The New York Jets have signed a number of undrafted free agents (UDFAs) for 2026, with total contracts worth a standard $3.1 million. Teams can offer guarantees to secure these players, typically through signing bonuses or base salary guarantees. While there’s a hard cap of around $200,000 on signing bonuses, there’s no limit on salary guarantees. These incentives don’t ensure a roster spot for the players but indicate their competitiveness and potential value to the team. The Jets' UDFA class contains a mix of promising talents, showing varying levels of investment in each player's future.

By the Numbers
  • Caullin Lacy: $262,500 total guaranteed, $15,000 signing bonus
  • Mory Bamba: $21,250 total guaranteed, $7,500 signing bonus
  • Malik McClain: $18,750 total guaranteed, $5,000 signing bonus
Yes, But

Despite the guarantees, many UDFAs may still face stiff competition for roster spots, as guaranteed money does not equate to guaranteed playing time. Teams often evaluate players during training camp and preseason games, making roster spots uncertain until the end of these evaluations.

State of Play
  • The Jets have signed UDFAs across various positions, indicating a strategy to bolster their roster depth.
  • Initial contracts show that some players are receiving significant attention and expectations from the team.
What's Next

As training camp approaches, these undrafted players will compete for limited roster spots, making performance critical. Teams may reassess their needs based on injuries and performance of other roster members, influencing which UDFAs remain with the Jets.

Bottom Line

The Jets are investing in their future by signing UDFAs with potential, but the reality of securing a roster spot is highly competitive. Performance in camp will ultimately determine their standing with the team, highlighting the importance of maximizing opportunities.