In a season without many bright spots, which helps explain the New York Jets’ 2-9 record, defensive tackle Jowon Briggs has been one of the few pleasant surprises.
Back in late August, general manager Darren Mougey pulled off an excellent value move, acquiring Briggs and a 2026 seventh-round pick (via Buffalo) while sending a 2026 sixth-rounder to the Cleveland Browns.
Since arriving, the former seventh-round pick has quietly earned the attention of fans, improving each week and far outperforming the modest draft capital the Jets used to bring him in.
Long known as a run-stuffer, Briggs has unexpectedly flashed real upside as a pass rusher, enough to draw notice from head coach Aaron Glenn.
“A really good move by our scouting department to bring somebody like that in. His ability to rush the pass also,” Glenn told reporters. “We want to be able to utilize that. I’m not saying he’s Mean Joe Greene, but he’s been doing a real good job of being disruptive.”
This season, Briggs, 24, is tied with Jermaine Johnson for the second-most sacks on the team (three), trailing only Will McDonald’s seven. He also ranks second in pressures (23), which contributes to a team-high 75.7 pass-rush grade, courtesy of Pro Football Focus.
Briggs is set to hit free agency after the season, but the Jets could easily retain him at a minimal cost. As an exclusive rights free agent, he’d be eligible for a low-priced ERFA tender, carrying just an $885,000 cap hit, making a return an easy decision for Mougey and company.