No NFL team is ever a finished product before the regular season kicks off. But for the first time in years, it feels like the New York Jets are on the right path.

When general manager Darren Mougey took over in January, he was tasked with the difficult job of improving a roster that had won just five games the previous season. The work Mougey has done since then has been impressive.

New York extended organizational pillars Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner. The Jets also added an infusion of young talent through both the 2025 NFL draft and free agency.

Like any good GM, though, Mougey isn’t satisfied with the roster he’s assembled through training camp. Just days before their final preseason game, the Jets acquired two defensive tackles in trades: Jowon Briggs and Harrison Phillips.

Those moves alone are further evidence that the Jets have the right people in charge of roster construction.

Mougey passes another Jets test

Few executives around the league have the guts to make roster changes just weeks before the regular season begins. General managers like the Philadelphia Eagles’ Howie Roseman are known for constantly looking for ways to improve—even at awkward times.

The fact that Mougey is operating with a similar mindset is a promising sign for the future of the Jets.

Throughout camp, one of the team’s most obvious weaknesses was at defensive tackle. Quinnen Williams and Byron Cowart—two projected 2025 starters—have dealt with injuries, and there were several question marks behind them.

Instead of waiting to see how the unit would hold up early in the season, Mougey chose to upgrade the room with Phillips and Briggs.

Both newcomers bring experience in stopping the run. Briggs performed well in that department as a rookie in 2024, while Phillips was a respected nose tackle in Minnesota’s defense.

Each player can carve out a unique role in the 2025 Jets defense.

Mougey could have waited until the trade deadline to make these moves. As questionable as the group is, there wasn’t necessarily a dire need to add these players just weeks before Week 1.

So what gives? Why make the deals now?

While the current Jets roster has clearly been shaped with significant input from head coach Aaron Glenn, Mougey has also begun to make a name for himself.

Addressing a potential weakness before it becomes a problem shows he is prudent about improving the roster.

Briggs and Phillips may not end up making a major impact this season. But the fact that Mougey was confident enough to make the trades displays that he is always willing to have the conversation.

And so far, he’s pushing all the right buttons.