The machinery of an NFL offseason is a complex beast, humming with blockbuster trades, franchise tags, and the high-stakes frenzy of free agency. But championships aren't built on headlines alone. They are forged in the quieter moments, the under-the-radar decisions that fortify a roster's foundation. On Wednesday, the New York Jets made one of those essential, foundational moves.
The team announced it has re-signed tight end Jelani Woods and exercised exclusive rights tenders on defensive tackle Jowon Briggs and linebacker Marcelino McCrary-Ball. On the surface, these are transactions that won't dominate the national conversation. Yet, for General Manager Joe Douglas and Head Coach Robert Saleh, they represent a critical first step in the 2026 team-building process: securing known, controllable depth before the market officially opens.
The Return of a Physical Specimen
The headline act of this trio is undoubtedly Jelani Woods. The 6'7", 259-pound tight end, originally a third-round pick by the Indianapolis Colts in 2022, joined the Jets' practice squad late in the 2025 season. His path to this point has been a winding one, marred by a hamstring injury that cost him the entire 2023 campaign. When healthy, however, Woods presents a matchup nightmare that is simply too tantalizing for an offensive staff to ignore.
Woods isn't just tall; he's a unique athlete for his size. At his pre-draft combine, he ran a 4.61-second 40-yard dash, showcasing rare speed for a man of his dimensions. He pairs that with an enormous catch radius and the physicality to be a factor as an inline blocker and in the red zone. For a Jets offense that has cycled through tight end options in recent years, Woods represents a high-upside lottery ticket.
The re-signing is a classic "prove-it" deal. It gives Woods the stability of an offseason program and training camp with the Jets--something he hasn't had with the team yet. For offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, it provides a fascinating chess piece. Woods can line up as a traditional Y-tight end, flex out into the slot, or even be used as a jumbo receiver in goal-line situations. His presence creates schematic flexibility and adds a layer of size that the Jets' receiving corps, outside of their star wideouts, sometimes lacks.
This move is less about anointing Woods as the immediate starter and more about investing in potential at a reasonable cost. It allows the Jets to evaluate him thoroughly in their system while maintaining the flexibility to address the tight end position further in free agency or the draft. If Woods can finally tap into his immense physical gifts and stay on the field, this signing could be remembered as a steal.
Locking Down the Defensive Depth
While the Woods signing carries more intrigue, the tenders to Jowon Briggs and Marcelino McCrary-Ball are pure, pragmatic roster management. As Exclusive Rights Free Agents (ERFAs), both players had no leverage. By offering them a one-year tender at the league minimum salary, the Jets retain their rights for the 2026 season. It's a procedural move, but a vital one for maintaining continuity and competition on the defensive side of the ball.
Jowon Briggs: The Interior Anchor Briggs, the 6'1", 313-pound defensive tackle, has carved out a valuable niche for himself since joining the Jets. A former seventh-round pick, he embodies the "next man up" mentality that Saleh's defense requires. He is not a flashy pass-rusher, but he is a stout, powerful run defender who understands his role within the defensive front.
With the ever-present physical toll on defensive linemen, reliable depth in the trenches is non-negotiable. Briggs provides exactly that. He can eat up double teams, hold the point of attack, and allow the Jets' dynamic linebackers to flow to the football. In a rotation that features stars and high-pedigree players, Briggs is the blue-collar worker who does the dirty work. Securing him for another season ensures the defensive line room doesn't lose a trusted, low-maintenance contributor. It also gives the team insurance as they navigate potential contract situations or performance fluctuations with other players along the interior.
Marcelino McCrary-Ball: The Special Teams Ace and Swiss Army Knife If Briggs is the anchor, Marcelino McCrary-Ball is the engine. The linebacker/safety hybrid has found his true calling as a core special teams demon and a versatile defensive piece. Since entering the league, McCrary-Ball's value has been defined by his relentless motor, football intelligence, and ability to contribute in all four phases of the game.
For Special Teams Coordinator Brant Boyer, retaining a player like McCrary-Ball is paramount. He is a fixture on kickoff, punt, and return units--a player whose effort and tackling ability can flip field position. Defensively, his background as a safety gives him coverage skills that are valuable in today's NFL, particularly against running backs and tight ends in sub-packages. He is the quintessential "glue guy" that every successful roster needs.
Tendering McCrary-Ball is a no-brainer. He provides experienced depth at linebacker, elite special teams play, and a known culture fit in the locker room. At a minimal cost, he offers maximum value in roles that are critical to winning but often overlooked.
The Bigger Picture: A Calculated Start to Free Agency
These three moves, announced together, send a clear message about the Jets' offseason approach: solidify your foundation before you build the walls. The NFL's legal tampering period and the official start of free agency are the main events, where teams spend big to fill glaring holes. But those pursuits can be destabilizing if your own house isn't in order.
By bringing back Woods, Briggs, and McCrary-Ball, the Jets accomplish several key objectives:
- Cost Control: All three players are signed to team-friendly, low-risk contracts. This preserves precious salary cap space for the splashier moves that may be coming at quarterback, offensive line, or other premium positions.
- Roster Continuity: Each player is already acclimated to the Jets' system, culture, and coaching staff. There is no learning curve, no adjustment period. They are known quantities who can step in and contribute from Day 1 of OTAs.
- Enhanced Competition: These signings raise the floor of the roster. They ensure that no starting job or key backup role is simply handed out. A player like Woods will push the other tight ends. Briggs will compete for rotational snaps on the defensive line. McCrary-Ball will set the standard on special teams. This internal competition raises the level of the entire team.
- Strategic Flexibility: With these depth pieces secured, the Jets' front office can now enter free agency and the draft with a clearer picture of their needs. They are not forced to reach for a tight end or a special teams linebacker. They can operate from a position of strength, targeting the best available players rather than scrambling to fill roster spots.
In the grand narrative of the Jets' 2026 offseason, March 5th will not be remembered as a day that changed the franchise's trajectory. There were no $100 million contracts or franchise-altering trades. Instead, it was a day of diligent, professional work. It was a day where the Jets took care of their own, valued their role players, and made the kind of smart, unsexy decisions that allow the sexy ones to succeed later on.
The re-signing of Jelani Woods is a bet on untapped potential. The tenders to Jowon Briggs and Marcelino McCrary-Ball are investments in reliability and effort. Together, they form the sturdy, often invisible, platform upon which a successful season can be built. The fireworks may be coming, but the Jets wisely started by checking the wiring.