5 Jets players fans want to see more out of in 2026

New York Jets fans went through one of the most painful seasons in their painful history during the 2025 season, as their interception-less three-win season led to Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey completely overhauling the roster.

While Jets fans should feel more confident in their ability to put together a productive team in 2026, that hope also hinges on a large contingent of players who put together middling seasons last year breaking out.

These 5 players will occupy some prominent roles on the Jets' roster in 2026, but fans need to hope that they provide more than what they showed last season, be it in New York or elsewhere.

5 Jets players fans want to see more out of in 2026

5. CB Azareye'h Thomas

Thomas was perfectly serviceable when called into action last season, but he didn't show signs of being an above-average starter. With Nahshon Wright added in free agency, Thomas is not going to have a very long leash as he continues to develop. Any mistake could lead to a benching.

4. TE Mason Taylor

Even with Kenyon Sadiq coming to town, Taylor figures to be a big part of the offense in 2026. His middling production last season was due to some rancid quarterback play, but with a new sheriff in town, Taylor needs to show he can make that leap from average to above-average.

3. RB Braelon Allen

The now-250-pound Allen has all the physical tools needed to be a great (not good) running back in the NFL, but his limited snaps and inability to maximize the snaps he did get put him in a very weird position. Even though Allen is only 22, three straight years of middling performance might be enough to raise alarm bells.

2. EDGE Will McDonald

All Jets fans want from McDonald is not to be the most abysmal run defender in the league for the third season in a row as he eyes a new contract. If he struggles again in that area, another year in which he could challenge for double-digit sacks might not be enough to scare away players like Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Enagbare.

1. QB Geno Smith

The Jets will likely see improved quarterback play when compared to the Justin Fields depths they saw last year, but people are going to lose their jobs if Smith puts together another 2025 Raiders campaign. Geno needs to find whatever he has left in the tank in the name of getting back to Seahawks level.

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