I'd love Ehlers to stay but a few of the most connected local media (Wiebe and Murat) seem to feel he's more likely to head elsewhere. Still, the Jets seem likely to try to make an offer.
So, what was Chevy discussing with Ehlers' agent for a couple of hours?
My speculation...
Ehlers isn't closed to the Jets, but prefers to test the UFA market. But the Jets probably want an answer earlier than July 1st so that they can pivot to replace him, perhaps via trade around the draft on June 27. They also probably want to have an answer before free agency in case they want to try to shop with the extra cap space. Another consideration that might have been discussed is the potential for a sign-and-trade, or at least trading his negotiation rights like the Canes did with Guentzel (3rd round pick).
So, how might this play out? I think the Jets will probably put out their best offers (maybe a couple of options with different terms and AAV) and ask Ehlers to make a decision before a certain date. They can give him several weeks but will probably need a definitive answer by late June, before the Entry Draft. If Ehlers is clear that he won't sign or that he wants to test the market, I think the Jets might pivot and see if they can work out a sign-and-trade or maybe trade negotiating rights to recoup some value.
I think there's an outside possibility that Chevy will be content to let Ehlers shop around before circling back, because it would limit Chevy's ability to pivot to other alternatives on the trade or free agent market.