Jets receive highest grade in the NFL for major offseason additions

The New York Jets entered the 2026 offseason with major question marks and ample resources to address them. Nearly $100 million in cap space and four top 50 draft picks are nothing to sneeze at.

They started in free agency, overhauling the defensive side of the ball. In 2026, there will be nearly eight new starters on the defense, including linebacker Demario Davis, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat, and edge Joseph Ossai.

Offensively, the Jets landed their new quarterback in veteran Geno Smith, a new offensive lineman in Dylan Parham, and added two new pass catchers in the 2026 NFL draft in the first round with Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr., and Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq.

The Jets aren't necessarily Super Bowl or even playoff contenders after their offseason makeovers. But they've certainly raised the floor of the team after last year's 3-14 disaster, and they may have made the biggest jump of anyone in the NFL.

Jets given 'A' grade in offseason report card

Despite still not having their long-term plan at quarterback, Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski gave the Jets the highest grade of any team for their offseason additions, landing an "A" from the B/R analyst.

"The New York Jets have the same problem today as they did a year ago, though the situation is vastly improved around the quarterback position. A massive influx of talent entered the Jets roster this offseason, to the point where the team can compete with almost anyone...All of the pieces aren't in place, but the Jets are clearly better than they were when the offseason began."

Brent Sobleski

The Jets knew going into this offseason that they likely weren't going to find their franchise quarterback. With Fernando Mendoza off the board at No. 1, New York turned their attention to filling out the rest of the roster.

That's exactly what general manager Darren Mougey did, adding veterans on defense to add some credibility, respect, and accountability that they desperately lacked in 2025. Young players like No. 2 overall pick David Bailey and cornerback D'Angelo Ponds will have the chance to grow under the tutelage of those veterans.

Offensively, New York has some younger pieces that need some time to grow. But with a year of NFL experience under their belt, they'll be perfectly adept to handle helping a rookie quarterback.

The Jets may not be world beaters in 2026, but they should at minimum be competitive, and are setting themselves up to be even better in 2027.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow