The New York Jets have many issues to fix going into the 2026 offseason.
If that wasn’t the case, they wouldn’t have gone 3-14 in Aaron Glenn’s debut season, prompting sweeping changes across the coaching staff.
Thus, it’s time to rank the Jets’ five biggest needs as they prepare for free agency and the draft.
5. Safety
Outside of the top position on this list, safety has arguably been the Jets’ worst position over the past few years. The team has taken chances on numerous starters, both young and old, but none have stuck.
Malachi Moore, the Jets’ fourth-round rookie from last season, isn’t enough. Gang Green needs a complete overhaul in their safety room, and it’s going to start in free agency in a few weeks.
4. Wide receiver
Garrett Wilson is capable of being a true No. 1 receiver. For that to happen, the Jets need competence around him. Getting him the football has been a challenge at times, and that will continue to be the case until New York finds a receiver who can work in tandem with him.
Think DeVonta Smith to A.J. Brown, or Jordan Addison to Justin Jefferson. Unless New York has more than just one wideout who can consistently win against corners, opposing defenses will be able to focus on shutting down Wilson.
It’s a critical need for an offense that ranked last in passing yards.
3. Defensive tackle
Ask the Los Angeles Rams how important Aaron Donald was to their Super Bowl run, or Vita Vea to the Tampa Buccaneers. Throw in the Philadelphia Eagles with Jalen Carter, or Leonard Williams with this year’s champs, the Seattle Seahawks.
The Jets need to bring in multiple defensive tackles who can consistently rush the passer and stabilize the run defense. They once had that in Quinnen Williams, but with the All-Pro out in Dallas, the Jets have one of the NFL’s thinnest defensive tackle units.
New York needs difference-makers on the interior to make life easier for the rest of the defense.
2. Edge rusher
Between the last two Super Bowl winners, there was a specific constant in their dominant victories: edge rusher domination.
Both the Seattle Seahawks and Philadelphia Eagles won their big games courtesy of a relentless pass rush developed from the edge. Keeping the likes of Patrick Mahomes in the pocket is no easy feat, but it was accomplished by Philadelphia, and Seattle did the same to Drake Maye.
The Jets must follow that blueprint. While needs in the secondary and at linebacker are significant, the quickest way for the defense to improve is if it can get to the quarterback by only rushing four.
That starts along the edge.
1. Quarterback
Until the Jets find a quarterback they can confidently rely on for more than just one season, this will be the organization’s biggest need. It isn’t too difficult to break down.
In a division with Josh Allen and Drake Maye, New York needs a signal-caller who can keep the team competitive in high-scoring affairs throughout each season.
Whether it is by trade or through the draft (Ty Simpson, anyone?), the Jets will continue to appear as one of the worst organizations in football until they get this position right.
Once they get it right, though, a great quarterback can mask plenty of organizational issues. Just ask the Buffalo Bills.