The Jets may have finally outgrown Braiden McGregor entering 2026

Listen, Braiden McGregor has already accomplished something very few humans ever will. He won a national championship at Michigan, made it to the NFL as an undrafted free agent, and has spent the last two seasons on the roster of the New York Jets.

He's appeared in 19 games over the last two years, defying the odds as a UDFA and finding a way to carve out a semi-consistent role in the Jets' defensive line rotation. That alone means he's succeeded in his football journey.

Unfortunately for McGregor, that journey — at least as a member of the Jets — might be coming to an abrupt end in the near future.

Day 38 of your 2026 Jets Camp Countdown belongs to the Ann Arbor Assassin, the Big House Bruiser, the Notorious B.M.G...it's Braiden McGregor.

1. Where Braiden McGregor stands entering Jets training camp
2. Braiden McGregor was never able to capitalize on his opportunity with the Jets
3. What would make 2026 a success for Braiden McGregor
4. Recent 2026 Camp Countdown Breakdowns

Where Braiden McGregor stands entering Jets training camp

McGregor enters his third NFL season battling for one of the final spots in the Jets' edge room. But as opposed to last summer, the Jets should feel a lot more comfortable with their defensive line depth.

The additions of David Bailey, Joseph Ossai, and Kingsley Enagbare have dramatically improved the Jers' depth, while Will McDonald returns as arguably the team's best pure pass rusher.

That leaves McGregor competing with players like 2025 fifth-round pick Tyler Baron, fellow former UDFA Eric Watts, undrafted rookie Nathan Voorhis, and veteran Kingsley Jonathan for what could be just one or two remaining roster or practice squad spots.

RELATED: Tyler Baron enters Jets training camp firmly on the roster bubble

The opportunity that existed a year ago simply isn't there anymore. If McGregor wants to stick around, he'll have to impress his coaching staff this summer and earn it.

Braiden McGregor was never able to capitalize on his opportunity with the Jets

To McGregor's credit, the Jets gave him every chance to establish himself last season. He played 265 defensive snaps, appearing in 12 games while injuries and a lack of depth created opportunities throughout the year. Unfortunately, he was never able to capitalize on that increase in playing time.

McGregor finished the season with just 14 tackles, 11 pressures, and no sacks according to Pro Football Focus. Among 129 qualified edge defenders, he ranked 128th with a 41.9 overall PFF grade and 128th with a 33.1 run-defense grade. His 2.0 percent run-stop rate ranked last at the position, while his 6.9 percent pressure rate ranked fourth worst.

The only player who graded lower overall was Bengals first-round pick Shemar Stewart, so if it's any consolation, McGregor can at least say he was better than a top-20 draft pick.

McGregor did bat down two passes, tying for 10th among NFL edge defenders, and he enjoyed an impressive preseason finale against the Eagles' fourth-stringers, recording five pressures and a sack. The physical tools that made him an intriguing undrafted signing are still there.

At some point, though, traits have to translate into production. Through two seasons, McGregor simply has not looked like an NFL player.

What would make 2026 a success for Braiden McGregor

Making the Jets' 53-man roster honestly feels like too lofty a goal for McGregor. The Jets already have four edge rushers with guaranteed spots, and it's not a lock that they even opt to carry more than that on their active roster.

A more realistic goal would be earning another practice squad opportunity by outperforming the other fringe edge rushers on the roster, like the aforementioned Baron, Watts, Voorhis, and Jonathan.

Camp Countdown: Your guide to every player on the 2026 Jets roster

If McGregor can put together a strong showing this summer and continue displaying enough developmental upside, he could convince the Jets — or another NFL team, for that matter — that he's worth another year of investment.

Braiden McGregor has already beaten the odds once by making it to the NFL as an undrafted free agent. The Jets' offseason additions have made his path to a roster spot considerably steeper entering 2026, but a strong summer could be enough to keep his professional career alive for another year.

Recent 2026 Camp Countdown Breakdowns

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