The New York Jets are heading into another pivotal offseason, and after a brutal 3-14 campaign, it’s clear some tough decisions are on the horizon. With the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft in hand, the Jets are positioned to bring in a potential franchise quarterback. But before they can truly turn the page, they’ll need to clean house-and that means moving on from a few names who just didn’t deliver.
Let’s take a closer look at three players who could be on the chopping block as the Jets try to reset the roster and build a more stable foundation for the future.
1. Justin Fields: A Short-Lived Experiment
The Justin Fields era in New York never really got off the ground. Brought in with hopes of reviving his career, Fields started nine games and finished with a 2-7 record.
On paper, a 62.7% completion rate and just one interception might not look too bad, but the reality was far less encouraging. Fields threw for only 1,259 yards and seven touchdowns, and while he added four rushing scores, the offense never found any real rhythm with him under center.
The biggest issue? The same one that’s followed him since his rookie year-he holds onto the ball too long.
That hesitation cost the Jets in a big way, especially behind an offensive line that couldn’t consistently protect him. Head coach Aaron Glenn tried to defend his quarterback midseason, pointing out that some of Fields’ best performances came when he extended plays.
But even Glenn admitted there were moments when the ball needed to come out faster.
Fields ended the season on Injured Reserve and, given the $40 million deal he signed-with only $10 million guaranteed in 2026-it’s looking more and more like a one-and-done stint in green and white. With a top draft pick likely earmarked for a new quarterback, keeping Fields around would only muddy the waters.
2. Trevor Cook: Promising Attitude, Poor Results
Trevor Cook got his shot this season-and while he showed maturity in how he handled it, the on-field results just weren’t there. Cook started four games and struggled mightily, throwing just two touchdown passes against seven interceptions. He never topped 200 yards passing in a single game and posed virtually no threat as a runner.
To his credit, Cook spoke candidly about his learning curve. He acknowledged the speed of the NFL game and how quickly defenses close space, especially in the run game. He embraced the challenge and emphasized his love for the game, calling it “a kids’ game” despite its complexity.
That’s the kind of mindset you want in a developmental quarterback. But unfortunately, the Jets need more than just a good attitude-they need production.
Cook didn’t show enough to justify a long-term spot on the depth chart, even as a QB3. With a new rookie likely coming in and a veteran like Tyrod Taylor possibly sticking around in a mentor role, it’s hard to see a future for Cook in this quarterback room.
3. Harrison Phillips: Durable but Diminishing
If there’s one thing you can’t knock Harrison Phillips for, it’s availability. The veteran defensive tackle suited up for all 17 games this season, marking his fourth straight year without missing a start. But while he was on the field, the impact just wasn’t there.
Phillips finished the year with just half a sack and one quarterback hit-his lowest totals since becoming a full-time starter. His tackle numbers were also down, and while it’s fair to point out that he played on a struggling defense, the lack of disruption up front was noticeable.
At this point in his career, Phillips might be better suited as a rotational or situational player on a stronger defensive unit. The Jets, meanwhile, need more juice on the interior of their defensive line. They can’t afford to keep veterans who aren’t producing, especially with younger, more explosive options likely available in free agency or the draft.
Looking Ahead
The Jets are at a crossroads. After another lost season, they have a chance to reset the quarterback position and retool key parts of the roster. But to do that effectively, they’ll need to part ways with players who didn’t live up to expectations-whether it’s a former first-round pick like Fields, a developmental arm like Cook, or a veteran like Phillips whose best days may be behind him.
Cleaning house isn’t easy, but it’s necessary. With a high draft pick and cap space to work with, the Jets have the tools to start fresh. Now it’s about making the right moves-and that starts with letting go of what’s not working.