After revamping the unit this offseason, the New York Jets’ defense is expected to take a massive step forward in 2026.
Following the 2025 season, in which they ranked among the league’s worst defenses in several key categories, the organization made it a priority to invest significant assets in improving the unit this offseason.
Speaking to reporters this week, veteran defensive lineman David Onyemata was asked what he hopes Gang Green’s defensive identity will be in 2026.
“Tough and mean,” the former Atlanta Falcon replied.
Onyemata, 32, was one of several defensive linemen the Jets signed in free agency this offseason alongside Kingsley Enagbare and Joseph Ossai.
Last season with the Falcons, he continued to shine as a run defender, finishing eighth among 134 qualified DTs with a 74.2 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus. To boot, his 42 solo tackles also ranked ninth at the position.
At this juncture, though, he doesn’t really offer much as a pass rusher. In the past two seasons, he has combined for just 4.0 sacks, including 1.0 last year.
The Jets will also have a new defensive play-caller for the 2026 season, as head coach Aaron Glenn is taking the reins, while the newly hired Brian Duker will be New York’s non-play-calling DC.
Onyemata is directly connected to Glenn, as they overlapped for four seasons in New Orleans, when the Jets’ current head coach served as the Saints’ defensive backs coach.
“He’s still the same person,” the defensive tackle said of Glenn.
This season, Onyemata will certainly have a role with the Jets as a rotational defensive tackle who specializes in stopping the run.
When he’s out there, it’s clear he’ll make it his goal to play “tough and mean” with the remainder of the team’s defense.
