The Jets have been known for making poor decisions and having free agency decisions blow up in their face. Still, New York deserves credit for its good free agent signings over the years.
Whether it was signing an undrafted free agent that turned into a consistent starter or signing a player who would eventually build a Hall of Fame career with the team, these moves go down as some of the most successful in franchise history.
With that being said and free agency right around the corner, here are five of New York’s biggest free-agent successes.
Curtis Martin
Not only is Curtis Martin the greatest free agent signing in franchise history, but he is one of the best players to ever play for the Jets.
Martin inked a six-year, $36 million contract with the Jets back in 1998. He was one of the best players at his position at the time. He was acquired when the Bill Parcells-led Jets signed him away from the Patriots, sending New England two draft choices in return.
Martin rushed for a franchise-high 10,302 yards and 58 touchdowns in 123 career starts for the Jets. He is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2012 and was a two-time first-team All-Pro with the Jets in 2001 and 2004.
Kevin Mawae
In 1998, Kevin Mawae inked a five-year, $17 million deal with the Jets, making him the highest-paid center in NFL history at the time.
One of the most dominant centers of his time, Mawae was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2019.
Mawae made the Pro Bowl six times in six consecutive seasons for Gang Green from 1998-2004. He anchored the Jets offensive line that made multiple playoff appearances and helped push Curtis Martin to stardom. He is a member of the Jets’ Ring of Honor.
Wayne Chrebet
Wayne Chrebet is one of the best undrafted free agents of all-time and certainly the best in Jets history.
The Jets signed Chrebet as a UDFA out of Hofstra. As a local product, Chrebert burst onto the scene and revolutionized what is now the modern day slot receiver.
He played his entire 11-year career with New York, registering 580 catches, 7,365 receiving yards and 41 touchdowns. His career was unfortunately cut short due to concussions, but Mr. Third Down was inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2014.
Vinny Testaverde
Back in 1998, the Jets signed Vinny Testaverde to a two-year, $5.5 million contract to be the team’s backup quarterback. Instead, Testaverde would post one of the best seasons from a quarterback in franchise history.
Testaverde took over for the injured Glenn Foley in 1998 and led the Jets to a 12-2 record at the age of 35. He completed 61.5 percent of his passes while throwing for 29 touchdowns and leading the Jets to an AFC Championship Game.
He helped the Jets secure their first AFC East title since the merger in what would be the best season of his career.
Victor Green
Another undrafted free agent, Victor Green was signed out of Akron in 1993.
Green’s career with the Jets spanned from 1993-2001. In 2003, Green was named a member of New York’s All-Time Four-Decade Team.
He earned the starting safety job in 1995 and never looked back. From 1996-2001, he started every single game at strong safety for Gang Green. In 108 career starts, Green compiled a total of 858 tackles. He was never an All-Pro selection or Pro Bowl nominee, but he was a reliable force in the secondary for several years.
