Jets Face a Make-or-Break Offseason - and Aaron Glenn Is All-In
The New York Jets aren’t tiptoeing into the 2026 offseason. They can’t afford to.
After 15 straight seasons without a playoff appearance, the time for safe, incremental moves has passed. This offseason needs to be bold, aggressive, and unapologetically focused on building a roster that can finally get Gang Green back into contention. And if the early signs are any indication, head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey are preparing to do exactly that.
But the path they’ve taken to get here? That’s where things get complicated.
A Roster Rebuild With Familiar Faces
Around the league, there’s a growing belief that the Jets are targeting players who already understand Glenn’s defensive philosophy - guys who’ve played in his system, know the expectations, and can help establish a clear identity in the locker room. Think former Lions like linebacker Alex Anzalone, defensive linemen Marcus Davenport and D.J. Reader, and cornerback Rock Ya-Sin.
These aren’t just free agents who happen to be available - they’re players who bring the kind of cultural continuity that can fast-track a rebuild. Three of them played under Glenn in Detroit, and all four fit the mold of what he wants to build defensively: physical, disciplined, and scheme-savvy.
From a football standpoint, it makes sense. When you’re trying to change the DNA of a team, bringing in guys who already speak the language is a smart move.
It’s not just about talent - it’s about trust and execution. Glenn needs players who can hit the ground running, and these names check that box.
So Why the Delay?
Here’s where things get murky. If this is the direction the Jets were always going to take - building around Glenn’s system and style - why didn’t they start doing it last year?
Instead, the 2025 offseason saw the Jets assemble a coaching staff and roster that didn’t quite match Glenn’s vision. Defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, for example, came in with a different approach than Glenn, and the result was a defense that never found its footing. The team lacked cohesion, and it showed on the field.
Wilks didn’t even make it through the full season. Less than 15 games into his tenure, he was out. And now Glenn is left to clean up the mess - starting from scratch, essentially, but with none of the patience that usually comes with a rebuild.
That’s the real challenge here. Glenn is trying to implement a new scheme, reshape the roster, and establish a winning culture - all while knowing that anything short of a major turnaround could cost him his job.
No More Mulligans
Let’s be clear: Glenn is absolutely right to bring in players who fit his system. That’s how good teams are built. The problem isn’t the plan - it’s the timing.
By not aligning the coaching staff and personnel decisions from the jump, the Jets wasted a year. That’s a tough pill to swallow for a franchise already starved for success.
And now, Glenn enters 2026 with no margin for error. It’s his scheme, his players, and his vision - finally.
But the clock is ticking.
There’s a sense of urgency surrounding this team that hasn’t been felt in years. The front office knows it.
The coaching staff knows it. And the fans?
They’ve been waiting long enough.
This offseason isn’t just about plugging holes or adding depth. It’s about setting a tone. The Jets need to make moves that send a message - not just to their locker room, but to the rest of the league.
Aaron Glenn is going all-in. Whether it works or not, he’s going to do it his way. And for a franchise that’s spent too long stuck in neutral, that might be exactly what they need.