Jets buying at trade deadline may be crazy enough to fix broken pass rush

Outside of poor coaching, the biggest issue with this iteration of the New York Jets is the fact that their defensive line, specifically their pass rush, has underwhelmed. Unless rookie David Bailey gets hot or Kingsley Enagbare chases down a hustle play, the Jets simply can't get pressure on the opposing quarterback.

While the team's 2-5 start has them on the verge of once again selling some of their top assets, the case can be made that buying at the deadline could be the best way to position this roster for long-term success. There is one standout who could be a 2027 free agent target and should be firmly in Darren Mougey's sights.

The winless Los Angeles Chargers, whom the Jets will meet later in the year, still have not handed former second-round pick Tuli Tuipulotu a long-term contract extension. Darren Mougey may have the perfect chance to swoop in and land someone who can be a big part of turning this thing around in 2027.

New York Jets may need to trade for Chargers EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu

This roster-building strategy has been done before, as the Chicago Bears were among the worst in the league when they traded a second-round pick for Montez Sweat and handed him a long-term contract. Sweat has amassed 23.5 sacks in 47 games with the Bears and has been a reliable defensive line presence.

Tuipulotu has just two sacks this season, which is down from the 13.0 sacks the 24-year-old has last season, but he is still a top-30 edge rusher in Pro Football Focus' eyes while ranking top 20 in pressures. Amid a tidal wave of disappointment, Tuipulotu has been one of the bright spots on this Chargers team.

One of the many problems with the Jets' pass rush is a lack of a powerful edge-setter with a flurry of pass-rush moves. Against speed guys like Bailey and Will McDonald, tackles can overset, and quarterbacks can avoid the rush by stepping up in the pocket. Tuipulotu would go a long way toward correcting that issue.

New York Jets need to land Tuli Tuipulotu before free agency

The Jets and Chargers are both poised to have oodles of cap space, which could lead to a strong bidding war for Tuipulotu's services. By pulling this trade off and extending him, the Jets can avoid that fervent push for Tuipulotu and immediately add to a defense lacking in high-end talent.

While New York has three first-round picks in the 2027 NFL Draft, the pass rusher class is far from exemplary. Colin Simmons is likely out of this team's range, Dylan Stewart comes with some baggage, and Yhonzae Pierre's scouting report is almost a carbon copy of Bailey.

This Jets defense is never going to get off the ground unless they can pair Bailey with a pass rusher that can scare opposing offensive tackles. With enough NFL Draft assets to stomach giving up a mid-round pick for his services, the Jets have an opportunity to improve their 2026 roster and lock down a long-term contributor.

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