The New York Jets have done quite the job stockpiling picks over the next two drafts, as they look to jumpstart their rebuild under second-year head coach Aaron Glenn.

They started the weekend with four picks in the first two rounds and nine picks overall, thanks to the compensatory formula, with D.J. Reed and Morgan Moses both returning picks after their departures in free agency last offseason.

Reed’s loss was the biggest, as the cornerback signed a three-year, $48 million deal with the Detroit Lions that became a top-12 contract in terms of average annual value last offseason.

How did the Jets get a compenssatory pick for D.J. Reed?

The Jets were awarded a fourth-round compensatory pick for the loss of Reed, earning the final pick in the round at No. 140.

Reed’s $16 million salary was the final contract that reached the threshold of returning a fourth-round compensatory pick, as the next-best free agent deal went to Brandon Stephens, who earned $12 million per year.

That selection could be quite valuable, though, as this draft is perceived as strongest in the middle rounds. New York has quite a few options. With their amount of draft capital, they could use one of their fourth-rounders to make a move up in the draft (perhaps even for a quarterback). They could also stay put and look to load up on young talent for the 2026 season.

How did D.J. Reed play for the Lions in 2025?

Reed had an up-and-down year marred by injury, limiting him to just 11 games on the season. When on the field, though, he was a quality cornerback for the Lions.

The veteran allowed just a completion rate of 61.4 percent, while allowing a passer rating of just 79.6. He forced six completions, according to PFF, while recording a pair of interceptions as well.

Reed was penalized six times and is not afraid to be handsy, but the Lions will hope that he’s healthier after a major hamstring injury this season.

Who did the Jets take with the D.J. Reed compensatory pick?

The Jets traded the pick to the Bengals. They moved 140 along with 128 up for picks 110 and 199.

What is a compensatory pick?

Compensatory picks are awarded to teams that suffer a net loss of qualifying free agents during the previous year’s free agency period. So 2026 NFL Draft compensatory picks are awarded due to free agents lost in 2025.

Then those players are ranked on the amount of salary, playing time, and a bunch of other criteria and slotted into the end of rounds three through seven.