The 2026 offseason is underway, and the New York Jets are gearing up to rebound from a tough 3-14 season under the new leadership of head coach Aaron Glenn. With a fresh coaching staff in place, Glenn is now turning his attention to the roster, aiming for significant improvements this year to secure his spot for 2027.
Let's dive into the Jets' secondary, focusing on the safeties-a group poised for a major transformation from last year.
Safety Depth Chart Review
2025 Recap
The Jets' secondary struggled mightily last season, and the safeties were a big part of the issue. Glenn and GM Darren Mougey took a conservative approach in free agency, bringing in players who had underperformed elsewhere, hoping for a resurgence in New York. One such gamble was on Cisco, who joined on a one-year deal after a lackluster 2024 with the Jaguars.
Cisco, once a ball-hawking presence with seven interceptions over the 2022 and 2023 seasons, faltered in coverage and tackling. His season was cut short to just eight games due to a torn pectoral muscle.
Adams remained inconsistent, a trend from his time under former coach Robert Saleh. Despite recording five pass breakups, placing him 13th among safeties, he allowed a passer rating of 100.5 to opponents. The defense, in general, failed to register a single interception last season.
Looking ahead, only Moore, a fourth-round pick, is expected back. While he showed promise, his rookie season was a mix of highs and lows. He’s not guaranteed a starting spot, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see him in the lineup come 2026.
How Can the Jets Improve This Position?
Free Agency Prospects
The free agency market offers several promising safeties who could bolster the Jets' secondary. Chicago’s Kevin Byard and the Rams' Kam Curl top the list, but they’ll attract plenty of interest as they seek lucrative contracts. Seattle’s Coby Bryant, the Colts' Nick Cross, and Philadelphia’s Reed Blankenship might also catch the Jets' eye.
For a team desperate for a playmaker, Byard stands out. He led the league with seven interceptions last season, and quarterbacks managed just an 85.3 passer rating against him. However, at 33, Byard might prefer staying in Chicago or joining a Super Bowl contender.
Curl has been linked to the Jets but could easily return to the Rams, who have ample cap space to re-sign him. Last season, Curl was impressive with two interceptions, a forced fumble, and 87 tackles, earning a PFF grade of 73.1, ranking 16th among safeties.
2026 Draft Considerations
Ohio State's Caleb Downs is the standout safety in this draft class. However, with the second overall pick, the Jets are unlikely to select him unless they trade down. Downs’ impressive stats include two interceptions and 44 solo tackles, with quarterbacks posting a mere 47.9 passer rating against him.
The Jets are expected to address the safety position on Day 2 or 3 of the draft, with prospects like LSU’s A.J. Haucy, Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman, and Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeil-Warren on their radar.
Looking Ahead: 2026 Prediction
Expect the Jets' safety lineup to look vastly different. While many current players might not return, Cisco could be re-signed on a short-term deal given his injury history.
With plenty of cap space, the Jets have the flexibility to strengthen their defense. They might target a big name like Byard or Curl to pair with Moore.
Kansas City’s Bryan Cook is another option, and the Jets might consider bringing back Ashtyn Davis for depth. Davis, who spent last season in Miami, was often undervalued during his time in New York.
While Downs is tempting, using the second overall pick on him would be a stretch. That pick is better spent on a pass rusher or wide receiver. The draft is deep at safety, so the Jets can address this need later.
After a season plagued by poor tackling and a lack of turnovers, the Jets need all options on the table. Expect them to sign at least one free agent without overspending and rely on Moore's development, supplemented by draft additions. With Glenn at the helm and improved personnel, the Jets' defense is poised for a comeback.