Entering 2026, the New York Jets look way different than they did at this time last year, both on the coaching staff and on the roster.
This offseason, the Jets significantly boosted their roster, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, by adding established veterans who have proved to be top players at their positions, such as Demario Davis and Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn discussed the emphasis the Jets placed on balancing their roster this offseason between young and ascending players and established veterans.
“That was one of the things that we were very intentional about as far as bringing in guys who have been around and who have played at a high level,” said Glenn. “And not just played at a high level, but has led at a high level. So yes, I’m extremely happy with the number of young people we have. I think we were the second-youngest team in the league last year, and then bringing in a number of veterans who have been there, done that. But, not just that, but also have been really good players in this league and understand what it takes to win and how to win.”
As we broke down, the key difference between the Jets’ current roster and the squad they had last year is that the organization largely banked on unproven commodities to overperform.
This year, though, they clearly changed course, still investing in young, up-and-coming pieces but also adding established veterans to help even out the roster.
Overall, you can argue that the Jets’ roster has improved at every position on the depth chart this offseason, with the lone exception of kicker.
If quarterback Geno Smith is able to play at the same level he did with the Seattle Seahawks, which is certainly in play, the Jets can undoubtedly be a competitive team that the fan base is proud of in 2026.
