Things will be different for the New York Jets’ defense in 2026.

In 2025, the Jets allowed the most points in the NFL (503) and generated the fewest takeaways (4). But New York took steps this offseason to address their helpless defense, especially against the pass.

All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and cornerback Nahshon Wright were acquired by the team in early March. Both additions are expected to help the secondary take significant strides.

There’s another way for the Jets to address their pass defense, though.

Getting to the quarterback.

New York was in the bottom five in pressure rate, sacks, and other key categories related to rushing the passer. It’s why head coach Aaron Glenn is taking over as play-caller and revamping the team’s defensive scheme.

Not only will it shift the look of the Jets’ defense, but it will also give a certain young player a golden opportunity to break out.

Jets’ “multiple” defensive line

Under former defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, the Jets tried to use a 4-3 front with zone concepts on the back end to confuse offenses. All it did, though, was make the unit easy pickings for anyone they played.

It’s why Glenn has made wholesale changes to the team’s schematic look, moving from a base 4-3 front to what he describes as a “multiple” look.

“You do hear that a lot, and I will say this, we are, we will be a multiple defense,” Glenn said at league meetings in Arizona last week. “So there will be elements of 4-3, there will be elements of 3-4. And I think sometimes it’s overwhelming.”

Deploying a multitude of looks is the only true way in the modern NFL to generate a pass rush with a young unit like the Jets are expected to have. With many players expected to be pushed into new roles, there will need to be a breakout star who turns a corner in their career.

Luckily for the team, he’s already on the roster.

Jets’ breakout candidate

It’s easy to say that whatever edge rusher the Jets select with the second overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft will be the breakout candidate for the defensive line this season.

In reality, though, a rookie edge rusher may not have the kind of impact that defensive tackle Jowon Briggs is set to put forth.

Acquired by New York before the 2025 season began, Briggs was Gang Green’s most consistent defensive tackle all season. The second-year man recorded four sacks and 38 total pressures while also being stout against the run, showing the part of an every-down player.

It’s why the team expects big things from the former Cleveland Brown next season.

“When he came in, I think he was known as just a true run stopper, and he’s done a really good job of that,” Glenn said. “But he’s shown he has a knack for actually rushing the passer also, and it’s in his own way, all right, but he’s been pretty disruptive.”

New York also signed 11th-year veteran David Onyemata in free agency, as well as acquiring 24-year-old nose tackle T’Vondre Sweat from the Tennessee Titans this offseason. If the Jets were worried about Briggs being double-teamed too much, they won’t have to be anymore.

The Jets are wise to transition to a multiple defensive front this season. It’s the only way they can be competitive with the roster they have.

It should also lead to the breakout of one of their youngest stars as well.

Surrounded by new talent and placed in a scheme that will allow him to maximize his versatile skill set, watch out for the 24-year-old Briggs to have a massive year for New York in 2026.