Ranking The Top 5 Free Agent Signings In Jets History

Nowadays, a fan saying they are a fan of the New York Jets usually becomes the object of ridicule in football circles. However, things were not always this way.

In their heyday, the Jets were one of the best teams in the AFC, a consistent contender that benefited from an excellent front office. That front office often signed excellent free agents to bolster their teams, and as a result, New York has an illustrious list of all-time free agent signings. The five names below represent the best of the best.

While this might be cheating a little bit, Chrebet did sign to New York as an undrafted free agent, technically making him a free agent signing. His first deal was only for two years and just over $250,000, a ridiculous bargain considering his immediate production. Chrebet put up a total of 1,635 yards and seven touchdowns during that contract, playing himself into a much bigger deal.

The production did not stop there. Chrebet played a total of 11 years for the Jets, becoming a loyal fan favorite in the process. Over that span, he posted 580 catches, 7,365 receiving yards, and 41 touchdowns, placing himself in third on the list of all-time Jets receivers by yardage. He is undoubtedly one of the best finds in Jets free agent history.

Offensive linemen are naturally less recognizable than their skill position counterparts, but Faneca was one of the few exceptions. The legendary guard was a huge reason the Jets went from 4-12 in 2007 to 9-7 in 2008 and 2009, as he provided high-level, stabilizing leadership along the offensive line. He did not miss a game in the two seasons he played in New York, and managed to be named to the Pro Bowl and an All-Pro team in that span. Without Faneca, the dramatic resurgence of the Jets as a respectable football team under Rex Ryan would not have been anywhere near possible.

His name might not be the most recognizable, but Maynard was an absolutely critical part of New York's early teams. After signing with the Jets in 1963, Maynard made four Pro Bowls and four All-Pro teams, including a first team selection in 1969. He is the only player on this list who played a role in helping New York secure its lone Super Bowl win. Without Maynard, it is very likely that the Jets would be without their lone Lombardi Trophy, making his signing a wildly important one.

Finding a quality offensive lineman in free agency is a rarity, thanks to the premium value put on most positions in the group. However, the center was often seen as the least important of the bunch, allowing players like Mawae to hit the open market. The Jets took advantage in 1998, when they signed Mawae to a five-year, $16.8 million deal to steal him away from the Seattle Seahawks.

Despite never receiving any accolades as a Seahawk, Mawae wasted no time in becoming one of the most decorated offensive linemen in New York history. Through eight seasons with the Jets, Mawae was selected to six Pro Bowls and another six All-Pro teams. Those accolades indicate a truly elite level of play that the Jets managed to find in free agency.

Mawae was a fantastic player, but Martin is a downright no-brainer to headline this list. He signed with the Jets in 1998 and proceeded to notch seven straight seasons of more than 1,000 rushing yards. In one of those campaigns, Martin put together one of the most remarkable seasons ever from a running back, dropping 1,697 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns at the age of 31.

Unsurprisingly, the back amassed plenty of awards during his time in New York. Three Pro Bowls and three All-Pro teams highlight Martin's trophy case, along with his eventual election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His toughness, combined with his pure playmaking ability, allowed Martin to rank sixth on the all-time rushing list, while also making him one of, if not the best Jet to ever play football.

It is an interesting coincidence that every single signing on this list is an offensive player. Chrebet arguably provided the greatest value to New York, giving the Jets over a decade of quality production while initially being paid close to nothing by NFL standards. Faneca and Mawae were huge presences along their respective offensive lines, and Maynard was a critical part of the New York offense that won the franchise's only Super Bowl.

Finally, signing Martin brought a guy who acted as the engine of the offense for the better part of a decade to the Big Apple. He was a surefire Hall of Fame selection and one of the best free agent additions of all time.