The New York Jets have work to do if they’re going to take flight into the air of Super Bowl contenders. Most of those prioritize lie on the offensive side of the ball, but regression on defense and special teams could crumble their competitive window just as fast.

Bringing back edge rusher Bryce Huff may be the only big-ticket signing New York makes regarding its defense. However, smaller role players may prove integral, too.

Safety Ashtyn Davis played the best football of his career in the final season of his rookie contract. As free agency draws near, should the Jets prioritize bringing Davis back?

Perhaps the most important aspect of any offseason discussion in New York is how little wiggle room the team has to operate with. General manager Joe Douglas’ attempt to lure in quarterback Aaron Rodgers – for better or worse – has made the roster more expensive. Most, if not all, of the Jets’ upcoming acquisitions will be from the discount rack.

Davis, boasting just a single year of quality play, most likely isn’t going to command much of a market. Pro Football Focus projects fellow free-agent safety Jordan Whitehead to command a two-year deal worth $6 million per year. With less of a track record and less playing time and production, it’s unlikely Davis will touch that number.

His woes in the run game continued, but Davis’ versatility came through. He graded out highly as a blitzer and made plays in the box, slot, and centerfield. That versatility extended to special teams, where Davis was exceptional.

Per PFF, he was the second-best special teamer on New York’s unit, behind only receiver Irvin Charles. Of the 16 Jets defenders with as many snaps as Davis this season, only eight posted a higher defense grade.

Despite starting fewer games than his first two seasons in the league, Davis set a career-high in interceptions (three), passes defended (eight), fumble recoveries (three), and tackles for loss (three).

As a third safety in head coach Robert Saleh’s defense, Davis can be deployed without the kind of snap share that gets weaknesses exploited, and given his athleticism, there’s optimism that 2023 was more than a flash in the pan.

New York ranked fifth on special teams per defense-adjusted value over average. Keeping a strong special teams contributor who was harnessed within his defensive role – while not breaking the bank – makes a lot of sense for a Jets team that may be cash-strapped this spring.