Jets Must Let Go of 3 Key Players in Free Agency

Rebuilding Jets need to make tough decisions to free up cap space and focus on long-term stability.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The New York Jets are entering a critical offseason as they look to rebuild after a disastrous 2025 season. To create financial flexibility and align their roster with a long-term vision, the Jets must part ways with three notable veterans - linebacker Quincy Williams, quarterback Tyrod Taylor, and running back Breece Hall.

Why it matters

The Jets are burdened by dead cap from past mistakes and need to prioritize building a sustainable foundation, even if it means saying goodbye to some fan favorites. Tough decisions around high-priced veterans will be crucial to the team's ability to stabilize the quarterback position and rebuild the trenches on both sides of the ball.

The details

Quincy Williams has been a defensive leader, but at 29 years old, re-signing him would require a substantial multi-year commitment that doesn't align with the team's rebuilding timeline. Jamien Sherwood has emerged as a younger, cheaper alternative at linebacker. Tyrod Taylor, 37, provided stability in 2025 but keeping him would delay the Jets' ability to develop a long-term answer at quarterback. And despite Breece Hall's elite talent, the team cannot justify investing top-tier money in a running back position that has shown diminishing returns league-wide.

  • Quincy Williams' contract voided in February 2026.
  • Tyrod Taylor will be 37 years old by the start of the 2026 season.

The players

Quincy Williams

A former All-Pro linebacker who has been the emotional engine of the Jets' defense for years, but at 29 years old, re-signing him would require a substantial multi-year commitment that doesn't align with the team's rebuilding timeline.

Tyrod Taylor

A 37-year-old veteran quarterback who stabilized chaos when called upon in 2025, but keeping him would delay the Jets' ability to develop a long-term answer under center.

Breece Hall

An elite young running back, but the Jets cannot justify investing top-tier money in a position that has shown diminishing returns league-wide as part of their rebuilding efforts.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Jets will need to make these difficult decisions in the coming weeks as they prepare for the 2026 NFL offseason and look to build a sustainable foundation for the future.

The takeaway

The Jets' 2026 offseason will be defined by their willingness to make tough but necessary choices, even if it means parting ways with beloved players. Prioritizing long-term stability over short-term nostalgia will be crucial to the team's ability to finally get their rebuild right.