Aaron Glenn and Frank Reich from previous stops.

16. Marcus Davenport, EDGE, Detroit Lions

The Jets could gamble on upside at edge rusher with the often-injured Marcus Davenport. He hasn’t played more than eight games in a season since 2022, but his pass-rush talent has flashed when healthy, and he has familiarity with Aaron Glenn from their time in New Orleans and Detroit.

17. Kingsley Enagbare, EDGE, Green Bay Packers

Kingsley Enagbare is another young edge rusher Jets fans should keep an eye on. The 26-year-old recorded 11.5 sacks in four seasons as a rotational player in Green Bay and could be an intriguing upside bet with solid pass-rush efficiency metrics.

18. Arnold Ebiketie, EDGE, Atlanta Falcons

The same could be said about former Falcons second-round pick Arnold Ebiketie, who recorded 16.5 sacks over four years as a rotational rusher in Atlanta. Ebiketie has missed just one game in his NFL career and is coming off a career-best year, at least according to Pro Football Focus.

19. Javon Hargrave, DL, Minnesota Vikings

The Jets may still look to add a quick interior pass rusher to round out their revamped defensive line. Recently released veteran Javon Hargrave fits that mold, and he also has a connection to new Jets defensive line coach Karl Dunbar from their time together in Pittsburgh.

20. Da’Shawn Hand, DL, Los Angeles Chargers

Da’Shawn Hand is another under-the-radar defensive line option who could appeal to the Jets. The veteran Alabama product has previously worked with Aaron Glenn in Detroit and Brian Duker in Miami and has carved out a career as a rotational 3-4 defensive end.

21. Sheldon Rankins, DL, Houston Texans

The Jets could consider a reunion with defensive lineman Sheldon Rankins, who is coming off another productive season in Houston. He would bring much-needed interior pass-rush ability and has familiarity with Glenn from their time together in New Orleans.

22. Zion Johnson, OG, Los Angeles Chargers

The Jets could have a vacancy at left guard if Alijah Vera-Tucker and John Simpson depart. Zion Johnson has reportedly drawn interest from the team, and the 26-year-old is coming off a career-best season that makes him an intriguing mid-tier target.

23. Dylan Parham, OG, Las Vegas Raiders

Another potential player in that Zion Johnson tier of guards is Dylan Parham. The Memphis product has started 63 games over the last four seasons and is still only 26 years old. He might be someone the Jets believe could thrive with a better supporting cast around him.

24. Ed Ingram, OG, Houston Texans

The Texans’ offensive line showed noticeable improvement late in the 2025 season, and Ed Ingram was a big part of that. The 27-year-old is coming off a career-best year and could mirror the Jets’ John Simpson signing from a few years ago as a former draft disappointment who rebuilt his value and hit free agency after his best season.

25. Cade Mays, C, Carolina Panthers

The versatile Cade Mays could make sense if the Jets are hoping to provide some competition for center Josh Myers, while also offering guard depth. Mays has started 27 games for the Panthers over the last four years, including 12 games at center last season.

26. Tim Patrick, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jets are unlikely to spend big at wide receiver in free agency. Tim Patrick drew interest from the team last offseason thanks to his ties to Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey, and he could once again make sense as a veteran depth option in the third tier of the market.

27. Jalen Tolbert, WR, Dallas Cowboys

One young wide receiver who might fit the “value signing” archetype the Jets are looking for is Jalen Tolbert. A third-round pick of the Cowboys in 2022, Tolbert recorded over 600 yards and seven touchdowns in 2024 but fell down the pecking order this past season.