After the NFL draft, linebacker is one of the New York Jets’ most glaring needs on their depth chart.

Day 2 or 3 of the draft seemed like a perfect opportunity for New York to shore up the position group, but ultimately, they left the draft without selecting a linebacker, which surprised many.

Ahead of the 2026 season, though, Gang Green can still add at the position with one of two remaining free agents who profile as perfect targets to beef up the group.

Germaine Pratt

Germaine Pratt, 29, is still a quality depth piece at linebacker.

In 2025, he logged 95 solo tackles, which ranked 12th among linebackers, along with a forced fumble and 41 defensive stops. He was even better during the 2024 season, collecting 107 solo tackles (seventh among LBs), two forced fumbles, and 53 stops (also seventh).

While the former third-round pick isn’t a game-changing player, he is an available veteran whom the Jets can bring in as a depth option on a cheap deal.

The issue with the Jets’ linebacker room currently is that there are more question marks than answers beyond Demario Davis. Will Jamien Sherwood return to his elite-level form he flashed in 2024? Can Mykal Walker and Kiko Mauigoa, who flashed at times last season, handle substantial roles?

Signing Pratt would provide a reliable solution in case some of the Jets’ less proven options do not pan out.

Bobby Wagner

Bobby Wagner is the more premium option compared to Pratt.

While he is set to turn 36 before the 2026 season, Wagner has continued to deliver elite production. In 2025, he was the only linebacker to earn 90.0-plus grades from Pro Football Focus in run defense (90.3), pass rushing (92.4), and tackling (90.5).

He is the type of player who could change the entire trajectory of the Jets’ linebacker room, whereas a player like Pratt would be viewed as more of a depth piece. And while the latter is valuable, Wagner’s game-changing ability should be what New York is looking for.

Not only is the soon-to-be 36-year-old able to still excel as a run and pass defender, but he can also get after the passer. During the 2025 season, he posted 20 pressures as a blitzer, which was the eighth most among linebackers, and five sacks, the second most.

Whether it’s Pratt, Wagner, or someone else, the Jets should look to add a veteran linebacker ahead of the summer.