As the NFL offseason starts to heat up, the New York Jets find themselves at a familiar crossroads: how to take the next step without hitting the reset button. The defense, once the team’s calling card, took a major step back this past season-so much so that it might go down as one of the most disappointing units in recent league history. For a team still trying to claw its way into the playoff picture, that’s a problem that can’t be ignored.
Fixing it won’t be as simple as signing one star or drafting a single difference-maker. This is a multi-layered rebuild on that side of the ball.
But one name to keep an eye on? Seattle Seahawks cornerback Tariq Woolen.
Woolen, a long, athletic corner with elite upside, has reportedly drawn interest from several teams, and the Jets are among them. His name popped up in a recent offseason watchlist that also included the Eagles, Commanders, and Cowboys as potential landing spots.
And it makes sense-Woolen has the kind of traits that defensive coordinators dream about. He’s rangy, physical, and matches up well against bigger receivers, something the Jets have struggled with in recent years.
If New York is serious about returning to a defense-first identity, Woolen could be a key piece of that puzzle. Especially now, after the team’s decision to move on from Sauce Gardner.
That move left a gaping hole in the secondary, and while Woolen hasn’t quite matched the breakout success of his rookie season, the tools are still there. He’s the kind of player who, in the right system, can thrive-and the Jets may believe they can be that system.
Adding Woolen wouldn’t just be about plugging a hole-it would be about reestablishing a tone. With the offense still trying to find its rhythm, the Jets need their defense to be more than just serviceable.
They need it to be a force again. A player like Woolen, if he returns to form, could help get them there.
Of course, Seattle would have to be willing to part ways with a young, talented cornerback. That’s no guarantee. And with other teams in the mix-some with more cap space or more immediate playoff potential-the Jets would likely have to pay a premium to land him.
Still, for a team that’s spent the past few years trying to build a contender in fits and starts, this offseason might be the time to make an aggressive move. If the Jets want to be taken seriously in 2026, rebuilding their defense with a player like Tariq Woolen could be one of the first steps in the right direction.