Jets projected to land Super Bowl champion CB, red-hot RB in free agency

The only reason New York Jets fans can have some optimism surrounding the 2026 season is the fact that they have four picks in the top 50 in the 2026 NFL Draft and the cap space needed to possibly entice some of the bigger names in the free agent pool.

Both Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey can't afford to have another down season, and that should prompt a spending spree. If Glenn brings in the right players, the Jets could add both a perfect playmaker for whoever the starting quarterback is and a starting cornerback after the Sauce Gardner trade.

CBS Sports projects the Jets to land two big-name free agents, one on each side of the ball. Not only did the Jets kick things off by signing Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Jaylen Watson, but they also spent on Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III.

Jets projected to land Kenneth Walker III, Jaylen Watson by CBS

Walker serves as a fallback option in case Breece Hall either doesn't want to be in New York or exceeds a price tag the Jets are comfortable with. Walker crossed 1,000 yards under Klint Kubiak despite splitting carries with Zach Charbonnet, but he has come alive in the postseason.

No matter what happens at quarterback, Glenn has constantly emphasized the need for a strong running game. Walker and Hall are comparable players at this stage of their careers, but poaching someone vying for a Super Bowl might reinforce the winning culture Glenn wants to install.

Watson's rise from an unheralded seventh-round pick to a no-doubt starter for a Super Bowl champion and one of the best defenses in the league has been nothing short of remarkable. Unlike Derrick Nnadi, Watson has actually played well in the last few years, grading as the No. 13 corner in the league last season.

Watson would likely start the season as one of the two top outside cornerbacks alongside Brandon Stephens, which would push third-round rookie Azareye'h Thomas to the bench. If the Jets are comfortable with this, bringing the 6-2 Watson into Glenn's press-man scheme could be very attractive.

The Jets might be able to get this team turned around quicker than expected if they are able to crush it in the Draft and free agency. Coming out of it with Walker and Watson in addition to some role players would be the best way possible to kick-start Year 2.