The New York Jets have reached an agreement to bring back safety Andre Cisco on a one-year contract that can be worth up to $5.25 million, according to sources who spoke to ESPN.
Cisco’s return helps the Jets maintain continuity in the secondary while the team continues to shape its roster for the upcoming season. By opting for a one-year arrangement, both sides gain flexibility: the Jets retain a familiar defender without a long-term commitment, and Cisco has the opportunity to play his way into a larger role and potentially a more substantial deal in the future.
The structure of the contract, described as being worth “up to” $5.25 million, typically reflects a combination of base salary, roster bonuses, and performance-based incentives. While specific figures were not immediately available, such deals often reward playing time, statistical production, and team success. For a defensive back, those incentives commonly include benchmarks related to games played, defensive snaps, interceptions, pass breakups, tackles, and overall participation in the defensive game plan and special teams.
For the Jets, retaining Cisco reinforces depth and competition at safety, a position that plays a key role in modern NFL defenses. Safeties are asked to handle a wide range of responsibilities, from deep coverage in passing situations to run support near the line of scrimmage, as well as communication duties in the secondary. Keeping a safety who already understands the coaching staff’s terminology, concepts, and expectations can streamline offseason work and training camp installation.
The timing of the agreement, early in the offseason calendar, allows the Jets’ front office and coaching staff to plan around Cisco’s presence in the defensive backfield. It also provides clarity on at least one spot in the secondary as they evaluate the draft, potential trades, and other free agent options.
Cisco’s one-year deal fits a broader league trend in which teams and players frequently use short-term contracts to bridge the gap between immediate roster needs and long-term planning. For the Jets, it is a calculated move to preserve stability and experience at safety while maintaining future salary-cap flexibility. For Cisco, it is an opportunity to further establish his value, build on his body of work, and position himself for whatever comes next after this season in New York.
Further details of the agreement, including guaranteed money and incentive triggers, were not disclosed in the initial reporting.
