Welcome back to football, Gang Green fans.
Jets rookies reported for training camp on Saturday, while veterans will report on Tuesday before the team begins practicing Wednesday morning.
Aaron Glenn will look to rebound from a dreadful 3-14 season after bringing in both a new offensive coordinator, Frank Reich, and a new defensive coordinator, Brian Duker. Glenn will also be the Jets defensive playcaller after saying it is his superpower at the NFL Combine.
Entering just his second season, Glenn is already feeling the pressure to deliver a fast start and avoid another disappointing campaign.
The Jets haven’t made the playoffs since 2010, a drought many analysts do not expect to end this season. They have three first-round picks in the 2027 NFL Draft, which has led some to speculate they could be in position to land one of the top quarterbacks available. However, Glenn is focused on winning games while simultaneously developing young talent and building his program.
Ahead of training camp, here’s what’s worth watching over the next month:
Can Geno Smith reclaim his Seahawks magic?
During his time in Seattle, Smith revitalized his career. He earned two Pro Bowl selections and won the 2022 NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award after leading the Seahawks to the playoffs.
However, Smith’s play has noticeably declined over the past two seasons. He has thrown 32 interceptions during that span, the most in the NFL. During his lone season with the Raiders, Smith led the league in interceptions while finishing 31st in QBR (34.1).
The Jets acquired Smith in March, hoping he could stabilize the quarterback position while they search for a long-term answer. In Las Vegas, Smith played behind one of the league’s worst offensive lines. That shouldn’t be the case with the Jets, who have promising young tackles Olu Fashanu and Armand Membou protecting his blind side.
Smith should at least be an upgrade over previous starter Justin Fields because he isn’t afraid to push the ball downfield and give his receivers opportunities to make explosive plays. However, he’ll need to cut down on the turnovers, something he hasn’t done well recently.
How quickly can the rookies contribute?
The Jets selected David Bailey with the second overall pick because they viewed him as the draft’s most polished pass rusher. Now they need to see that translate immediately as they look to improve a defense that finished next-to-last in the NFL in sacks last season.
Bailey led the FBS with 14.5 sacks at Texas Tech last season. He earned unanimous All-American honors and was named the Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year. However, his run defense has drawn questions entering the NFL.
The Jets also selected tight end Kenyon Sadiq and wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. in the first round. Sadiq missed most of the spring after undergoing hernia surgery. Glenn said he’s expected to be ready for training camp, but the Jets could take a cautious approach by placing him on the physically unable to perform list before activating him once he’s healthy.
Cooper will compete for snaps on a Jets offense searching for reliable playmakers opposite Garrett Wilson.
Who will be the three starting cornerbacks?
After becoming the first team in NFL history to go an entire season without recording an interception, it’s obvious there will be plenty of competition in the secondary throughout camp. Brandon Stephens is locked in as the Jets’ top cornerback, but who will claim the other two starting spots?
The Jets signed Nahshon Wright after he recorded a league-leading eight takeaways for the Bears in 2025. But he’ll be challenged by second-year cornerback Azareye’h Thomas, who showed promise before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury last December.
Rookie D’Angelo Ponds will also compete for a starting role, though he could ultimately settle in as the Jets’ nickel cornerback.
Will Jason Sanders win the kicking job?
For the third consecutive season, the Jets will have a new kicker. Nick Folk signed with the Falcons after missing just one field goal last season.
Now the Jets will hold a kicking competition between Sanders and Cade York. Sanders has the edge in experience and is the more accomplished kicker. During his seven NFL seasons, he has converted 84.6% of his field-goal attempts.
However, Sanders hasn’t appeared in a game since 2024 after missing the entire 2025 season with a hip injury.
Is the Jets’ No. 2 quarterback already on the roster?
The Jets drafted Cade Klubnik, who has quickly become a fan favorite. Coaches also raved about the rookie during offseason practices.
But everything changes once the pads come on. The Jets also have Bailey Zappe and Brady Cook on the roster, though it would be surprising if either won the backup job.
While Klubnik obviously lacks game experience, the Jets need to evaluate him to determine whether he could become their long-term answer before the 2027 NFL Draft. If he doesn’t impress during camp, don’t be surprised if the Jets sign a veteran after final cuts and before the start of the regular season.