Jets Will Not Tender WR John Metchie

The 25-year-old receiver will become a free agent after missing his rookie season due to an ACL tear and leukemia diagnosis.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The New York Jets have decided not to tender a contract offer to restricted free agent wide receiver John Metchie, making him an unrestricted free agent. Metchie was originally drafted by the Houston Texans in 2022 but missed his rookie season due to an ACL tear and subsequent leukemia diagnosis. He was later traded to the Philadelphia Eagles and then the Jets, where he played in 9 games last season, catching 29 passes for 256 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Why it matters

Metchie's situation highlights the challenges that young NFL players can face with injuries and health issues. As a free agent, he will now have the opportunity to sign with a new team and continue his professional football career, potentially landing in a better situation to showcase his skills.

The details

The Texans selected Metchie with the 44th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, but he missed his entire rookie season while recovering from an ACL tear. During that time, he was also diagnosed with leukemia. After being traded to the Eagles and then the Jets, Metchie played in 9 games for New York last season, catching 29 passes for 256 yards and 2 touchdowns.

  • Metchie was drafted by the Texans in 2022.
  • He missed the 2022 season due to an ACL tear and leukemia diagnosis.
  • Metchie was traded to the Eagles in 2024 training camp.
  • The Eagles traded Metchie to the Jets at the 2025 trade deadline.
  • Metchie played in 9 games for the Jets in the 2025 season.

The players

John Metchie

A 25-year-old wide receiver who was originally drafted by the Houston Texans in 2022 but missed his rookie season due to an ACL tear and leukemia diagnosis. He was later traded to the Philadelphia Eagles and then the New York Jets, where he played in 9 games in 2025.

Houston Texans

The NFL team that drafted John Metchie in the 2nd round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

Philadelphia Eagles

The NFL team that acquired John Metchie in a trade with the Texans during the 2024 training camp.

New York Jets

The NFL team that acquired John Metchie in a trade with the Eagles at the 2025 trade deadline.

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What’s next

As an unrestricted free agent, Metchie will now have the opportunity to sign with a new team and continue his NFL career.

The takeaway

Despite the setbacks Metchie has faced, this move gives him a chance to find a better situation where he can showcase his skills and potentially revive his NFL career after missing significant time due to injury and illness.