Jets bring back trio of players with free agency set to begin

The calm before the storm included three signings for the Jets.

Before they bring more than $70 million in salary cap space to the start of the legal tampering period next week, the Jets started by exercising exclusive-rights tenders on defensive tackle Jowon Briggs and linebacker Marcelino McCrary-Ball, as well as re-signing backup tight end Jelani Woods.

Acquired in an August trade with the Browns, Briggs was a bright spot in a dark season.

He had a career-high four sacks.

In their new defensive scheme, the Jets could line up with Briggs and Harrison Phillips flanking newly acquired nose tackle T’Vondre Sweat across a three-man front.

Jowon Briggs chases Bryce Young during the Jets’ Oct. 19, 2025 loss to the Panthers. Robert Sabo for NY Post

McCrary-Ball was voted special teams captain in the preseason but was limited to five games by a Week 3 hamstring injury.

He finished with 23 tackles.

His contract is worth $1.14 million, and Briggs’ deal is worth $1.07 million, according to OverTheCap.com.

Neither deal includes any guaranteed money.

Woods played 60 offensive snaps and 12 special teams snaps over four games in his return to the field after missing the 2023 and 2024 seasons while with the Colts.