With over $70 million in salary cap space entering 2026, the New York Jets knew they would have to get aggressive if they wanted to address the many needs along their roster.

After a three-win season in 2025, that is precisely what the Jets did on the first day of free agency. Strong trade value and a collection of defensive additions have transformed New York’s group seemingly overnight.

But just how good were the New York Jets’ free agent moves on the first day?

Today, we grade each individual addition on its own metric based on past production, contract value, and expected role for the 2026 season.

Jets’ acquisition grades

Six additions were made on Monday, each with a very specific goal in mind: to get New York’s defense to a passable grade following a disastrous 2025 season. Did each move fit what the Jets want?

Let’s take a look.

Minkah Fitzpatrick: A

The trade for Minkah Fitzpatrick and the subsequent three-year extension were the first and best moves of the day for the Jets. Fitzpatrick is a former All-Pro with ball-hawking capabilities and a strong leadership track record. To only give up a seventh-round pick for him is a steal for New York.

This is a leadership-defining move for the franchise.

Demario Davis: B

Speaking of leadership, the Jets brought back one of their best leaders of the last decade for the third time. By signing Demario Davis to a two-year contract, the Jets are pushing for greater accountability on defense while also adding players to help end their struggles in run defense.

Davis is 37 years old and won’t be compared to the league’s great linebackers. But as a run defender and leader, he might just be exactly what New York has needed.

David Onyemata: B+

The Jets were among the worst defenses in the league at stopping the run last season. David Onyemata is an immediate plug-and-play interior defensive lineman to end those troubles.

With a cap charge of just around $2.1 million, the Jets should be thrilled they added a quality veteran with plenty still in the tank for next season. Onyemata should fit well with Jowon Briggs, T’Vondre Sweat, and Harrison Phillips.

Joseph Ossai: B-

Joseph Ossai received a deal that perhaps outweighs past production. He has recorded just 10 combined sacks in the last two years, but he’s a competent edge rusher who simply needs more reps in a scheme that pushes him as a stand-up defender.

His contract could be improved as the year progresses, as he gets more accustomed to the Jets’ defensive scheme under Aaron Glenn. It’s a better move than the next signing simply because he’s shown he can be a quality edge rusher in limited reps.

Kingsley Enagbare: C+

Kingsley Enagbare is a run-stopping edge defender, but he should be someone who is part of the natural rotation for the Jets. A $10 million contract could be seen as an overpay, but the full details of how much it counts against actual cap space have yet to be released.

He’s probably the most questionable addition at this point, but if his run grades continue to perform well, the fit remains for New York.

Dane Belton: B

As third safeties go, Dane Belton is an excellent value at just $4 million. There will be a competition between him and Moore, but one must assume the Jets will want to see the former fourth-round rookie get a chance to start once training camp begins.

Belton is a sure-fire tackler who should be a box safety this year. It’s a logical fit for the Jets.