Reflecting on the Jets moves
By: Jake Rajala
The New York Jets are really looking to flip it around in 2026. They have been aggressive and creative this offseason thus far. With that said, I’m going to lay out grades for the moves thus far.
Trade for Geno Smith: B
I like the trade for the former New York Jet Geno Smith. They don’t have to break the bank for him. The Jets only had to trade a sixth round pick to the Jets for Geno Smith and a seventh round pick. He has also been proven to be a winner in this league. In 2022, 2023, and 2024, he had a winning record. Smith had a dreadful situation last season, so I give him a bit of a pass. Chip Kelly has proven to be a failure in this league and Smith had little firepower at WR. The Jets can still draft a QB early with Smith, too.
Signed Demario Davis: A
I’m surprised that the former Saints MLB All-Pro Demario Davis opted to sign with a NY Jets team that was horrid last season. He is 37 years old, so I expected him to join a Top-3 AFC or Top-3 NFC team. Of course, Davis played many seasons in the Big Apple. His familiarity with the Jets and NY has to be the main reason he signed there.
Trade for Minkah Fitzpatrick: A
The Jets defense didn’t record an interception last season. Minkah once had six interceptions in a single season (in 2022). Minkah had 82 combined tackles, four tackles for loss, six pass deflections, a forced fumble, and an interception last season. He had an PFF grade of 81.8, which was seventh among safeties. They play in a division with the 2024 MVP, Josh Allen, and the best QB in the AFC last season, Drake Maye. It was wise to get Minkah. The only downside of this is that Minkah is 29 years old, so it’s unclear how much gas he has left in the tank.
Signed David Onymeta: B
David Onymeta may not be a Pro Bowler, but he can be reliable and consistent. He is a serious run stopper. He had a career high 62 tackles last season. He didn’t quite get after the QB well last season (as he had one sack and two QB hits). Nonetheless, he recorded five sacks in 2022, four sacks in 2023, and three sacks in 2023. I would like to see the Jets bring in another IDL, such as Calais Campbell or DJ Reader.
Signed Joseph Ossai: C+
Joseph Ossai is a modest rotational edge rusher. I don’t believe he deserved a hefty contract. He has five sacks in each of his past two seasons. He also had 12 QB hits last season, and 15 in the season before that. He is 25 years old, so he is still developing, to be fair. I still would like to see the Jets bring in a more superb pass rusher, given the QB talent in their division. The Jets already got Demario Davis, perhaps it would have been wise to sign his partner in crime, Cameron Jordan, too. Joseph had a PFF grade of 64.
Signed Kingsley Enagbare: D
I really don’t like this deal. The Jets are giving Kingsley Enagbare a deal worth up to $10 million dollars. It is only one year, so it’s a prove it deal. I don’t expect him to unleash hell and earn himself a contract in 2027. He only has 11.5 sacks in four seasons. He had to fill in for Micah Parsons, after he suffered a torn ACL. He didn’t exactly prove he was worth the opportunity. He had a PFF grade of 63.6 a season ago, which placed him at 71st out of 115 edge rushers.
Signed Dane Belton: B+
Dane Belton is a bargain signing. They only gave him six million dollars. He could start at safety or be a top notch backup. They didn’t settle after bringing in Minkah. I love their aggression and creativity. He had 120 tackles last season. He was sure tackler, too. He also had three tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, and five pass deflections. He had a PFF grade of 62.3, which is middle of the pack.
Signed Nahshon Wright: A
CB talent is on the way. The Jets brought in Nahson Wright, who recorded five interceptions and 11 pass deflections last season! He also had 80 combined tackles, as well. He punched a ticket to the Pro Bowl. The Jets signed him to a one year deal, so they should get a highly motivated player in him.
The Jets are trying to make the biggest moves in the AFC East. They are succeeding thus far. If they can improve their pass defense and have a healthy group of edge rushers, they should not be demolished on defense. I still want to see them bring in a more top notch QB, even if they added Geno Smith.
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