With training camp underway, it’s a good time to keep track of where any former Jets are currently playing, so we can start to access how likely they are to have successful seasons elsewhere, or to lose their jobs and potentially become available for a reunion with the Jets.
We are covering this over two parts, looking at NFC teams last week and AFC teams today. Every AFC team currently has at least one former Jet on it apart from the Denver Broncos.
As ever, this list is intended to be exhaustive,
but if we missed anyone, let us know in the comments.
Bills:
The Bills still have running back Ty Johnson under contract after he had been a solid third down back for them in recent years.
Also on offense, Buffalo has three ex-Jets receivers but they are all probably long shots to make the team. Mecole Hardman was signed to a futures deal at the end of last season while Mac Dalena and Quentin Skinner were each picked up after the Jets released them recently.
On defense, they re-signed defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis to compete for a role and linebacker Jimmy Ciarlo is back after contributing on special teams last year.
Dolphins:
After a solid 2025 season, Miami opted to keep ex-Jets placekicker Riley Patterson, clearing a path for Jason Sanders to end up with the Jets.
They also have former preseason standout Donovan Edwards at running back and offensive tackle Carter Warren is also with the team but he is already on injured reserve.
They cut ties with tight end Zack Kuntz, who ended up in Las Vegas.
Patriots:
New England made a splash by signing guard Alijah Vera-Tucker during the offseason and, if he makes it to the regular season, he could end up starting alongside one of his old teammates in Morgan Moses.
The Patriots also retained defensive tackle Leonard Taylor III after he contributed to their postseason success last year.
Bengals:
Cincinnati has two former Jets quarterbacks batting to be the number two behind Joe Burrow, as they added Josh Johnson and re-signed Joe Flacco.
Defensive back Ja’Sir Taylor is also now with the Bengals after being with the Jets for the second half of last season.
Browns:
Cleveland picked up former Jets linebacker Quincy Williams in free agency and he should start for them. Two other former Jets – tight end Brenden Bates and wide receiver Malachi Corley – will also compete for a roster spot.
Ravens:
Baltimore’s only ex-Jets player is currently guard John Simpson who is expected to start for them.
Steelers:
After much deliberation, the Steelers did eventually opt to re-sign quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who will reunite with defensive back Brandin Echols on the main roster.
Wide receiver Brandon Smith and linebacker Jamin Davis are also with the team in training camp, but they released offensive lineman Calvin Anderson.
Texans:
Houston re-signed Sheldon Rankins after he played well for them last season and also added two former Jets to their special teams unit: Punter Kai Kroeger and return specialist Brandon Codrington.
Colts:
After their blockbuster trade somewhat backfired last season, the Colts will be hoping to see cornerback Sauce Gardner at his best in 2026. Indianapolis also signed defensive lineman Micheal Clemons to a three-year deal worth almost $6 million per season.
Another defensive lineman, Derrick Nnadi was also brought in to compete and kicker Spencer Shrader is battling with Blake Grupe for a role.
Titans:
Robert Saleh is leaning on familiar faces as, by our count, the Titans have an incredible 12 ex-Jets on their roster right now, including six defensive linemen. Not all of these were Jets while Saleh was coaching, though, to be fair.
That defensive line includes Jermaine Johnson, John Franklin-Myers and Solomon Thomas. Further depth comes from Jacob Martin, Jalyn Holmes and the most recent signing Khalen Saunders.
At safety, Tony Adams previously started for Saleh, so he has a shot at a key role. Cornerback Mario Goodrich is more of a long-shot though.
It’s possible none of their four offensive players that are former Jets will make the roster. These include running back Michael Carter, offensive linemen Austin Deculus, wide receiver Lance McCutcheon and quarterback Hendon Hooker.
Jaguars:
Jacksonville will get some offensive line depth from two former Jets in Chuma Edoga and Trystan Colon. They also added defensive back and special teamer Corey Ballentine.
Broncos:
As noted, this is the only NFL team without any ex-Jets players currently on it.
Chargers:
The Chargers re-signed linebacker Del’Shawn Phillips, who continues to be a special teams standout, to a two-year deal.
Raiders:
The only former Jets player on the Raiders’ roster is tight end Zack Kuntz, who was picked up after Miami let him go.
Chiefs:
Finally, the Chiefs’ most significant former Jets player is quarterback Justin Fields, who was acquired by trade but doesn’t look likely to get an opportunity with Patrick Mahomes already back on the practice field.
Offensive tackle Esa Pole and wide receiver Jason Brownlee return from last year’s team and defensive back Tanner McCalister was a recent addition.
We’ll be back after preseason with a look at which players made the final roster, or ended up in new homes…
