Jets to let WR John Metchie III hit free agency

The 25-year-old receiver will have a chance to continue his career elsewhere after two seasons with New York.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The New York Jets will not tender a contract to wide receiver John Metchie III, making him a free agent. Metchie was acquired by the Jets in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2025 and had 29 catches for 256 yards and 2 touchdowns in 9 games with the team last season. The former second-round pick of the Houston Texans in 2022 will now have the opportunity to find a new team for the 2026 campaign.

Why it matters

Metchie showed promise in his limited time with the Jets, but the team has decided to move on. As a 25-year-old free agent, Metchie should generate interest from other teams looking to add a young, talented receiver to their roster.

The details

The Jets acquired Metchie and a 2027 sixth-round pick from the Eagles in October 2025 in exchange for a 2027 seventh-round pick and defensive back Michael Carter II. In 9 games with the Jets, including 7 starts, Metchie had 29 receptions for 256 yards and 2 touchdowns. Overall in 2025, he had 48 catches for 274 yards and 2 scores.

  • The Jets traded for Metchie in October 2025.
  • Metchie played 9 games, including 7 starts, for the Jets in the 2025 season.

The players

John Metchie III

A 25-year-old wide receiver who was a second-round pick of the Houston Texans in 2022 and spent the last two seasons with the New York Jets.

New York Jets

The NFL team that acquired Metchie in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2025 but has now decided not to tender him a contract, making him a free agent.

Philadelphia Eagles

The NFL team that traded Metchie and a 2027 sixth-round pick to the Jets in October 2025 in exchange for a 2027 seventh-round pick and defensive back Michael Carter II.

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What they’re saying

“Sources: The #Jets don't plan to tender WR John Metchie III as an RFA, making him a free agent. The former Alabama standout had 29 catches for 256 yards and 2 TDs — while starting 7 games with the Jets after coming over in a trade. An intriguing FA, Metchie is just 25 years old.”

— Jordan Schultz, NFL Insider (X (formerly Twitter)

The takeaway

Metchie's release from the Jets opens up an opportunity for the young receiver to find a new home in the NFL. At just 25 years old, he has shown flashes of potential and could be an intriguing free agent addition for teams looking to bolster their receiving corps.