Unexpected DT standout makes strong first impression at NY Jets OTAs

Byron Cowart wasn’t one of the New York Jets’ headline offseason additions. In fact, his signing flew so far under the radar that most fans probably missed it altogether. But following a strong start to OTAs, Cowart may be forcing his way into the conversation for meaningful snaps in 2025.

The veteran defensive tackle reportedly impressed during Wednesday’s open-media practice, tallying two sacks during team drills, per The Athletic’s Zack Rosenblatt.

It’s still May, and pads haven’t even come on yet, but for a player fighting for his NFL future, these early flashes are notable. In a wide-open competition for depth roles, and potentially even a starting job, Cowart’s experience and early impact might give him a leg up on the competition.

The Jets are still sorting through a very unsettled defensive tackle rotation behind Quinnen Williams. With no clear No. 2 option locked in, every rep this spring matters. Cowart has a chance to earn a permanent role in the Jets' defense.

Byron Cowart pushing for a spot in the NY Jets' DL rotation

Cowart’s NFL journey has been anything but straightforward. A fifth-round pick of the New England Patriots in the 2019 NFL Draft, Cowart worked his way into a starting role by 2020, starting 14 games and flashing potential as a disruptive interior presence.

But an undisclosed injury sidelined him for the entirety of the 2021 season, and he never quite reclaimed that momentum. The Patriots waived him in July 2022, setting off a whirlwind stretch that saw Cowart suit up for multiple teams without finding a permanent home.

He played all 17 games for the Indianapolis Colts in 2022 but recorded no sacks and played just 20% of the team’s defensive snaps. After bouncing around various practice squads in 2023, Cowart finally resurfaced with the Chicago Bears in 2024.

There, he showed signs of life, starting seven games and finishing with a career-high 2.5 sacks. His Pro Football Focus grade of 58.9 wasn’t spectacular, but it was serviceable. However, his 30.4 tackling grade and 17% missed tackle rate highlighted his inconsistencies in run defense.

Still, the Jets saw enough to bring him in on a one-year, low-risk deal this offseason. Cowart enters a defensive tackle room that remains unsettled beyond the aforementioned Quinnen Williams.

While Williams remains one of the most dominant players at his position, the rest of the Jets’ interior line is a patchwork of veteran journeymen, developmental projects, and undrafted fliers.

Free-agent additions Derrick Nnadi and Jay Tufele are competing for snaps, while Leonard Taylor III and undrafted rookies Payton Page and Fatorma Mulbah are hoping to earn rotational roles.

Phidarian Mathis, once a second-round pick, is firmly on the bubble. In this context, Cowart’s early success in OTAs could be a meaningful step toward securing his spot.

If he continues to impress, Cowart could go from afterthought to Week 1 starter alongside Williams. It’s far from a done deal, and there’s still a long summer ahead, but for a player signed to a minimum contract with no guarantees, this is exactly the kind of start he needed.

Jets fans should keep an eye on Byron Cowart as we approach training camp this summer.

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