As the NFL’s new league year approaches, teams must make decisions about pending free agents. This also has implications for future external acquisitions.
The New York Jets are set to release some key players, but will also try to re-sign some free agents. They made a surprising decision with their recently acquired wide receiver.
More: New York Jets decide on Justin Fields.
According to reports, the Jets have declined to bid for John Metchie III. This comes a year after they acquired him through a trade with the Houston Texans.
New York Jets wide receiver John Metch III (3) makes a catch while being guarded by Miami Dolphins defensive back Jason Marshall Jr. (33) during the Week 14 football game between the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, December 7, 2025.
Metchie has been one of the few bright spots throughout the Jets roster. His bid would also have been a very reasonable salary.
Instead, the Jets continue to make questionable decisions. Head coach Aaron Glenn has now taken over the entire coaching staff and most of the starting offense.
It’s not uncommon to make high-turnover decisions, but rejecting a low bid for a young receiver you traded up raises more questions than answers.
More: New Orleans Saints’ All-Pro defensive back announces big decision for team
Metchie, a restricted free agent with the Jets, will now become an unrestricted free agent. The Jets declined to tender him, so they won’t receive any compensation if he leaves.
Metchie is only 25 years old and it has now been almost four years since she was first diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia. In the right environment, Metchie can succeed.
He’s been in crowded rooms in Houston and Philadelphia. Joining an incompetent Jets offense certainly doesn’t help him. Although he remained one of the few good things about the unit.
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