Jets insider names 4 veteran defenders as potential free agent targets

The New York Jets had one of the worst defenses in the NFL last year. They ranked 30th in defensive efficiency according to Sumer Sports' EPA/play, and dead last in pass defense. It's obvious that side of the ball is desperate for an overhaul, and the reshaping began with the Jermaine Johnson trade.

But there's still a lot more work to be done, and the Jets are expected "to be aggressive in free agency on the defensive side of the ball," per ESPN's Rich Cimini. Armed with roughly $90 million in cap space after offloading Johnson's contract, New York has the flexibility to spend on multiple starters.

But what players are out there that New York can bring in to make an impact on their defense? Is there anyone worth spending big on?

Rich Cimini names 4 free agent defenders as possible Jets targets

In the same report from Cimini, four free agent defenders were tabbed as potential starters for the Jets defense in 2026.

"Among the players they're considering are safeties Bryan Cook (Kansas City Chiefs) and Nick Cross (Indianapolis Colts), linebacker Alex Anzalone (Lions) and defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad (Lions), among others, according to people familiar with their thinking."

Rich Cimini

The three position groups mentioned make a lot of sense. New York's safeties were among the worst in the league last season, and they could desperately use some veterans on the backend of their defense.

Bryan Cook is a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Kansas City Chiefs and is set to test free agency after playing out his rookie contract. Over his four-year career, he's hauled in three interceptions and could help the Jets with their turnover problems. Spotrac projects a four-year, $56.7 million deal for his services.

A potentially cheaper alternative to Cook could be Indianapolis Colts safety Nick Cross. Cross doesn't have the winning accolades that Cook has accumulated over his four-year career, but he certainly has a nose for the ball.

The Maryland product has five interceptions and two forced fumbles throughout his Colts tenure, and Spotrac expects the safety to land a four-year, $24.2 million deal in free agency.

Moving away from the secondary, Cimini reported that the Jets will also look to target an on-ball and off-ball linebacker in free agency. They have to replace the recently traded Johnson and linebacker Quincy Williams, who is expected to find a new home in March.

Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone has been linked to the Jets since what feels like the season ended, and could be a valuable addition to help bring Aaron Glenn's defensive identity to New York. He's older and may not cost as much as the other free agents. Spotrac figures he'll land a two-year, $14.5 million contract on the open market.

Another Lions free agent, edge rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad, could be a candidate for veteran pass rush depth. The former Miami Hurricane recorded a career-high 11 sacks this past season for Detroit and figures to find himself a decent payday. A two-year, $15.8 million deal could be in line for Muhammed, per Spotrac.

The Jets aren't likely to land all four of these players. But at least two of the four would be a massive win. Anzalone feels the most likely, thanks to his connection with Glenn, and one of the safeties is a necessity. The Jets may be able to find pass-rush depth elsewhere.

One thing is for sure: the defense has to improve in 2026 if the Jets' current braintrust wants any hope of retaining their jobs.