The New York Jets’ season did not go as planned under first-year head coach Aaron Glenn. The Jets concluded the season with a 3-14 record, and last place in the AFC East, signaling another rebuilding year for 2026 as they seek to acquire solid players.
Despite the unsuccessful season, one thing is certain: the Jets have a star in rookie Malachi Moore, a safety from Alabama.
Moore, drafted as the No. 130 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, had to earn his spot in the rotation and compete for a starting role, as is typical for rookies. His first career start came in Week 3 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after an injury to starter Tony Adams. Although the Jets fell 29-27, Moore recorded four tackles, impressing Glenn.
“I think he did a pretty good job last week,” said Glenn following the game. “There’s always room for improvement, he’s a rookie & he made some rookie mistakes, but he’s gonna be a damn good player for us & I’m looking forward to the way he progresses as these weeks go by.”
Following his Week 3 start, Moore’s playing time and development increased. He also began to see snaps at slot corner, which was his original position with the Crimson Tide before Nick Saban moved him to safety.
Moore’s opportunity to show his skills at safety expanded when Andre Cisco suffered a season-ending torn pectoral in Week 8 against Cincinnati. Moore initially teamed up with Adams until Adams sustained a groin injury in Week 15, ending his season. From that point on, Moore stepped in at safety and remained there for the rest of the season.
“I feel like that’s the best way to learn is to get thrown into the fire, because nothing is like a real game,” Moore told team reporter Caroline Hendershot. “And so when you finally get out there, I feel like the more reps I got, the more comfortable I became out there and just being comfortable with myself around the teammates on the field we were playing. I just think with more reps comes more experience and more confidence.”
After being tested in multiple roles, Moore had a solid rookie season, leading all rookie defensive backs with 101 total tackles, 3 tackles for loss, a forced fumble and 3 passes defended.
He also became the first Jets rookie defensive back in the last 20 years to record 90 or more tackles in a season.
As the Jets enter their 2026 rebuild, Moore’s future looks promising after his standout rookie season. It will be interesting to see how the Jets utilize Moore in 2026 and how he can further impact the team as they aim for their first playoff appearance since their 2010 AFC Championship game run.
Recapping Malachi Moore’s Standout Rookie Season in the NFL
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