Weeks after the season concluded, the Jets entered an offseason filled with questions.
Essentially the most vital speaking level has been, who can be Gang Inexperienced’s quarterback in 2026?
It received’t be Dante Moore after he determined to return to Oregon for his redshirt junior season after committing three turnovers within the Peach Bowl loss to Indiana. However the Jets’ considerations transcend who can be their sign caller.
Along with questions at quarterback, who would be the Jets’ new defensive coordinator after Steve Wilks was fired final month? Jets coach Aaron Glenn says he’s on the lookout for an “aggressive” playcaller with whom he has chemistry.
“I’ve mentioned this earlier than, compatibility is simply as necessary as coachability,” Glenn mentioned earlier this month on the subject of what he’s on the lookout for in a defensive coordinator. “So, I need to be sure we see issues the identical means and I need to make it possible for we are able to vibe so far as sitting down and speaking about how we see soccer additionally.”
Let’s deal with that and a few of your different questions within the first Jets mailbag of the offseason.
Who’s your guess at DC? And are there extra adjustments coming? – @Charliesdad2024
For individuals who missed the information, Glenn interviewed eight candidates just about within the first spherical of interviews, in keeping with the Jets. The following stage of the method can be in-person interviews with candidates who superior to the second spherical. Broncos defensive move recreation coordinator/assistant head coach Jim Leonard is the one candidate who continues to be teaching within the postseason, with Denver advancing to the AFC Championship to play New England on Sunday.
If I needed to guess, I might say Wink Martindale is the chief within the clubhouse. He has the aggressive type Glenn is on the lookout for in a coordinator. Martindale additionally has intensive expertise as an NFL assistant coach with the Ravens, Broncos, and Giants.
In 2022, whereas with the Giants, Martindale’s protection completed twenty fifth in yards and 18th in factors allowed per recreation. However the Giants superior to the divisional spherical of the playoffs that season.
Throughout Martindale’s closing season as defensive coordinator, the Giants tied with the Ravens for the league lead in takeaways (31). After registering a league low 4 takeaways, Glenn and the Jets should be salivating at the potential for including a coordinator who can get the ball again for his or her offense persistently.
Lions safeties coach Jim O’Neil, with whom Glenn labored with when he was the Lions defensive coordinator earlier than turning into the Jets coach. He has prior expertise as a defensive coordinator with the Browns (2014-15) and the 49ers (2016). Nonetheless, his protection completed no higher than twenty third within the league throughout these stints.
Chris Harris, who grew to become the Jets’ interim coordinator after Wilks was fired, can be a risk, however stays an extended shot. If I needed to guess, it will be Martindale.
Your favourite participant at #2 [in the 2026 NFL Draft] and ideas on Caleb Downs – @HollyWoodrulz16
The Jets have a number of wants on either side of the ball. It’s doable they may use as much as 11 new starters on offense and protection.
With Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza anticipated to be chosen by the Raiders at No. 1 general, the Jets can take the very best out there participant at No. 2. To me, that will be Miami defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr.
At 6-3, 275 kilos, Bain can play a number of positions throughout the line of defense. He was primarily used as a move rusher with the Hurricanes, however there are some questions on the place he ought to play due to his lack of explosiveness off the road and his brief arms.
However put Bain anyplace on the road and the person can produce. In 16 video games, Bain registered 54 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, and 9.5 sacks. Contemplating the Jets have been next-to-last within the league in sacks (26), Bain would immediately enhance a unit that underachieved in 2025.
By way of Ohio State security Downs, he’s arguably the very best prospect within the draft class. He’s a participant who can play near the road of scrimmage or in move protection and produce at both.
If not for him being a security, I believe Downs can be mentioned extra as a risk for the Jets. However they desperately want security assist, so drafting Downs would assist fulfill a significant want.
The Jets have a ton of wants to deal with. Which FAs do you suppose the Jets will goal? – @FranS3837
Quincy Williams is unlikely to return to the Jets in 2026. Due to that, Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd is somebody who can immediately enhance a linebacker corps that struggled final season.
At 6-3, 235 kilos, Lloyd is at all times across the soccer. He has 81 tackles, six tackles for loss, and 5 interceptions en path to serving to the Jaguars win the AFC South. The Jets might use one other linebacker with dimension and Lloyd suits the invoice.
Relying on what the Jets do at quarterback, Marcus Mariota and Malik Willis could possibly be choices. However there can be loads of different groups vying for his or her companies.
Market price to accumulate Mac Jones from SF. Has 1 yr remaining on his contract – @Kevin747747
Nicely, first, I’m unsure the 49ers are going to commerce Jones, who began eight video games after Brock Purdy suffered a turf toe damage. Particularly should you imagine 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan.
“As any participant on our crew, together with myself and John, you at all times hearken to individuals and commerce affords, however we’re additionally not into eliminating good gamers,” Shanahan mentioned earlier this week. “So, I’d be very shocked if Mac wasn’t round us subsequent yr.”
In eight begins, Jones recorded a 5-3 whereas finishing 2,151 yards with 13 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. After a stint in Jacksonville after being traded by New England in 2024, Jones signed a two-year, $7 million contract with San Francisco.
A very good backup quarterback is tough to search out, and the 49ers most likely will maintain onto Jones until the Jets give them a draft decide or two they’ll’t refuse if the Jets can discover a strategy to get a third-round decide, that is likely to be sufficient for the 49ers to contemplate it.
I personally suppose Jones would flourish in Tanner Engstrand’s offensive system. Additionally, should take into account that the Jets might not be the one crew to name about Jones, so that may issue into any compensation they must hand over.
