What the Jets Need in 2026: Competency, Not Fireworks - And Why Kirk Cousins Might Actually Make Sense
Let’s be honest - Jets fans aren’t asking for a top-five offense in 2026. They’re not even asking for a top-10 unit. After years of watching offensive dysfunction that’s ranged from disappointing to downright unwatchable, competency would feel like a win.
That’s the bar right now. A middle-of-the-pack offense - something in the 15th to 20th range - would be a breath of fresh air in Florham Park.
And considering it’s early February and the Jets don’t currently have a starting quarterback, an offensive coordinator, a quarterbacks coach, or much of a coaching staff on the offensive side of the ball, it’s a realistic goal. Not flashy.
Not headline-grabbing. But necessary.
The Kirk Cousins Conversation (Again)
Kirk Cousins and the Jets - it’s a rumor that refuses to die. His name has circled this franchise for years: before he signed with Atlanta, during his final years in Minnesota, and now once again as he hits free agency. Whether there was ever real traction in those previous cycles is anyone’s guess, but here we are again - and this time, the fit might actually make sense.
Now, there’s a big caveat here: it’s tough to fully evaluate Cousins as a fit when the Jets haven’t named an offensive coordinator. Scheme matters.
So do system preferences and coaching philosophies. But based on the names reportedly in the mix - including Greg Roman and Darrell Bevell, both of whom have completed second interviews - Cousins feels like a quarterback who could operate effectively in the type of offense the Jets are likely to run.
He’s not a long-term solution, and he’s not a magician who can mask a lack of talent around him. But what he does bring is stability, experience, and the ability to execute a game plan. That alone would be a major step forward for a team that’s struggled to find any rhythm under center.
Draft Buzz: No QB Reach, But Help is Coming
With the Senior Bowl in the rearview, the draft chatter is heating up - and ESPN’s Matt Miller just dropped a two-round mock that paints a clear picture of the Jets’ current strategy: don’t force a quarterback pick if the value isn’t there.
In this mock, the Jets go defense first, grabbing Arvell Reese, a dynamic edge rusher who split time at linebacker and brings serious juice off the edge. Think Micah Parsons-lite - elite speed, violent hands, and the kind of upside that could finally give the Jets a true game-wrecker on the outside.
They finished 31st in sacks last season. That’s not just bad - it’s a problem that needs solving immediately.
Next up: Makai Lemon, a wide receiver who might not blow you away with his measurables (5'11", 195 lbs), but his production speaks volumes. 79 catches, just one drop on 110 targets, and 11 touchdowns. He’s tough, reliable, and dangerous in the short-to-intermediate game - a perfect complement to Garrett Wilson. The Jets need to build a real receiver room, not just rely on one star.
The third name in the mix is Kayden McDonald, a stout interior lineman who can hold the point of attack and plug up run lanes. With Quinnen Williams traded at the deadline, the Jets need to reinforce the interior. McDonald isn’t flashy, but he’s a plug-and-play run stuffer who can keep linebackers clean and help re-establish a physical identity up front.
And yes, a quarterback does show up - eventually. Ty Simpson, the Alabama product, lands with the Jets in Round 2.
He’s not a first-round talent, and most evaluators seem to agree on that. But with four picks in the first two rounds, the Jets have the flexibility to take a shot on a developmental QB with some tools.
Simpson has poise and processes the field well, but questions about his size and arm strength may push him down the board. Still, he’s a calculated risk worth taking in the second round - not a franchise savior, but a possible starter down the line.
Coaching Carousel and Offseason Rumblings
The Jets’ OC search is still ongoing, but they’ve reportedly completed second interviews with Greg Roman and Darrell Bevell. No mention yet of Frank Reich, despite some speculation. Whoever lands the job will have a massive influence on the team’s offensive identity - and potentially on whether a veteran like Cousins is brought in.
There’s also talk of Bart Scott entering the coaching world. According to his agent, Scott is eager to help the Jets (or Ravens) and believes his playing experience could help him connect with today’s players. It’s a path we’ve seen work before - Mike Vrabel and DeMeco Ryans come to mind - and Scott could bring valuable fire and insight to a young locker room.
Meanwhile, Justin Fields declined an invite to the Pro Bowl - a decision that barely raises an eyebrow these days, considering what the event has become.
Trade Talk and Free Agency Buzz
The Jets have been linked to several potential moves, including a possible trade-up to the No. 1 overall pick to grab Fernando Mendoza. But according to Daniel Jeremiah, the Raiders - who currently own the top pick - aren’t budging.
“They’re not going to move off of it,” Jeremiah said on The Rich Eisen Show. The Jets might be interested, but it sounds like a dead end.
There’s also some chatter about the Jets targeting Chiefs cornerback Jaylen Watson in free agency. Watson hasn’t allowed a touchdown in two seasons and would be a strong addition to a secondary that needs help. With Aaron Glenn now in place as defensive coordinator, cornerback play will be a top priority.
And in a more surprising rumor, Kenneth Walker III has been linked to the Jets - with Breece Hall potentially going the other way. That’s a big swing if it happens, and while it’s far from confirmed, it’s a storyline worth keeping an eye on.
Final Thought
The Jets don’t need to swing for the fences in 2026. They need to get on base. Competency - a functioning offense, a cohesive coaching staff, and a quarterback who can execute the playbook - would be a massive leap forward.
Kirk Cousins might not be the long-term answer, but he could be the right bridge. The draft offers opportunities to build out the roster with real talent, not just placeholders. And with four picks in the first two rounds, the Jets have the capital to make meaningful progress.
It’s not about winning the offseason. It’s about building a team that can finally, consistently compete on Sundays.
That starts with stability. And right now, that’s the most valuable thing the Jets could ask for.