The New York Jets have addressed a key need in their secondary by signing a new starting safety.
NFL insider Adam Schefter announced on social media that the Jets have reached a one-year, $10 million agreement with former Jacksonville Jaguars defensive back Andre Cisco.
Cisco, 24, recently completed his rookie contract with Jacksonville. Over his four-year tenure, he played in 63 games, starting 47 of them.
The former Syracuse standout has made a significant impact on the field, recording eight interceptions, one pick-six, 24 pass deflections, 1.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and 229 total tackles.
Cisco possesses elite instincts and a knack for making plays in the secondary. His ability to track the ball and force turnovers has been evident at both the college and professional levels.
During his three seasons at Syracuse, Cisco registered 13 interceptions, 12 of which came in his first two years.
NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein described Cisco as a “fearless” defender.
“He attacks crossing routes like a heat-seeking missile… Shows urgency in closing on the line of scrimmage,” Zierlein noted.
Cisco’s aggressive playstyle makes him a dangerous weapon, but it can also lead to mistakes.
He is coming off his least productive season as a pro, which likely explains the structure of his contract. Pro Football Focus initially projected Cisco to secure a three-year, $27 million deal. While that didn’t materialize, a strong 2025 season could set him up for a major payday in 2026.
“Cisco had been developing into a dynamic playmaker, collecting seven interceptions over the 2023-24 seasons. However, his contract year was disappointing, as both he and the Jaguars struggled. He was even rotated out of the starting lineup in Weeks 13 and 14 despite previously playing nearly every snap. His performance dipped across the board, but sometimes a change of scenery can help talented players regain form,” PFF wrote in his free agency profile.
The Jets desperately needed a ballhawk in their secondary.
Last season, their defense managed just seven interceptions, the fourth-lowest total in the league, according to ESPN.
Generating takeaways is crucial for offensive success, as short fields create easier scoring opportunities.
Cisco isn’t a flawless player—if he were, he would have landed a much bigger contract. But this signing is a step in the right direction for the Jets.
New defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, a former 15-year NFL cornerback, has a deep understanding of the position. His track record suggests that he knows how to identify and develop talent in the secondary.
With Cisco on board, the Jets have solidified one safety spot. Now, they just need to find the right player to fill the other.
