5 veterans Jets could put on notice with early 2026 NFL Draft choices

The New York Jets will almost assuredly be adding to their pass rusher stable by selecting either Ohio State's Arvell Reese or Texas Tech's David Bailey with the No. 2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but the remaking of their roster won't end with this singular pick.

Even after signing a boatload of veterans, especially on the defensive side of the ball, the Jets are one of the youngest teams in the league, and they are going to add a few more impact players at positions of need that may force the old guard out.

These five Jets may have plenty of battle scars in the NFL, but that won't guarantee them much if the Jets draft a player who plays their position.

5 veterans Jets can put on notice in 2026 NFL Draft

5. C Josh Myers

Myers is the only member of the starting offensive line who is not locked into his role. The Jets will likely take a long look at some of the top interior linemen in this class, who could replace him straight-up or indirectly by playing left guard and kicking Dylan Parham to center.

4. CB Brandon Stephens

Even though Stephens outperformed what many expected of him last season, the Jets may try to land a true No. 1 cornerback at some point if one falls in their lap. This corner to be named later, and Azareye'h Thomas may be the long-term pairing on the outside, while Stephens' time comes to an end.

3. LB Jamien Sherwood

If the Jets can find some way to get off Sherwood's contract, they would likely jump at the opportunity. In a Draft that is unusually deep at the inside linebacker position, the odds of a difference-maker falling to the Jets is quite high. Picking Reese could also influence that decision.

2. DT Harrison Phillips

Phillips is a fantastic run-stuffer and leader, but the Jets likely won't turn down a defensive lineman who has some extra pass rush upside if the board falls that way. Phillips, who only has one year left on his contract, is not going to be considered an obstacle.

1. QB Geno Smith

The Jets are by no means out of the quarterback market just yet. Smith is all but locked in as the Week 1 starter, but if a player like Ty Simpson falls to them at the right spot, Darren Mougey is not going to hesitate to pull the trigger and bring him in.

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