Thomas Hennessy

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

This Thomas Hennessy deal earns an A- CVI rating and represents exceptional value for the Jets — a borderline steal for a specialized position that can make or break special teams units. While Hennessy grades as a rotational player in our performance metrics, that undersells his impact as a long snapper, where consistency and reliability matter infinitely more than raw athletic ability, and his $1.5M AAV sits well below what proven veterans at the position typically command. At 29, Hennessy is entering his prime years for a long snapper, a position where players routinely perform at high levels into their mid-30s, making the four-year term a smart investment rather than a risk. The $3.2M guaranteed represents just over half the total deal, giving the Jets reasonable protection while still showing commitment to a player who's been rock-solid since entering the league. Long snappers might not generate headlines, but ask any special teams coordinator about the value of never having to worry about the position, and this contract suddenly looks like one of the shrewder moves of the offseason.

Performance Analysis

Thomas Hennessy's D+ grade as the Jets' long snapper is a standard assessment for a specialist quietly doing his job at an elite level. Hennessy has been one of the most reliable long snappers in the NFL for years, providing clean, consistent snaps for New York's special teams operation. His D+ grade reflects the system's difficulty in properly evaluating a position where perfection is the only acceptable standard. When a long snapper is doing his job right, he's completely invisible — and Hennessy has been invisible in the best way possible. The Jets' field goal and punt operations have functioned seamlessly because of his consistency. He's a consummate professional at a position that gets zero recognition.

Current Sentiment

Thomas Hennessy enters 2026 as a reliable veteran long snapper for the Jets with minimal media attention, which is typical for the specialized position. His inclusion in a 'Behind the Process' feature suggests the organization views him as part of their institutional fabric, though the absence of All-Pro recognition or media fanfare indicates he operates in the background as a journeyman contributor. At 9 years of experience and a modest $1.5M annual salary, Hennessy represents stable depth rather than a marquee player generating headlines or fan excitement. The lack of any negative coverage or controversies reflects his consistency in a low-profile role, though the overwhelming silence around his performance offers no indication of exceptional standing within the league. Overall, Hennessy's perception reflects the nature of long snapping itself—competent, unheralded work that gains recognition only when mistakes occur.