Last year, Joe Douglas eased into the free agency period. 2022 has started off differently.

Though only the extensions are set in stone, the New York Jets immediately started arranging new contracts ahead of the 2022 season. This includes both veteran talent, and developing stars across both sides of the ball. Talent is filled as players leave, and veteran presence is brought into the locker room.

Laken Tomlinson, Guard (3 years/$40 million)

The first opening move turned the weakest link of the Jets offensive line into one of their strong points. After a Pro Bowl season, guard Laken Tomlinson is expected to sign with New York on a 3-year, $40 million contract. Despite playing 2021 at left guard, Tomlinson will likely transition to right guard in favor of Alijah Vera-Tucker, and replace Greg Van Roten. This additionally moves Laurent Duvernay-Tardiff to a quality backup roll.

Despite being 30, Tomlinson was offered a long, lucrative contract. If he is a success, he’ll end his career in New York. He brings even more veteran experience on a relatively inexperienced offensive line. But this also means much will be expected of him. This isn’t backup money. This is Week 1 Starter, back-to-back Pro Bowl money.

Braxton Berrios, Receiver/Special Teams (2 years/$12 million)

A fan favorite, this excited Jets fans everywhere. Not only does the team get to retain their standout special teams player, and electric gadget tool, they do so at the right price. Twitter speculated Berrios asking 10+ a year. Douglas got it done at 6. Berrios inked the extension, so as of writing these he is the only sure deal.

He was quoted as saying it wasn’t about pinching pennies, and wasn’t money chasing for the Jets. His priority was in staying with Gang Green, and ‘turning things around.’

The opening signings for Joe Douglas obliterate two stereotypes Jets fans like to rag on him for: he doesn’t spend big, and he doesn’t retain the talent the Jets do have.

It’s a bag for Tomlinson, and Berrios stays at home, where he belongs.

CJ Uzomah, Tight End (3 years/$24 million)

Is he almost 30? Yes. Is he the best tight end on the market? Not at all.

Is he going to be a captain? Absolutely.

There’s nothing super special about this signing. He’s a serviceable tight end and an upgrade for the roster. But Uzomah was a huge leader for the Cincinnati Bengals locker room, and picked up his production towards the end of the season before his injury. For such a young team, his presence, leadership, and knowledge will not go wasted.

DJ Reed Jr, Cornerback (3 years/$33 million)

At 25, DJ Reed will come in and likely start opposite of Bryce Hall. Despite being on the shorter side for an NFL cornerback (5’9”), he does well in coverage, and is a stud in run defense. Reed Jr is a textbook Joe Douglas signing: young with some experience, and an absolute dog waiting to prove themselves elsewhere.

Despite only intercepting two passes last season, Reed earned a 75.4 coverage grade, and an impressive 85.8 run defense grade. Again, long term starter money. Joe Douglas adds some much needed experience to the secondary.

Jordan Whitehead, Safety (2 years/$14.5 million)

The Jets didn’t land safety Marcus Williams. But they did land the second best option at half the cost. Whitehead replaces a hole Marcus Maye will be leaving.

The Jets have a much-needed experienced safety controlling the secondary. Whitehead is only 25, so he still has plenty of football left in him. He posted a 72.2 coverage rating, per PFF. But, just like Reed, the huge upside is the 81.5 run defense grade.

Not only do both defensive backs enter as Week 1 starters should they ink contracts, but it greatly improves the Jets suffering run defense, which was abysmal last season. Corners who can set the edge, and safeties who can run the alleys are still invaluable, no matter how pass-heavy you believe the league is.

Jets Telegram Draft Plans?

There’s still a lot in the air about the Jets plan for the 2022 NFL Draft. The only contract on this list that’s a sure thing is Berrios. The rest cannot be inked until March 16th. But, assuming things go as planned and the Jets don’t get Anthony Barr-ed again, these signings completely change the Jets draft plans.

With the 4th and 10th overall pick, there are a variety of avenues the Jets could take. Speculation was the team was very high on Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton. Whitehead’s signing might officially put a safety at 4th overall to bed. Tomlinson’s signing does the same thing for the likes of Alabama’s Evan Neal, or North Carolina State’s Ickey Ekwonu.

Again, while nothing is certain, expectations are now pushed to the defensive line and wide receiver. Kayvon Thibodeaux becomes a very real possibility for the Jets, should he fall that far. The 10th overall pick will now likely be used on one of the elite wide receivers coming out of the Draft. New York could be in a position to draft either USC’s Drake London, or one of the Ohio State products in Garret Wilson or Chris Olave.

Notable Signings & Departures

The Jets have made a concerted effort to bring back previous players as well.

Offensive lineman Dan Feeney will be returning on a one year deal. The value is currently undisclosed. Defensive lineman Nathan Shepherd is also expected to re-sign with the Jets. A valuable piece on the interior line after the Fatukasi departure.

Veteran running back Tevin Coleman has resigned with the team, as well as safety Lamarcus Joyner. Tackle Conor McDermott will return in a depth capacity, as will cornerback Javelin Guidry and receiver Jeff Smith.

The Jets so far have lost three players to other teams. Foley Fatukasi is expected to sign an offer with the Jacksonville Jaguars. After losing Marcus Williams, the Saints are expected to land former captain Marcus Maye, who will be coming off an Achilles injury. Lastly, tackle Morgan Moses leaves New York for Baltimore.

Please note: none of these are set in stone. These contracts were offered in the legal tampering period. 

For more coverage on NFL free agency, follow @FullPressNFL. Follow Full Press Jets @fullpressjets, and the author @jt_oneseven.