New York Jets Offseason Preview: Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
The New York Jets are set to embark on an offseason filled with challenges and opportunities. As the 2025 season comes to a close, coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey will be busy addressing key issues, including the coaching staff, quarterback search, and free agency. In this article, we will provide an in-depth look at the Jets’ offseason priorities and what fans can expect in the coming months.
The Coaching Staff: One of the primary concerns for the Jets is finding a permanent replacement for defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, who was fired after 14 games. Potential candidates include former Michigan DC and longtime NFL assistant Wink Martindale, known for his defenses that excel in takeaways. Interim DC Chris Harris will also be considered, and there is a possibility that Glenn could take on the defensive play-calling duties himself. The Jets have allowed 468 points, the second most in franchise history, and significant turnover on the defensive staff is expected.
In addition to defensive staff changes, the Jets may also make adjustments to their offensive coaching staff. While coordinator Tanner Engstrand appears to be safe, the team may look to add a coach with experience in developing quarterbacks. Current QBs coach Charles London, a former running backs coach, lacks extensive background in working with quarterbacks.
Quarterback Search and Free Agency
The Jets will be searching for veteran help at the quarterback position, exploring options via free agency or trade. Rumors are likely to swirl around top quarterbacks such as Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, and others. The team will leave no stone unturned, as their next quarterback move could be legacy-defining. Potential targets include Jacoby Brissett, Kirk Cousins, Mac Jones, Kyler Murray, Marcus Mariota, Jimmy Garoppolo, and Malik Willis, although only the latter three will be free agents.
The NFL draft will also play a crucial role in the Jets’ quarterback search. With a guaranteed pick between No. 2 and No. 7, the team will be within striking distance of top prospects like Fernando Mendoza and Dante Moore, should he declare. The Jets could also wait until the 2027 draft, when they have three first-round picks and could target top passers like Arch Manning.
Cap Cut and In-House Free Agents: The Jets are likely to release quarterback Justin Fields, who was essentially demoted to third string before being placed on injured reserve. Fields is due to make $20 million, including $10 million guaranteed, next season. The team will also need to make decisions on in-house free agents, including Breece Hall, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Quincy Williams, John Simpson, Andre Cisco, and Tony Adams, as well as kicker Nick Folk and returner Kene Nwangwu.
Prioritizing Key Players
Hall and Vera-Tucker are the top priorities for the Jets, but it remains to be seen whether they will be able to retain both players. Hall, in particular, has expressed frustration with the team’s losing record and may be looking to exit. The Jets will need to navigate these negotiations carefully to ensure they can build a strong foundation for the future.
Potential Extensions: The Jets will also need to consider potential extensions for key players, including Joe Tippmann, who is eligible for the first time, and Will McDonald IV, who is eligible but has seen his production decline. Jermaine Johnson, entering the final year of his rookie deal, is unlikely to receive an extension given his decreased production.
Draft Capital and Salary Cap
The Jets will enter the offseason with significant draft capital, including eight picks, and a projected $70 million in cap room. This will give Mougey and Glenn the resources to address key needs and make strategic moves to improve the team. The league has not yet set the 2026 salary cap, but the Jets are well-positioned to make a splash in free agency and the draft.
Rookie Class and Injury Update: The Jets’ 2025 rookie class showed promise, despite injuries to several key players. Four of the team’s seven draft picks will finish the season injured, but the team remains high on the rookie class. Armand Membou, Mason Taylor, Azareye’h Thomas, and Malachi Moore are expected to be part of the 2026 opening day lineup, with Membou impressing with his “tenacity” and “attitude” in recent weeks.
Receiving Woes and Passing Trends
The Jets’ receiving corps has been plagued by injuries, with Garrett Wilson leading the team in receiving yards despite not playing since midseason. The team has never had a receiving leader with fewer than 400 yards in a 16- or 17-game season. Meanwhile, the Jets’ passing offense has struggled, with only 742 passing yards in the first half of games, the lowest total in the league since 2011.
Historic Droughts: The Jets are on the verge of setting unwanted records, including the longest drought without a 4,000-yard quarterback and the first team in NFL history to have zero interceptions in a season. These trends are a testament to the team’s struggles and the need for significant improvement in the offseason.
As the Jets look to the future, they will need to address these challenges head-on and make strategic moves to build a competitive roster. With significant draft capital and cap room, the team is well-positioned to make a splash in the offseason and set themselves up for success in 2026 and beyond.
