Smartt could get a chance to compete for the starting TE job in New York with Jeremy Ruckert, but that depends on whether the Jets bring back free agent Tyler Conklin. At 26 years

March 9: Jamien Sherwood was a backup going into the 2024 season for the Jets. A year later, and with a team MVP award under his belt, he just became one of the five highest-paid linebackers in the NFL after agreeing to re-sign with the Jets for $45 million ($30 million of it guaranteed) on a three-year deal.

On Monday, the Jets signed Justin Fields to a two-year, $40 million deal with a clear path to a starting role and all that comes with it. Among a cast of castaway veterans, Fields offered New York a unique combination of youth, upside, and competence. It’s unknown, perhaps unlikely, that it truly works out, but few are complaining with the signing.