Jets' offseason moves receive rave reviews except for 1 free agent signing

The New York Jets did really well for themselves during the 2026 offseason, earning positive grades and thumbs-up from just about every NFL analyst you can think of.

They rebuilt the defense through the trade market and in free agency, adding multiple starters on the defensive line and secondary. With Aaron Glenn leading the way as the play caller, they should be much improved.

Offensively, the Jets waited until the draft to add talent, selecting two new pass catchers for quarterback Geno Smith to work with. Kenyon Sadiq and Omar Cooper Jr. improved the ceiling for New York's offense.

FanSided's Cody Williams gave the Jets an "A-" grade for their offseason and named one move he really liked, and one he didn't like so much.

Jets given props for QB patience, thumbs-down for Joseph Ossai signing

Williams commended the Jets for staying patient with their long-term plan at quarterback, considering the fact that selecting one in their draft position would've been a reach.

"Had Dante Moore not returned to school at Oregon, I'd have been in on the idea of the New York Jets selecting him as their next franchise QB hopeful. Since that didn't play out that way, though, I commend the Jets for playing the long game. Geno Smith's return isn't the long-term answer, but he's a fine stopgap. Meanwhile, this organization made a concerted effort to build a better overall roster, which sets them up beautifully to attack a loaded quarterback class in the 2027 draft with multiple first-round picks."

Cody Williams

The Jets were absolutely playing it smart by not rushing to add a potential franchise quarterback to their roster. Drafting Ty Simpson at No. 2 would've been a poor allocation of resources, and the 2027 class will have more to offer than just two top prospects.

With their three first-round picks, New York can be flexible in the 2027 NFL Draft when it comes to how they want to attack the quarterback position, and that's certainly a positive.

However, there was one move Williams didn't like on the Jets' side of things, and that was the signing of former Cincinnati Bengals pass rusher Joseph Ossai.

New York signed Ossai to a three-year, $34.5 million contract in free agency, and he expects to play a rotational role in the Jets' pass rush rotation.

Despite his production being underwhelming in Cincinnati, Ossai is still a solid NFL player. Even if his play doesn't pan out, it's not like his contract will be weighing the Jets down.

There's a built-in out after the second year of his contract, where the Jets can cut him and save roughly $8 million against the cap ahead of the 2028 season.

That's just how good of an offseason the Jets had. Even their worst moves have at least a sliver of silver lining.

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