Joseph Ossai continuing Darren Mougey's streak of underwhelming free agency signings

New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn has caught a lot of flak over the last few weeks for the team's 1-3 start, and for good reason. He's responsible for the product on the field, but fans shouldn't forget that general manager Darren Mougey is the one who assembled the roster in the first place.

Mougey is particularly beloved by the fanbase, and he's had some shining moments as the general manager. His savvy trades have ranged from the fringes of the roster to blockbuster deals, such as managing to net three first-round picks from the likes of Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams.

But it's fair to say his roster construction has left a bit to be desired. While Mougey has been able to find value in some minor signings, his big-ticket free-agent additions have been underwhelming, to say the least.

In 2025, the biggest contract Mougey gave out was to cornerback Brandon Stephens, who is a serviceable starter but far from a No. 1 cornerback. In 2026, Mougey handed out his biggest contract to edge Joseph Ossai, and while it's still early in the season, he's been underwhelming, to say the least.

Joseph Ossai's poor play reflects poorly on New York Jets GM Darren Mougey

Ossai dealt with an injury that kept him sidelined for most of the summer, and when he finally made his return for the Jets' preseason finale, he ruptured the plantar fascia in one of his feet and proceeded to miss the first two games of the 2026 season.

The former Cincinnati Bengals draft pick made his debut in Week 3 and has played 54% of defensive snaps for the Jets in the last two games. It's fair to say it's been tough to feel his impact.

Pro Football Focus has graded Ossai as the league's 95th-ranked edge among 108 qualified players. He's earned an overall grade of 49.7, and his pass-rush grade of 52.6 ranks 94th.

Now, it's fair to wonder if Ossai is still hurt. He didn't get surgery for his foot injury, and it seems like he's going to play through it.

But still, it wasn't like Ossai was ever a key contributor in Cincinnati, and handing him a three-year, $36 million deal in free agency to be a starter in New York was an interesting decision.

Mougey's big-ticket free agent acquisitions have been misses more often than they've been hits in his first two years on the job, and he deserves a share of the blame for what has transpired so far in 2026.

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