Harrison Phillips taking young Jets DT under his wing during offseason workouts

The New York Jets have made a point to overhaul their defensive line this offseason, creating a really solid rotation of interior linemen.

After trading away Quinnen Williams last year, Harrison Phillips and Jowon Briggs did their best to hold things down for the remainder of the season, but New York needed some more depth and more talent.

Arguably, the biggest addition was former Tennessee Titans defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat, whom the Jets flipped for former first-round edge rusher Jermaine Johnson at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Sweat has all the talent in the world, but the biggest concern for him in Tennessee was his off-the-field issues. He struggled to stay on the field due to his conditioning and other minor injuries.

Now, in New York, Sweat is hoping to shake off those concerns, and he's getting some help from one of the Jets' best veteran leaders.

Harrison Phillips working out with T'Vondre Sweat during Jets' offseason

Phillips, who has a real good chance of being a defensive captain for the Jets in 2026, told Jake Asman at the United Way New York City Gridiron Gala that he's been working out with Sweat this offseason, and the two have a bit of a friendly competition going between them.

"I've tried to put him under my wing and we've been working out. In all of our workouts together, we kind of partner up...I try to have him at my hip. It's really fun pushing each other. If I do beat him in something, I make sure to [say] an old guy beats you in this? What are you talking about? And if he beats me in something, he makes sure to let me know."

Harrison Phillips

If there's any player the Jets should want tutoring, Sweat, it's Phillips. The former Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle was virtually the only adult the Jets had on their defense last season, and his presence is invaluable.

Even if he isn't the most talented player in the league, Phillips is a pro's pro. He carries himself like a team leader and is a positive impact on every player he shares a locker room with.

If Sweat can take Phillips' professionalism and combine it with his elite talent, the Jets may have a dangerous weapon on their hands at the nose of their defense.

New York's defensive line should be much improved from what it was last year, and that's not only thanks to the talent they've added, but also to the leadership of Phillips.

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