In a 2025 season that doesn’t have too many games to look back at with excitement, Sunday’s game didn’t help at all. It might’ve been the worst one yet. The Jets got completely run off their own field by an in-division rival, the Miami Dolphins, losing 34–10.
It was alarming how easily the Dolphins’ offense marched down the field against New York’s defense, especially early on. Miami jumped out to a 21–0 lead in the first quarter, ripping off chunk play after chunk play right from the start.
“The Jets produced virtually no pass rush against the Dolphins — a team that ranked 31st in pass blocking by PFF and 25th in pass block win rate by ESPN”, Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic wrote.
“The defensive line managed just seven pressures: Jowon Briggs (3), Jermaine Johnson (2), and Micheal Clemons (2). Will McDonald had none in 15 pass-rushing snaps. The Jets finished with three QB hits and one sack.”
“Looking ahead to 2026, adding more pass-rush help should be near the top of the Jets’ priority list.”
Rosenblatt’s comments make sense when you look at the numbers and how this season has unfolded for the Jets. In addition to the clear need for a more consistent pass rush, it’s also worth noting that the defense gave up 239 rushing yards to the Dolphins on Sunday.
GettyJets pass rusher Will McDonald.
Veteran the Jets Can Target in Free Agency to Help Pass Rush
The Jets do have young, developing talent on the edge in Jermaine Johnson and Will McDonald. Both have shown flashes that they can be strong players in this league, but the team will need to see more consistency from each of them. The reality is that the Jets can also help those players by adding another talented pass rusher to the mix.
New York has several position groups with clear holes they’ll need to address this offseason, but if they choose to prioritize adding to the pass rush, they’ll have options in both the draft and free agency to help solve the issue.
A familiar name that the Jets can look to target in free agency is Denver Broncos defensive end John Franklin-Myers.
“This season, Franklin-Myers has recorded a 67.4 PFF pass-rushing grade with a 13.2% pass-rush win rate, both of which are in at least the 82nd percentile. Similarly, his 62.4 PFF run-defense grade doesn’t seem incredible, but it places 33rd among 116 defensive linemen with 100 or more snaps against the ground game,” wrote Bradley Locker of PFF.
If New York looks to add a veteran player to help in the pass rush opposed to a rookie, Franklin-Myers is a name to watch.
GettyBroncos pass rusher John Franklin-Myers.
Rookie the Jets Can Target in 2026 Draft to Help Pass Rush
Although it’s less likely given the buzz that the Jets may use their high draft picks on offensive needs, if they decide to select a pass rusher in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, Reuben Bain Jr. (University of Miami) is widely regarded as the top talent at the edge position.
“Bain Jr. is a strong, dense edge player with a versatile build, capable of playing as a 3-4 defensive end all the way to a 4-3 outside linebacker. He is also versatile in rushing from the left or right. His length appears to be below average for the NFL, but he avoids getting locked up against longer tackles with powerful and fast hand movements, led by a strong two-hand swipe as a go-to,” wrote Trevor Sikkema of PFF.
GettyMiami pass rusher Rueben Bain Jr.
Mike Gruseke Mike Gruseke is a dedicated Heavy NFL contributor specializing in coverage of the New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Pittsburgh Steelers. A graduate of Monmouth University with a B.A. in Journalism, Mike previously served as a Sports Writer for The Outlook. Most recently, he has contributed to the Asbury Park Press as a sports writer, continuing to combine his passion for football and his background in journalism. More about Mike Gruseke
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