5 Christmas gifts Jets fans should be hoping to unwrap in 2026

Look, we all know that the New York Jets' 2025 wasn't exactly what we were hoping for. In fact, it was somehow worse than expected. And yes, I could have written this identical paragraph toward the end of every single Jets season for the past decade.

But there are things to look forward to. Aaron Glenn, despite early-season struggles, has shaped into respectability during the second half of the season. The Jets are likely to have a very good draft pick, some young talent has shown promise, and Garrett Wilson isn't totally sick of the franchise just yet.

So not all is lost, and plenty remains ahead. With potential silver linings painting the landscape of next season, let's get specific about what the Jets need and what fans should want.

I'll send the list to Santa, though if Ole' St. Nick had any intention of helping the Jets, I don't know what he's been waiting for my entire adult life. But, 'tis the season of positivity. As we fans always do, let's try yet again.

Jets Christmas wishlist

1. An interception

This request doesn't even feel real.

No, I'm not requesting an interception in the next game. And I'm also not requesting another interception to end the season.

Nope. I'm literally asking for just one single interception at all. I'm asking for the bare minimum. Actually, this goes way beyond the bare minimum. The bare minimum is miles away, and we won't reach it this season.

The Jets, never failing to outdo themselves, provided us with a new low to shake our heads at this year. They went 15 consecutive games without forcing an interception. This is an NFL record since the statistic began being tracked in 1993.

Going into the season with a former defensive back for a head coach, and a former All-Pro cornerback in Sauce Gardner, I'd never have guessed that the secondary's ineptitude would be one of the defining highlights of a failed season.

So, when the calendar turns, Glenn's unit needs to make a play. Otherwise, the Jets may not have just broken the record — they may run away with it.

2. Dante Moore

This is a potentially controversial present. There are plenty of opinions on what the Jets should do at quarterback. But I'm here to tell you that the answer is clear.

This is a draft class of QBs that doesn't exactly inspire much enthusiasm. Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza from Indiana is a name that's been on everyone's lips for months. He is, most likely, the de facto bet for first quarterback taken.

Outside of him is a mish-mosh of guys who have taken turns slotting up and down the list. But in that mish-mosh, there is the best quarterback prospect in the draft. His name is Dante Moore out of Oregon, and whoever selects him is going to have a star on their hands.

Moore has thrown for 3,046 yards with a 28-8 touchdown-to-interception ratio this year. He has an adjusted completion percentage of 80.9%, a Pro Football Focus (PFF) passing grade of 91.8, and a rushing grade of 67.0.

He is well-rounded, showing the ability to move the ball downfield with his arm and also keep defense honest with his footwork. He knows when to bail out of the pocket, always keeping his eyes downfield. He goes through progressions, not getting locked on his first target. He knows when to check down, but evaluates the field for big-play potential first.

While Fernando Mendoza has shown plenty of ability, of course, I fear that most of his success is due to a beautifully scripted offense. He rarely, if ever, has to go through any progressions. When he does, it typically results in an incomplete pass or a sack. He doesn't possess Moore's athleticism or the natural feel in the pocket.

And he doesn't strike me as a playmaker. Moore strikes me as a point-generator producing on the strength of his own talent. Mendoza strikes me as a point-passenger, clearly at the head of the ship, but still an individual contributor.

I could be wrong. What do I know? But I think this would be the best gift to open in 2026. This is the gift your parents save for last after you've opened all of Santa's. The gift they claim is from them, so they can take credit for the best present you got.

3. A good wide receiver

Garrett Wilson is a tremendous talent who has proven to be a top-10 receiver in just a few years. He's done so, with abysmal quarterback play his entire career. He is a talent that doesn't grow on trees, and an excellent number one option.

But past Wilson, the Jets have a bare cupboard of receivers. The 2025 receptions leader was a tight end, in rookie Mason Taylor. Then, at number three, after Wilson, of course, is running back Breece Hall.

It is not until you get to fourth on the list before you see another receiver, John Metchie, who's only been with the team for seven games. Looking past Metchie for other receivers on the roster, you see Adonai Mitchell, Isaiah Williams, Tyler Johnson, Josh Reynolds, Allen Lazard, and Arian Smith.

What you don't see, is a No. 2-caliber threat. Outside of Wilson, it's really bad.

The numbers aren't aided by the quarterback play, obviously. But none of the names I mentioned past our lone superstar can be trusted. It is imperative that whoever the next QB is, he has a better No. 2 option than the team has today.

4. The right defensive coordinator

Aaron Glenn, despite years of on-field work as a player, scout, assistant, and coordinator, cannot juggle both the architecture and engineering of the defense alone. Nor should he. He isn't Rex Ryan, and he was brought in to be a CEO-style coach, not a hands-on project manager.

That said, if he plans to continue allowing his coordinator to call plays, it has to be the right guy. Steve Wilks was not that guy. And Todd Bowles is certainly not that guy either (yeah, that actually had to be addressed).

And it cannot simply be the brightest, youngest, most flashy option on the market. No. That is how you lose your guy after one or two great seasons. The Jets don't need someone who will use this job as a springboard for a head coaching gig.

The Jets need a Vic Fangio. The Jets need a Steve Spagnuolo. The Jets need a Dick LeBeau. The Jets need someone who isn't going anywhere.

Whoever it is has the unenviable task of turning around the 21st-overall defense and the 30th-overall rushing attack. And they will likely be grooming a crop of young defenders, so a wise veteran at the job is highly preferred.

I'm stopping short of who that guy is, because I truly don't know. This is a gift that the elves will have plenty of time to work on, so I'll leave it to them. But the right defensive coordinator is a necessity, not an option.

5. An offseason without drama

I'm not going to rattle off all the drama the Jets have seen in recent years. It would take a book – no, a series of books – to cover that.

In fact, on The Jet Press Podcast, we once ran a whole tournament ranking the top controversies from just the Aaron Rodgers era alone. There were plenty to pick from.

I actually can't remember a time in my life when the Jets weren't the face of drama in the league. From Eric Mangini, to Rex Ryan, to Todd Bowles, to Adam Gase, to Robert Saleh, and now to Aaron Glenn, there is always something... always.

So how about this: the Jets have a normal offseason with no news of teenagers running the organization, in-house quarterback/management head-butting, or quarterbacks seeing ghosts with mono.

Let's have an offseason where the Jets bring in a solid defensive coordinator, a high-level receiver, the next franchise quarterback, and a strong draft class. And no drama.

That's really what we need from Santa, more than anything. But as I said, I don't know that Santa's a Jets fan. If he is, he's certainly not a good one.