On the unofficial first day of free agency, the New York Jets reportedly have a deal in place with safety Andre Cisco to a one-year, $10 million deal. The New York native is one of the first signings of this new Jets regime. Cisco was born in New York and played High School ball on Long Island. Cisco was a star at Syracuse and was drafted in the third round by Jacksonville in 2021.
Jets to Sign Andre Cisco
Andre Cisco is only 24 years old and has eight career interceptions. 2024 was a down year for him after massive breakout seasons in 2022 and 2023. Cisco was one of the league’s top ballhawks in that two-year stretch. He totaled seven interceptions and 15 passes defended.
Cisco started as a backup and quickly earned his role as a starter in the Jaguars’ defense. His range and ball-hawking ability are his bread and butter. Cisco has been a durable player throughout his career so far, playing in 63 games over his four years in the league. His talent is undeniable, and he is capable of making a big impact. The Jets are betting on him returning to form and becoming a solid contributor again. The one-year deal he received can be a good opportunity to prove he is what he was in 2022 and 2023.
How will Cisco fit in the Jets’ defense?
Practically the entire Jets safety room hit free agency this offseason, leaving a massive hole. Head coach Aaron Glenn prioritizes the safety position and relies on them to make plays in the back end of the defense, so Cisco will be a key piece.
Cisco, at his best, is a rangy, deep safety. In 2024, he was asked by the Jaguars’ staff to put on weight to play closer to the line of scrimmage. He struggled in 2024, as most of the Jaguars’ defense did. In New York, he will go back to being the coverage, deep third-type safety. He will be let loose and will be able to roam in the back end of the defense. His speed will be key. Cisco instantly becomes the most talented player in the group, and his coverage ability will be important.
In Detroit, Aaron Glenn was able to help develop safeties like Kerby Joseph. Joseph had a massive year, totaling nine interceptions. The Jets could see Cisco filling this type of role and benefiting from playing under the coaching staff. If Cisco can get back to playing like he did two years ago, this deal will look like a major steal.
Cisco will join a talented Jets defense and will have the opportunity to fill in a gap to complete the unit. He will have opportunities to take the ball away with the talent playing in front of him, and he will be able to play his style of football. Cisco can be a premier ball hawk in this league as he showcased two seasons ago. He’s also only 24 and has room to grow and become a complete player. The Jets got better by adding Andre Cisco, and the retooling of this defense has begun.