Feb. 24, 2026, 9:56 a.m. ET
The New York Jets will enter NFL free agency on March 11 searching for impact cornerbacks. The Jets need a long-term replacement after trading Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts at the midseason point for two first-round picks. It’s also worth remembering the entire defensive backfield failed to register an interception last year.
The Jets are equipped with roughly $79.3 million in cap space, according to Over The Cap. That is scheduled to be the fourth-most financial flexibility in the NFL. Mougey will possess the resources required to pursue cornerback upgrades in free agency.
Pro Football Focus recently wrote an article predicting the landing spots for the top free agent cornerbacks. The New York Jets are listed as the suitor for Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Jaylen Watson. Watson would instantly be the Jets’ best cornerback.
“The Jets are staring down the barrel of a defensive rebuild after trading away two franchise cornerstones: defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and cornerback Sauce Gardner,” PFF wrote. “The coverage unit is in particular need of investment after the team ranked 31st in PFF coverage grade (32.2) and last in the NFL in EPA per dropback allowed. A complete overhaul doesn’t happen overnight but, rather, piece by piece, and this signing would go a long way toward that improvement.
“Watson is a savvy cornerback with athletic traits to match, a combination that makes him formidable in press-man. His 76.2 man PFF coverage grade over the past two seasons ranks second among all cornerbacks with at least 100 snaps with man responsibilities. That would provide the Jets with a plug-and-play starter on the outside for head coach Aaron Glenn’s man-heavy coverage philosophy.”
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Watson recorded a career-high 64 tackles last season. The former seventh-round pick also notched six pass breakups and a personal-best two interceptions.
Watson could appear on the Jets’ shortlist of potential free agent targets.