3 ‘Low-Key’ Signings for Jets' Free Agency

When it comes to re-signing free agents, there are three defensive players who make the most sense for the New York Jets to target. A pair of veteran defensive tackles and a homegrown safety can likely be had at modest prices.

The New York Jets are likely to make a splash signing, or two, in free agency, but there are also a few under-the-radar moves to be made this offseason.

In particular, there are three defensive role players who performed admirably in 2023 and are set to hit the free agent market in the coming days.

Veteran defensive tackles Solomon Thomas and Quinton Jefferson and safety Ashtyn Davis, whose rookie contract is expiring, all made noticeable contributions as rotational pieces. The Jets are seemingly interested in bringing all three back for 2024 and can likely do so at a modest financial cost.

Ashtyn Davis, S

Davis, a core special teamer, displayed value as a fill-in at safety in 2023. Appearing in all 17 games, the 2020 third-round draft selection made five starts while setting career highs in interceptions (3) and passes defensed (8). He also accounted for three tackles-for-loss and three fumble recoveries.

The 27-year-old Davis has played in 54 games since being drafted by the Jets out of California, which is coincidentally the alma mater of starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers. New York likely won't have to spend exorbitantly to retain its homegrown safety.

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Solomon Thomas, DT

The former No. 3 overall draft pick, who spent four years in San Francisco under then-defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, has helped established a culture in New York.

Playing all 34 games for the Jets over the past two seasons, Thomas has totaled 57 tackles, 10 quarterback hits and nine tackles-for-loss. In 2023, he played 43 percent of defensive snaps en-route to a career-high 5.0 sacks. The reliable professional, who was New York's Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee, is a good fit in Saleh's system.

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Quinton Jefferson, DT

Jefferson provided plenty of value in exchange for the one-year deal he signed last offseason. The battle-tested defensive tackle, who has started games for the Seahawks, Raiders and Bills, made a career-high 6.0 sacks as a member of the Jets' rotation next to Pro Bowler Quinnen Williams. 

Starting all 14 of his appearances, the 30-year-old Jefferson logged 469 snaps on defense while totaling 34 stops and 13 quarterback hits. He reportedly earned $3.6 million in compensation last year.