Jets Must Sign 3 Sneaky Good NFL Free Agents in 2026

The Jets need to dominate free agency after a disastrous 2025 season under new head coach Aaron Glenn.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The New York Jets had another tough season in 2025 under first-year head coach Aaron Glenn, leading to a fire sale at the trade deadline. The team now has holes on defense that need to be filled through free agency. Three key free agent targets for the Jets are linebacker Alex Anzalone, running back Breece Hall, and center Tyler Linderbaum.

Why it matters

The Jets are in rebuilding mode and need to make smart free agent signings to improve their roster and support a potential rookie quarterback in 2027. Signing experienced veterans like Anzalone and Linderbaum can provide stability, while retaining Hall gives the offense a proven playmaker.

The details

Linebacker Alex Anzalone is a free agent after five seasons with the Detroit Lions, where he played under new Jets coach Aaron Glenn. Bringing in a linebacker familiar with Glenn's defensive system would help shore up the Jets' struggling linebacker corps. Breece Hall was nearly traded at the deadline last season, but the Jets cannot let their 2022 second-round pick walk in free agency, as he was the team's most productive offensive player. The Jets should also pursue center Tyler Linderbaum from the Ravens, who has started 4 seasons in Baltimore and would be an upgrade over Josh Myers.

  • The Jets had a disastrous 2025 season under first-year head coach Aaron Glenn.
  • The Jets made a number of trades at the 2025 deadline, leading to holes on the roster.
  • The Jets have two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The players

Alex Anzalone

A free agent linebacker who spent the last 5 seasons with the Detroit Lions, where he played under new Jets head coach Aaron Glenn.

Breece Hall

The Jets' 2022 second-round draft pick, who was nearly traded at the deadline last season but is now a free agent the team cannot afford to lose.

Tyler Linderbaum

The Ravens' starting center for the past 4 seasons, who has declined his 5th-year option and is set to hit free agency.

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What they’re saying

“The Jets desperately need a linebacker”

— Christopher Hennessy, Author (clutchpoints.com)

“Bringing back Breece Hall is mandatory”

— Christopher Hennessy, Author (clutchpoints.com)

“Beefing up the offensive line”

— Christopher Hennessy, Author (clutchpoints.com)

What’s next

The Jets have two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft that they can use to further address roster needs after signing these key free agents.

The takeaway

The Jets need to be strategic in free agency to build a competitive roster around a potential rookie quarterback in 2027, focusing on experienced veterans who can provide stability and production on both sides of the ball.