Jets get much-needed defensive line depth after pulling off trade with Browns

As teams prepare to set their 53-man rosters, franchises are parting ways with some players via trade. The New York Jets took advantage of that on Wednesday, completing a trade with the Cleveland Browns for defensive tackle Jowon Briggs. To bring Briggs to New York, the Jets sent the Browns a 2026 sixth-round pick, and they also received a 2026 seventh rounder along with the defender.

Briggs was drafted by the Browns last year in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he played in six games, recording 13 total tackles, with one for a loss. Now, he joins the Jets and will be asked to contribute as a depth member of the defensive line.

Jets trade with Browns for defensive tackle Jowon Briggs

The depth on the interior of the defensive line has been somewhat of a concern for New York, and that’s why the team made this trade. Of course, the Jets are still lucky to have Quinnen Williams, but there were questions about who else would contribute at defensive tackle behind him. Briggs will now be one of the contributors on the defensive front.

The second-year defensive tackle joins a group that also includes Byron Cowart, Leonard Taylor III, and Jay Tufele, as well as a few other guys. With Williams being the only guy in the room without any real question marks, the Jets wanted to cover all bases and make sure they were set for the regular season.

Hopefully, Briggs will help them do that. As New York tries to get things turned around during Aaron Glenn’s first season as head coach, the defense will be expected to play a big role in any of the team’s success. As is the case with most defenses, it’ll all start up front.

READ MORE