After a rough 2025 season, the New York Jets are heading into the offseason with something they haven’t had in a while: a real shot at reshaping the roster in a meaningful way. With four picks in the top 50 of the 2026 NFL Draft and enough cap space to be active in free agency, there’s a legitimate path to a turnaround-if they get it right.
Head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey are entering a critical year. Another step backward could put their jobs in jeopardy, so expect urgency-and likely, aggression-in how they approach both the draft and free agency.
The Jets have holes, but they also have opportunities. And if the early projections are any indication, they’re swinging for impact on both sides of the ball.
Two Names to Watch: Kenneth Walker III and Jaylen Watson
According to projections, the Jets are in line to land two notable free agents: running back Kenneth Walker III from the Seahawks and cornerback Jaylen Watson from the Chiefs. These aren’t just depth signings-these are players who could be Day 1 starters and tone-setters in Glenn’s system.
Let’s start with Walker. The former second-round pick out of Michigan State has been a dynamic presence in Seattle’s backfield, even while splitting carries with Zach Charbonnet. He topped 1,000 yards under offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak and has stepped up his game in the postseason-exactly the kind of back who can thrive in a run-first offense.
For the Jets, this move makes sense on multiple levels. Breece Hall is still a talented piece, but questions linger about his long-term fit in New York.
Whether it’s a contract issue or just a shift in direction, Walker gives the Jets a high-upside alternative who fits Glenn’s vision of a physical, ground-and-pound identity. He’s not just insurance-he’s a potential feature back in a system that wants to win at the line of scrimmage.
Now shift to the other side of the ball, where Jaylen Watson has quietly become one of the more reliable corners in the league. A seventh-round pick who blossomed into a starter for one of the NFL’s top defenses, Watson brings size (6'2"), physicality, and experience in big moments. Last season, he graded out as the No. 13 corner in the league-no small feat considering the depth of talent at the position.
Watson’s arrival would help fill the void left by the Sauce Gardner trade and immediately solidify the outside corner spot opposite Brandon Stephens. That likely pushes rookie Azareye’h Thomas into a developmental role off the bench-a luxury the Jets haven’t had in recent years. And in Glenn’s press-man scheme, Watson’s length and instincts could be a perfect fit.
Laying the Foundation for a Turnaround
The Jets have a lot of work to do, but there’s a clear blueprint forming. If they can hit on their top draft picks and lock in a few key veterans like Walker and Watson, this team could look very different-and much more competitive-by the time Week 1 rolls around.
It’s not just about adding talent. It’s about adding the right talent.
Walker brings juice to the backfield and a postseason edge. Watson brings championship pedigree and proven production at a premium position.
These aren’t just names-they’re potential culture changers.
Year 2 under Glenn could be the start of something, but only if the front office capitalizes on this rare combination of draft capital and financial flexibility. If they do, don’t be surprised if the Jets start making some noise a lot sooner than expected.