The Jets went 3-14 during the first year of the Aaron Glenn-Darren Mougey era. The success of that tandem in bringing in roster upgrades will be critical if improvements are to be made in 2026. 
A key first step in that process will of course be free agency. It appears as though New York will be one of the teams worth watching closely come March. The Jets are expected to be “among the league’s more aggressive” suitors when it comes to free agent additions, SNY’s Connor Hughes reports.
That comes as little surprise. The Jets are currently fourth in the NFL in projected cap space with more than $83MM in available funds. That figure will change once the 2026 salary cap is finalized and cost-cutting season gets underway, but it should leave Mougey with considerable flexibility on the open market. At least one or two notable additions could be worked out shortly after the new league year begins.
Of course, finding replacements for cornerback Sauce Gardner and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams – both of whom were traded away at the 2025 deadline – will be a priority. That could take place during the draft, however, depending on how the market takes shape. The Jets are also in position to target a quarterback addition. Tyrod Taylor is open to re-signing with New York, but Justin Fields is unlikely to remain in place for next year.
As Hughes notes, Glenn’s job security is viewed around the league as being on shaky ground. That, coupled with the lack of a long-term plan under center, could create challenges when attempting to bring in certain free agents. On the other hand, a desirable situation from a salary cap standpoint should put the Jets in a strong position to win a bidding war in at least some cases.
In addition to finding a new QB1 along with starting-caliber options at the receiver spot and potentially running back (if Breece Hall departs), the Jets will look for defensive upgrades after finishing 32rd in points allowed in 2025. Glenn has made a number changes to his coaching staff, and he could be at the helm of a much different roster relatively soon.
It’s a pretty thin free agent class. I still think it makes sense to tag Breece Hall, especially if they plan to spend aggressively, which would likely mean they wouldn’t get a comp pick for losing him.
To me, the best thing the Jets can do in free agency is plug holes enough that they can go into the draft and not be tempted to focus on need instead of best players available with those four top 50 picks. (This is usually the best thing teams can do with free agency anyway.)
Leo Chenal and Bryan Cook both seem like good fits. Both still young, both leaving a team that has a tough cap situation. The Jets badly need some more size and physicality at linebacker and more talent at safety. I could see Jauan Jennings making sense too, even if he’d make more sense to a win-now team.
Alex Anzalone and Al-Quadin Muhhamed could also make sense as guys Glenn worked with in both Detroit and New Orleans.
All of these are more raise the floor guys than stars, but that’s what most of the free agent class looks like anyway, and that’s only going to be more true by the time free agency comes around.
5 win season confirmed
Of course they will need to spend aggressively, as very few free agents want to sign with a team that will win only 3 to 5 games.
In other news.. water is wet.
Literally was coming to say this. They perpetually try to win the offseason.
Goal should be depth in free agency
WR you’ve got Wilson and Mitchell but could use 2 more guys like Greg Dortch and Jalen Nailor
DT wise Roy Lopez and Dj Reader who played with Glenn in Detroit bring back old friend John Franklin Myers or Tim Settle from Houston
LB Christian Harris from Houston, Jack Sanborn Dallas, Willie Gay Jr Damone Clark