Why Jets were forced to avoid top tier of 2026 free agent market

The New York Jets had a very active free agency through the first few weeks of the offseason, adding a ton of help on both sides of the ball.

But, they didn't get involved with any of the top free agents at any position. Joseph Ossai was the most notable young player they added, and he wasn't a top-tier player.

The reason for this is clear: as an NFL executive explained to The Athletic's Mike Sando, the Jets would have to massively overpay for the top guys to come to New York, which wouldn't be worth it.

Jets didn't land top-tier FA's due to extreme cost

"Let's just be honest," an NFL executive said. "If they were to get the top guys, they would have had to Tyler Linderbaum the thing. Instead, they get some older guys to teach these guys."

If the Jets decided to go after the biggest names in the free agent market, they would have had to spend a lot more than other teams to convince a player to come to their team.

The appeal of the Jets is not nearly as strong as the appeal of many other teams in the NFL, even including the Tennessee Titans, a team that has found its future quarterback.

With the struggles of the Jets in recent years, and the questionable future of the team with Aaron Glenn on the hot seat and no future plan at quarterback, it wouldn't be a surprise for a player to choose another team over the Jets if the money was similar.

More: Jets predicted to trade up for Ty Simpson like Giants did for Jaxon Dart

One example for the Jets could involve Trey Hendrickson. He would've been a nice addition for the Jets' defense that needs pass-rusher help. But the odds of him coming to the Jets were incredibly low, as he's looking to join a contender, which the Jets are not.

If they were to try to convince Hendrickson, or players like him, to come to New York, they would have to offer a significant amount more than other teams were offering.

This happened this offseason with the Las Vegas Raiders and center Tyler Linderbaum. The former Baltimore Ravens Pro Bowler got a ridiculous $80 million-plus deal over three years from the Raiders, as they massively overpaid to land the best center.

Why did the Jets not get involved in the top-tier free agents? They would've had to make similar overpays to bring those top options to the Jets roster.

It would've been too expensive, and with the team needing too much to be competitive again, it wouldn't be worth it.

More Jets news:

• Jets predicted to trade for one more QB trade after Geno Smith deal
• Zachariah Branch would be ideal round 2 fit for Jets
• Jets ideal pick at No. 2 overall is Arvell Reese out of Ohio State
• Aaron Glenn believes Geno Smith can lead Jets to 'the promised land'
• Chris Streveler retires from football years after Jets cameo
• Aaron Glenn announced Geno Smith as Jets starting QB for 2026
• Garrett Wilson named Jets most overpaid player