5 Players the New York Jets should have never let get away

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 12: Bret Favre #4 (L) and Kellen Clemens #11 of the New York Jets before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Giants Stadium on October 12, 2008 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jarrett Baker/Getty Images) /

Throughout their history, the New York Jets have had some talented players including these five who should have never been allowed to leave

It’s been a while since the New York Jets were threats in the AFC East, although they hope that’s beginning to change. They were 4-12 last season but they did find a quarterback to build around in Sam Darnold.

They’re also revamping their defense thanks to selections such as Alabama’s Quinnen Williams in the 2019 NFL Draft as well as Jamal Adams, the safety they selected sixth overall in the 2017 draft out of LSU.

Of course, rebuilding is a tough process. The Jets understand this but have to feel good about some of this young talent. The only catch is, they need to make sure they don’t allow any of their building blocks to leave in free agency — or get crazy and decide to trade away someone who can be a star.

With that being said, we look at some times in the past when New York did allow someone to leave who they shouldn’t have. Here are five players that Gang Green should have never let get away.

Toughest Omission: Brett Favre, Quarterback

Back in 2008, the Jets made a move to land one of the best quarterbacks to ever play the game. They sent a conditional fourth-round pick to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for Brett Favre. The Hall of Fame quarterback had just lost his job to Aaron Rodgers and was in need of a new home.

As for the Jets, they wanted an upgrade from Chad Pennington who was released after No. 4 arrived. Unfortunately, New York didn’t get the Favre we all remember but that was due to a shoulder injury rather than the fact that he was 39 years old.

After going 9-7 as a starter while throwing for 3,472 yards, Favre retired. He then was released by the Jets but came back to play again. Surgery repaired his shoulder and he ended up with the Minnesota Vikings for two more seasons.

He had arguably the best season of his career, throwing for 4,202 yards with 33 touchdowns and just seven picks. He may not have lasted long but those numbers would have looked nice had he put them up while wearing all green.

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