The New York Jets‘ defense was a disaster in 2025, finishing the season without a single interception. Of the team’s dominant 2023 unit, only Will McDonald and Jamien Sherwood remain, and both are coming off down years.
The Jets are expected to target defenders early in the 2026 NFL draft. But why wait?
Free agency may be the Jets’ best shot at rebuilding their defense. While it may not be a standout class, quality options still exist. Several difference-makers will be on the market at defensive line, linebacker, and safety. With the Jets needing both starters and backups, they can’t afford to stand by.
So, who could the Jets pursue?
Defensive line
- DE Jaelan Phillips
- DE Odafe Oweh
- DE Trey Hendrickson
- DE Joseph Ossai
- DE K’Lavon Chaisson
- DE Boye Mafe
- DT John Franklin-Myers
- DT Shelby Harris
- DT Jonathan Allen
After trading Jermaine Johnson, defensive end is a glaring need. Will McDonald is the only projected starter. Luckily, the free-agent edge rusher class has two clear tiers the Jets could target.
For a splash signing, Phillips, Oweh, and Hendrickson are the names to watch. For a solid starter, Ossai, Chaisson, and Mafe are all quality options.
The Jets also need help at defensive tackle despite trading for T’Vondre Sweat. While he and Jowon Briggs will be excellent against the run, the Jets need to add more proven pass rushers. A reunion with Franklin-Myers would correct one of former general manager Joe Douglas’s least explainable moves. Harris and Allen are both solid options as well.
Linebacker
- Tremaine Edmunds
- Devin Lloyd
- Devin Bush
- Bobby Okereke
- Devin White
- Nakobe Dean
- Leo Chenal
- Alex Anzalone
- Germaine Pratt
- Eric Wilson
- Quay Walker
- Cole Holcomb
Linebacker may be the deepest group in free agency, with both young stars and veterans available.
Several former first-round picks, including Lloyd, White, Walker, and Dean, are hitting the market for the first time. Edmunds and Bush are looking for a second chance.
There are also quality veteran options in Anzalone, Pratt, and Wilson. With so many talented choices, the goal isn’t just finding the best player — it’s finding the best value.
Safety
- Bryan Cook
- Coby Bryant
- Jalen Thompson
- Nick Cross
- Jaquan Brisker
- Reed Blankenship
- Ifeatu Melifonwu
- Jaylinn Hawkins
Safety is another position loaded with talent. Cook has been heavily linked to the Jets for weeks. Bryant, Cross, and Melifonwu are other names to keep an eye on. The Jets do have Malachi Moore under contract, but Andre Cisco and Tony Adams are hitting free agency.
Jets can reload in free agency without overspending
Free agency is frequently categorized as a time when veterans and castoffs hit the market while the young stars are all locked up. While it’s rare for a true star to hit free agency, there is still plenty of value to be had. Look no further than the participants of Super Bowl LX, the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots, who were both among the top four free agency spenders in 2025.
The Jets won’t be the only team shopping, but with plenty of options at each position, they should be expected to land at least one quality starter per group. With over $73 million in cap space, three new starters are a realistic target.
A relatively unique aspect of this free agent class is how many young players there are. Several players listed above are free agents for the first time or only 1-2 years removed from the end of their rookie deals. These aren’t just band aids. They could be solutions for New York through the remainder of the decade.
With less than three hours until free agency “unofficially” kicks off, we are about to find out how Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey will play their hand.
