For weeks, the New York Jets have heard concerns surrounding their defensive line depth. Quinnen Williams remains an All-Pro at the position, but who will play beside him has long been a question mark.
Weeks before the start of the 2025 regular season, general manager Darren Mougey may have found immediate solutions to that concern. On Aug. 19, New York traded for defensive tackles Harrison Phillips and Jowon Briggs. Both players are expected to be immediate contributors on the defensive line.
In the case of Briggs, the former Cleveland Brown has more than just the usual chip on his shoulder after the acquisition.
And in his short time with his new organization, the 23-year-old has already been wildly impressed.
Briggs speaks out on Jets trade, praises organization
It hasn’t taken long for Briggs to acclimate to the Jets’ locker room. Speaking to Jets X-Factor before practice on Wednesday, the second-year pro couldn’t be happier to be in Florham Park.
“It’s awesome,” Briggs said. “I’m glad I’m able to be welcomed into a locker room with a lot of like-minded guys. Everyone’s focused on the goal of elevating themselves in this team, and that’s something I’m really excited to be a part of.”
As a former seventh-round pick out of Cincinnati, Briggs entered his sophomore campaign under contract with the Browns. His rookie season could be considered a success.
In 2024, Briggs recorded an above-average Pro Football Focus grade of 72.2, placing 21st among 174 interior defensive linemen. Clearly, the late-round pick was something of a steal for Cleveland.
That didn’t stop the Browns from moving him.
“There was no build-up,” Briggs explained. “I realized when we were going through a walk-through and I was pulled to the side… It was definitely out of the blue, not expected, but grateful for it happening nonetheless.”
Since the trade, Briggs’ head has been on a swivel. Not only has he had to acclimate to a new team, but he has also begun preparations to have his family join him in the near future.
That kind of task can be daunting for any NFL player — especially one just starting his career in the league.
Briggs, though, lauded how “personable” the Jets have been in getting him acclimated to New York and helping him find a place for his family.
“I’m a family-oriented guy so just them (the Jets) touching base about things that aren’t even pertaining to football is something that is good for me,” Briggs said. “It’s kind of a whirlwind of things going on, trying to make sure my wife and kids will be all right, moving them out, and trying to have something set up so we can have them move in here as soon as possible.”
Through it all, Briggs is preparing himself to make an immediate impact. With just a week and a half left before the start of the regular season, the Ohio native knows what he needs to do to ensure New York becomes a consistent home for him and his family.
“At the end of the day, my family’s livelihood is totally predicated on my play and production,” Briggs said. “Being able to have them as my motivation allows me to come out here and perform at my best every day.”