Jets Could Possibly Seek Reunion with Free Agent Safety

He departed from the Jets after the 2024 season and joined the division rival Miami Dolphins on a 1-year contract. By Week 3, he was thrusted into a starting role alongside former All-Pro Minkah Fitzpatrick. Unfortunately, Davis did not have a great year in this new role. He had an overall defense grade of 51.1 according to PFF. Most notably, he had a abysmal 40.7 tackling grade due to missing 21% of his tackle attempts. Out of safeties with at least 662 snaps, that was the highest percentage in the league.

Why Bring Him Back Then?

Reading this, you’re probably asking yourself that question a lot. There are reasons why this could work out though. Firstly, he would have to go back to his rotational role that he served in previously with the Jets. Ideally, the Jets acquire another safety to start alongside Malachi Moore with Ashtyn Davis rotating in when needed. Secondly, the Jets have a very good coaching infrastructure in place to develop safeties. Aaron Glenn is a former defensive back and has served as the defensive coordinator for two of the best at the position – Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch. The Jets new DC Brian Duker also came from Detroit. He served as a safeties coach, a secondary coach, and a defensive backs coach so he worked with those guys directly. Finally, the Jets new safeties coach Ryan Slowik worked with Davis last season in Miami. That provides some continuity for him specifically.

The short of it is that the Jets need a spark. They especially need a player who can force turnovers after their infamous 0 interceptions last season. Ashtyn Davis has been and could be that player for the Jets once again. This would be quite inexpensive for the Jets as well. According to Spotrac, Davis’ market value is just $1.8 million. They project him signing a 1-year deal with his next team for this amount. Based on his profile and market projection, this is a realistic option for New York in 2026.

Possible Options for the Last Safety Spot

As mentioned earlier, the Jets will need another starter to pair with Moore in this scenario. Luckily, this is a good year to need a safety. The draft class is deep at the position. Some intriguing names near the top include Ohio State’s Caleb Downs , Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, and Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman. Downs is certainly in play for the Jets at the 2nd overall pick, despite his teammate Arvell Reese being the consensus pick right now.

Deeper in the class, names such as USC’s Kamari Ramsey and LSU’s A.J. Haulcy stand out. Free agency also has a few intriguing names such as Seahawks’ veteran Coby Bryant, Chiefs’ veteran Bryan Cook, and Bears’ standout Jaquan Brisker. With all of these potential options and the new additions to the coaching staff, this position group should see solid improvement in 2026.