New York Jets quarterback Brady Cook (4) looks to pass during the fourth quarter of an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars defeated the Jets 48-20. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
The New York Jets have been active this offseason, making several moves that reshaped key areas of the roster. While free agency often brings excitement about new additions, it can also create difficult situations for players already on the team. In a recent thread in the JetNation forums, longtime roster analyst Sarge breaks down five players from the 2025 Jets roster who may have been negatively impacted by the team’s offseason moves. From new veteran signings to potential draft additions, several returning players now face a tougher path to earning a role in 2026. Check this page for a full look at the current Jets roster
heading into the new season.Hey, he got thrown to the wolves at the end of the year and while it was a disaster, he at least tried hard and seemed to have some potential. But with the trade for Geno Smith and signing veteran Bailey Zappe, not to mention that a QB will almost certainly be drafted, Cook will have to set his sights on the practice squad again in 2026, at best
Yes, Jermaine Johnson was traded but the Jets turned around and signed 2 Edges on the 1st day of free agency. While Arvell Reese might not be an “edge” he is close enough. David Bailey or Rueben Bain would be prototypical edges. Either way, it’s bad news forMcGregor. Yes he has played a lot of snaps and helped out, he’s tough and he seems to be getting bigger, so there is some value there. But, McGregor will be hard pressed to make the team, especially if a true Edge is drafted. Eric Watts who I also think has shown potential is in the same boat
Let’s face it, Smith was a non factor after coming over in the Quinnen Williams trade. Despite this, he may have thought he could be in the mix in 2026, but the Jets traded for T’Vondre Sweat and signed David Onyemata. With promising Jowon Briggs and steady Harrison Phillips also coming back, Smith’s tenure in Jersey may be short lived. I wouldn’t be surprised if Smith was thrown in on a draft day trade or released outright. Payton Page, who is also on the roster could go back on the practice squad
Sherwood does some good things and is maybe a solid NFL LB, but the signing of Demario Davis can be seen as an indictment of Sherwood’s leadership and effectiveness. He will almost certainly have to accept a diminished role and reduced influence in 2026
The undrafted free agent got the highest signing bonus of any UDFA in the league last year. He played in 12 games, played a lot and contributed on special teams, and started 2 games at safety. Obviously, trading for Minkah Fitzpatrick, signing Dane Belton, and re-signing Andre Cisco shows safety was a major focus area for improvement . Clark contributed and might still have an NFL future, but it probably won’t be with the Jets