Jets’ Draft Position Improves, Brady Cook Struggles, and Aaron Glenn Preaches Patience
As the NFL regular season winds down, the New York Jets are once again finding themselves in the headlines - not for what’s happening on the field, but for what’s unfolding around them. While the team’s on-field product has left plenty to be desired, there was a silver lining in Week 16 that had nothing to do with Gang Green taking a snap.
Jets' Draft Outlook Brightens After Colts Collapse
The San Francisco 49ers delivered a dominant 48-27 win over the Indianapolis Colts, a result that quietly benefitted the Jets in a big way. With the Colts now sitting at 8-7 and riding a five-game losing streak, their playoff hopes have all but evaporated - down to just 3%. That’s music to the Jets’ front office, who currently hold both the 4th and 18th picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.
That second pick, acquired via trade, could creep even higher if the Colts continue to slide. With a matchup against the NFC South-leading Jaguars on deck, there’s a real path for that selection to land in the top 15. For a Jets team still searching for foundational pieces, particularly on offense, this is the kind of draft capital that can reshape a roster - if used wisely.
Brady Cook’s Struggles Continue - But Jets Still Evaluating
Brady Cook’s latest performance in New Orleans didn’t just raise eyebrows - it raised legitimate questions about his NFL readiness. The rookie quarterback looked overwhelmed, and the numbers back it up. A 4.9 average depth of target is simply too low for a modern NFL offense, and his 72.7% pressure-to-sack rate is alarmingly high - especially when you consider his college tape told a different story.
At Missouri, Cook was known for pushing the ball downfield and navigating pressure with poise. He averaged 9.65 yards per attempt and had a much more manageable 23% pressure-to-sack rate over his final two seasons. That version of Cook - confident, decisive, and in control - hasn’t shown up in a Jets uniform yet.
Still, the Jets are giving him another shot, and that’s the right call. Pulling the plug after just two and a half games doesn’t give you enough data to make a sound long-term decision. And while the turnovers are a concern - six picks in less than three full games - Cook wasn’t turnover-prone in college, throwing just eight interceptions across his final two seasons.
There’s a learning curve in the NFL, and not every rookie hits the ground running. What matters now is whether Cook can show growth, even in small ways, as the season wraps up. The Jets need to know if there’s something to build on - or if they’ll be using one of those high draft picks on yet another quarterback.
Aaron Glenn: “We Have a Plan”
Despite the team’s struggles, head coach Aaron Glenn isn’t going anywhere - at least not yet. Reports over the weekend suggested Glenn’s job is safe, and his public comments reflect a coach who still believes in the long-term vision.
“For the fans, listen, it’s going to be a tough road. We knew that,” Glenn said.
“But, man, the thing is, we know exactly what we’re doing. We have a plan.
Just don’t let go of the rope.”
It’s been a brutal season in New York: no clear answer at quarterback, a roster stripped of multiple All-Pros, and just three wins to show for it. But Glenn is preaching patience, and for now, the organization seems to be backing him.
Whether fans will stay on board through another rebuild remains to be seen. But Glenn’s message is clear - this isn’t a panic operation. The Jets believe they’re building something, even if the early returns haven’t shown it yet.
Quincy Williams Open to Return - With Conditions
Linebacker Quincy Williams is set to hit free agency this offseason, and while he’s not ruling out a return to the Jets, he’s making it clear that scheme fit will be a top priority.
“When I’m in the right defense, I ball out,” Williams said. “That’s my main thing.
This offseason is going to be about getting put in the right defense, making sure I’m in the right defense. If that’s at the Jets, that’ll be good.
It depends on the D coordinator they bring in and the defense they run.”
Williams has been vocal about the importance of fit - and he’s not wrong. Even the most talented defenders can disappear in the wrong system. For the Jets, who already locked up Jamien Sherwood last offseason, bringing Williams back could be a smart move - if they can convince him the scheme will play to his strengths.
Jets Also Interested in Bringing Back Alijah Vera-Tucker
One more name to keep an eye on this offseason: Alijah Vera-Tucker. The versatile offensive lineman hasn’t played this season due to a torn triceps, but the Jets reportedly want him back.
The challenge? Gauging his market value after multiple injury-shortened seasons.
When healthy, Vera-Tucker has shown the kind of positional flexibility and toughness that teams covet. But durability is a real concern, and that’s going to factor heavily into any negotiations. Still, if the price is right, bringing back AVT could help stabilize a line that’s seen too much turnover.
Bottom Line: The Jets may not be winning games, but they are quietly setting the table for a critical offseason. With two first-round picks, a handful of key decisions on pending free agents, and a young quarterback still under evaluation, the next few months will go a long way in determining whether this rebuild finally turns the corner - or resets once again.