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New York Jets general manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn posing for some photo opps.
The New York Jets have the fourth most cap space in the NFL this offseason.
The good news is their roster needs match up perfectly with the talent that is expected to be available in free agency.
ESPN’s Ben Solak ranked the deepest and thinnest positions ahead of NFL free agency in March.
Arguably, the Jets’ No. 1 need is adding to their pass rush. Last season, the green and white finished 31st in the league in sack production (26 sacks).
Solak said the deepest positional group this offseason is the edge rushers. That analysis includes the free agents that are expected to be available and the young crop of players in the 2026 NFL draft.
“If your favorite team’s general manager can’t find a good fit at edge rusher this offseason, tell him to take a hike. Putting aside the [Maxx] Crosby trade rumors for now, here’s a list of expected free agent edge rushers: Trey Hendrickson (Bengals), Odafe Oweh (Chargers), Jaelan Phillips (Eagles), Khalil Mack (Chargers), K’Lavon Chaisson (Patriots), Boye Mafe (Seahawks), Joey Bosa (Bills), and Jadeveon Clowney (Cowboys),” Solak revealed.
What this group of free agents boasts is a variety platter. The Jets can add proven veterans or young players with traits and upside.
“Hendrickson, Oweh, and Phillips can all reasonably be projected for 10-plus sacks next season, while Mafe, Chaisson, Mack, and Bosa can all be eight-sack players. And that’s without any surprises from more middle-tier veterans like Dre’Mont Jones (Ravens) and Al-Quadin Muhammad (Lions),” Solak explained.
Jets Should Strongly Consider Double Dipping the Chip
The Jets have resources available in free agency and the draft. They should go through the buffet line and grab a little from A and a little from B.
Go sign your free agent rusher of choice and then come back with a top-flight option in April’s draft.
ESPN NFL draft analyst Matt Miller told Jets senior reporter Eric Allen that the No. 2 overall pick for the Jets is down to three players right now.
In no particular order: Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr, Texas Tech’s David Bailey, and Ohio State’s Arvell Reese.
“That’s great news for the Jets because that’s a huge need … I do think it comes down to one of those edge rushers. It’s almost daily which one I would pick for you … I think that’s the fun part for Jets fans over the next three months is trying to figure out which guy that is,” Miller said on “Now Boarding.”
.@nfldraftscout told @eallenjets that it’s a 3-horse race on defense in terms of who will be the No. 2 overall pick for the #Jets in the 2026 #NFLDraft:
‘That’s great news for the Jets because that’s a huge need … I do think it comes down to one of those edge rushers. It’s
Solak projected Bailey and Bain for eight-plus sack seasons as rookies.
Other Top Positions Match the Jets’ Needs
It isn’t just pass rushers; there are plenty of other connective tissue between the top strengths of the class and the Jets’ needs.
The Jets have a hole at left guard. Solak ranked the interior offensive line as the second strongest position.
Depending on what happens with Breece Hall, the Jets will have other places to pivot in free agency if they choose. Solak said it’s a “good year” to need a starting running back in 2026.
The Jets need multiple safeties this offseason. Solak said there are plenty of starting safeties available in free agency.
Solak also said it’s a “good year” to need a “difference maker” at linebacker. The green and white could blow up that entire room this offseason.
One of the best fits is the wide receiver options available. Solak warned that if you’re looking for an “elite” WR1, you might be out of luck. However, there are plenty of “bodies in the bullpen” that’ll be available.
The Jets have a star in Garrett Wilson. What they lack is competent guys around him who can command the attention of opposing defenses.
The group is filled with “strong WR2s and WR3s,” Solak explained. That is exactly what the doctor ordered for the Jets.
Paul Esden Jr. covers the New York Jets for Heavy.com. A New York native, he co-hosts a morning show, “The Manchild Show with Boy Green Digital.” Before joining Heavy in 2021, Esden Jr. covered both national and New York sports for FanSided, Elite Sports NY, and The Score 1260. More about Paul Esden Jr.
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