The NFC Exodus
Training camp’s finally here, and the Jets aren’t the only ones calling the shots. A massive chunk of the roster has migrated to the NFC, taking their skills to new teams. According to Gang Green Nation, every single NFC squad now carries at least two former Jets players. That’s a staggering footprint for a New York team that’s struggled to retain talent. The list runs the gamut from high-profile names to quiet role players, all desperate to prove they belong elsewhere.
The Washington Commanders took a massive swing with linebacker Frankie Luvu and defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw. Both men inked huge money deals, yet both had rough 2025 seasons. Luvu was a second-team all-pro just a year ago, so his drop in form is a genuine concern for Washington. Tight end Lawrence Cager joined on a futures deal, while Anthony Firkser got released and Nick Bellore retired. The Commanders have the names, but they need the production to match those paychecks.
Dallas brought in Quinnen Williams in a blockbuster trade last year, and he remains their anchor. But the Cowboys didn’t stop there. They signed running back Israel Abanikanda to a futures deal and added offensive lineman Chris Glaser and wideout Denzel Mims. Dallas also signed Tyler Johnson in free agency, hoping for a bounce-back year. The density of former Jets talent in Dallas is staggering, effectively turning one team into a reunion of sorts for the old squad.
Pay Cuts and Second Chances
Not everyone grabbed a massive check to leave New York. The Philadelphia Eagles kept punter Braden Mann and defensive back Michael Carter II. Carter took a major paycut to stay, signaling he wants to win more than he wants a big bank account. Mann has evolved into one of the league’s best punters since departing the Jets. Gang Green Nation notes the Eagles also brought back tight end EJ Jenkins on a futures deal and took a flyer on wide receiver Elijah Moore. Moore was in Denver recently, and now he tries to find his rhythm in Philly.
Since the middle of last year, the Giants have acquired several ex-Jets, though most appear to be role players. Safety Jason Pinnock might be their best shot at a starter. At wide receiver, New York kept Xavier Gipson and added Braxton Berrios to compete in the return game. Two former Jets, Shelby Harris and Leki Fotu, were signed to help after Roy Robertson-Harris tore his Achilles. Linebacker Zaire Barnes was re-signed, joining three former Jets defensive backs trying to earn a spot. The Giants want experience, but they need these players to step up immediately.
In 2026, the Green Bay Packers could utilize one recent Jet as a key reserve. That player is quarterback Tyrod Taylor. His other three ex-Jets are long-shots, with defensive backs Jaylin Simpson and Shemar Bartholomew joining the mix. The depth chart is crowded, and only the best will make the final cut.
While the rest of the league benefits from Jets alumni, the team in New York is looking inward. Josh Myers enters his second year as the incumbent starting center. He settled for a cheap one-year contract last year, but his play was stable enough to earn a two-year, $11 million deal. Gang Green Nation says Myers graded as a low-tier starter, yet he helped the offensive line finish in the middle of the pack.
The pressure is on Myers to play effective football because the Jets can move on from his contract painlessly after this season. If he plays well, the team feels secure for 2027. If he doesn’t, they’ll look elsewhere. The success of the ex-Jets in the NFC puts a spotlight on who is left behind. Fans will watch closely to see if the players who stayed can outperform the ones who left. The season starts soon, and the answers will come on the field.
