Jets pull off 2 of NFL insider's favorite under-the-radar offseason moves

The New York Jets managed to bring in some big defensive names during the 2026 offseason, as linebacker Demario Davis and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick headline a solid crew of new additions. Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey also managed to make some moves on the margins without breaking the bank.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz joined the chorus of outside observers who were very excited to see what the Jets are cooking in the 2026 season. The big names are one thing, but even many of this team's projected role players appear to be solid value.

The Jets are the only team that managed to get two of Schultz's top 10 most underrated free agent signings. Pass rusher Joseph Ossai, who signed a three-year contract in the early stages of the offseason, and cornerback Nahshon Wright both made Schultz's top 10.

Jets' Joseph Ossai, Nahshon Wright ranked as top 10 free agent additions

Ossai recorded 10 sacks in the last two seasons, though he has been able to stand out as an edge-setting run defender. Ossai's pressure numbers were always more productive than the raw sack numbers would indicate, suggesting that he could hit his stride with a new team and new scheme.

Ossai will likely be the third-best pass rusher on the team, behind Will McDonald and No. 2 overall pick David Bailey. Going from Braiden McGregor and Eric Watts as depth pieces to Ossai should immediately provide the Jets with the upgrade they needed for quite some time.

Wright is a wild card. On one hand, he led the NFL with five interceptions last season and is coming to a team that didn't get one all season long on a cheap contract. On the other hand, his gambling style led to a bunch of touchdowns surrendered and the need to take a prove-it deal.

Wright will likely be viewed as a direct competitor to 2025 third-rounder Azareye'h Thomas as an outside cornerback. If he is able to beat out the former third-round pick, and if rookie D'Angelo Ponds' size limits him to the nickel, Wright could be a Day 1 starter getting paid like a backup.

The Jets have their history of misses in free agency, but Mougey seems to have made some quality additions on economical deals. Ossai and Wright may not be household names, but both of them should play roles in the Jets' defense in what should be a pivotal season.

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