Jowon Briggs is easily the Jets' most disappointing player in 2026

The New York Jets have had several shortcomings throughout the 2026 season, as made clear by their abysmal 2-7 record. But a few things they were banking on in the offseason have not come to fruition nine games into the year.

For one, the defense has not taken a leap under the close supervision of Aaron Glenn, as he initially promised back in February. Part of that is on him, sure, but a lot of the players they were relying on haven't lived up to expectations.

One of the more disappointing members of the Jets' defense? Defensive tackle Jowon Briggs, who was a breakout player for New York in 2025. After arriving in a late-summer trade with the Cleveland Browns, the former seventh-round draft pick was a very effective pass-rusher on the interior, earning an 85.6 pass-rushing grade from Pro Football Focus, the sixth-best in the entire league.

Briggs was even floated as an extension candidate right before the start of the regular season. But now? It's a question of whether or not he'll be back in New York in 2027.

Jowon Briggs went from New York Jets breakout star to dud

It's not hyperbole to say Briggs has been one of the worst defensive tackles in the entire league so far this season, and it's not due to a lack of opportunity.

Through nine games, Briggs ranks as PFF's 120th-best defensive tackle out of 126 qualified players. He has an overall grade of 41.7, and his run-defense grade of 32.8 ranks 123rd. The best part of his game, his pass-rushing chops, has even taken a major step back. He went from sixth-best in the NFL in 2025 to 64th-best in 2026, with a grade of 62.2.

Even with injuries to the likes of T'Vondre Sweat and David Onyemata, Briggs has been unable to take advantage of an increased role on the defensive line.

Why has Jowon Briggs taken a step back in 2026?

The next question fans are likely asking themselves is: What happened from 2025 to 2026? It's not like last year's coaching staff is that much better than this season's, right?

It may just turn out to be the scheme change. With Steve Wilks calling the shots last year, the Jets primarily ran a 4-3 defense, which was a better fit for their personnel at the time. Briggs feasted on those opportunities next to Harrison Phillips and flanked by Will McDonald IV and Jermaine Johnson.

Under Glenn and Brian Duker, the Jets primarily work out of 3-4, which places a heavier burden on those guys up front. Briggs may just not be a fit for what New York is trying to do defensively right now.

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