Jets Defensive Shake-Up: Chris Harris Steps In, But Is Jim Leonhard the Long-Term Answer?
The New York Jets are in transition mode - again. With Steve Wilks out as defensive coordinator, Chris Harris steps into the spotlight for the final three games of the season.
It’s a short audition, but it’s a meaningful one. Harris now has the chance to show head coach Aaron Glenn - and the rest of the Jets brass - that he can elevate a defense that’s been stripped down but still has pieces worth building around.
But let’s be real: the Jets are likely to look outside the building when it comes to naming their next full-time defensive coordinator. And one name keeps surfacing - Jim Leonhard.
Leonhard, a former Jets safety, was the quarterback of the defense during the team’s last playoff run. He’s sharp, respected, and has built a reputation as one of the brightest young defensive minds in football.
The fit makes sense on paper, but we’ll get to that. First, let’s dive into where the Jets stand right now.
Roster Moves and Receiver Reset
The Allen Lazard experiment is officially over. The Jets and Lazard have reportedly agreed to part ways, ending a stint that never lived up to the billing.
Lazard, who signed a four-year, $44 million deal, leaves behind a stat line that includes just 70 catches for 911 yards and 8 touchdowns - along with 13 drops. That’s $342,000 per catch.
Not exactly a bargain for a player who was supposed to be a reliable target.
With Lazard gone, the Jets are down to five healthy receivers: AD Mitchell, Isaiah Williams, John Metchie III, Tyler Johnson, and Arian Smith. On the practice squad, they’ve got Trenton Irwin, Jamaal Pritchett, and Quentin Skinner. If they’re looking for someone with Lazard’s size and physical profile, Skinner might be the one to watch.
Elsewhere on the roster, linebacker Ochaun Mathis has been signed to the practice squad, while quarterback Adrian Martinez was released - a move that likely signals some good news on the injury front for either Justin Fields or Tyrod Taylor. Safety Jarius Monroe was also promoted to the active roster, and defensive back Jaylen Mahoney (most recently with the 49ers) was added to the practice squad.
John Simpson Wants to Stay
Offensive lineman John Simpson made it clear he’s hoping to stick around in New York beyond this season. “I want to be a part of something here and help build the culture that Coach Glenn is trying to establish,” Simpson said.
“These guys are pretty much my brothers. I want to be in a situation where I can call somewhere home.”
It’s a telling quote - not just about Simpson’s mindset, but about the locker room environment Glenn is working to shape. And in a season full of turnover and turbulence, that kind of buy-in matters.
Sauce Gardner Speaks Up (Then Deletes)
After Wilks was let go, Sauce Gardner briefly posted on social media: “Current/former players that Coach Wilks coached knows he’s one of the best/smartest defensive coordinators in the NFL. It’s not always what it seems.”
The post was quickly deleted, but it’s clear Gardner - despite being traded - still has respect for Wilks. It also hints at the complicated dynamics behind the scenes.
QB Trade Buzz and Draft Talk
One of the more intriguing storylines floating around right now involves a mock trade that would send the No. 1 overall pick from the Giants to the Jets in exchange for the No. 5 pick, No. 37 pick, a 2027 first-rounder, and a 2027 second-rounder. The prize?
The reigning Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback, who leads the nation with 33 touchdown passes and carries a lofty PFF grade of 90.5. He’s been compared to Jared Goff - a quarterback Jets coaches know well from their time in Detroit.
Of course, it’s just a projection, but it speaks to how aggressive the Jets might be this offseason in solving their long-term quarterback problem.
Special Teams Spotlight: Cam Little Makes Jets History
Kickers don’t often get the spotlight, but Cam Little deserves a moment here. The rookie blasted all nine of his kickoffs into the end zone for touchbacks - the most by a Jets opponent in a single game since at least 1991. It’s a subtle stat, but it shows how opposing teams are scheming to neutralize the Jets’ return game entirely.
Khalen Saunders Sounds Off After Ejection
Defensive tackle Khalen Saunders took to social media after being ejected on Sunday for allegedly striking an official. His frustration was palpable:
“7 years, no ejections, no unsportsmanlike conducts… here I am ‘striking an official’ lmao gtfo. Do better.
@NFL @NFLOfficiating”
The video of the incident is making the rounds, and while the league will have its say, Saunders clearly feels the call was unjustified.
College Decisions and NFL Draft Declarations
A few notable college players made headlines this week:
- Arch Manning is returning to Texas for the 2026 season.
- Jayden Maiava will transfer to USC for next year.
- Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love, Tennessee’s Chris Brazzell II, Clemson’s Peter Woods, and Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. all declared for the NFL Draft.
Jim Leonhard: A Familiar Face for a New Era?
Now back to the hot topic: Who replaces Wilks long-term?
Jim Leonhard is the name picking up the most steam, and it’s easy to see why. He’s a former Jet, a cerebral safety who led the defense during the team’s last playoff run. He’s also built a strong reputation as a defensive coordinator at the college level, known for his ability to develop players and adapt schemes to fit personnel.
Leonhard doesn’t have an obvious connection to Aaron Glenn, but that might not matter. His pedigree, familiarity with New York, and leadership qualities check a lot of boxes. And with the Jets defense still featuring talent like Jermaine Johnson, Quincy Williams, and promising rookies like Malachi Moore and AZ Thomas, there’s a foundation here for the right coach to build on.
Chris Harris will get his shot over the next three weeks. But if the Jets do go outside the building, don’t be surprised if Leonhard gets a serious look. He’s not just a nostalgic pick - he’s a legitimate candidate to help reshape a defense that’s searching for an identity.
Bottom Line: The Jets are in a familiar spot - searching for answers in December. But with a few smart moves, a clear defensive vision, and maybe a bold trade or two, they could finally start building toward something sustainable.
Whether that includes Jim Leonhard remains to be seen. But the conversation is just getting started.