Jets Make Contract Decision With Key Lineman

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Josh Valdez | Last updated Jun 15, 2026 9:39 AM ET

The New York Jets haven't made the playoffs since 2010, and they're in yet another rebuilding phase. Their new regime is heading into its second season after a 3-14 campaign in 2025.

However, the franchise is setting itself up for future success. After trading star cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts and star defensive tackle Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys last season, they now have more assets to rebuild with. It also re-signed veteran running back Breece Hall and acquired other veterans such as quarterback Geno Smith and defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick.

New York re-signed another offensive piece on Monday, per The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt.

"The Jets signed Joe Tippmann to a four-year, $62 million deal with $31M in new money guarantees, per source," he reported.

The Jets signed Joe Tippmann to four-year, $62 million deal with $31M in new money guarantees, per source.
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) June 15, 2026

The Jets' previous regime drafted the 6-foot-6, 313-pounder No. 43 overall out of Wisconsin in 2023 as a center, but he moved to guard full-time last season. The 25-year-old ranked 33rd out of 81 eligible guards with a 60 overall Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade.

General manager Darren Mougey is setting a precedent for re-signing drafted players, as he gave Gardner, Hall, star wideout Garrett Wilson, tight end Jeremy Ruckert and now Tippmann new deals since taking over. Although he didn't draft any of them, he's making long-term commitments to the inherited players he wants.

Jets Aren't Done Revamping Squad

New York Jets offensive tackle Armand Membou (70) and center Joe Tippmann (66) © John Jones-Imagn Images

New York has added plenty of rookie and veteran talent this offseason. It drafted Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey No. 2 overall, Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq No. 16 overall, Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. No. 30, Indiana cornerback D'Angelo Ponds No. 50, Florida State defensive tackle Darrell Jackson Jr. No. 103 and Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik No. 110 to round out its first six selections. It acquired Sadiq with the 2026 first-round pick from the Gardner trade, traded up with the San Francisco 49ers during the draft to get Cooper, traded back to get Ponds and traded up to get Klubnik.

Additionally, the Jets traded defensive end Jermaine Johnson to the Tennessee Titans for defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat and signed linebacker Demario Davis, edge rusher Joseph Ossai, defensive tackle David Onyemata, edge rusher Kingsley Enagbare, safety Dane Belton and cornerback Nahshon Wright.

Moving forward, New York has three 2027 first-round picks thanks to the Gardner and Williams deals. Additionally, it has one pick in each of the next four rounds and has all of its 2028 selections in the first six rounds.

The Jets will start training camp in late July.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: