NFL Draft expert tabs Jets as biggest winners of 2026 offseason

The New York Jets entered the 2026 offseason with a mandate to improve on their 3-14 record last season. Armed with a treasure trove of draft capital and a decent amount of cap space, it seems like they've made plenty of progress.

In free agency, the focus was on improving the defense. New York went out and signed several veterans to improve the defensive side of the ball, including Demario Davis and David Onyemata at linebacker and defensive tackle, respectively.

And that's not even including the team's trade acquisitions, such as safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and nose tackle T'Vondre Sweat.

The 2026 NFL Draft is where the Jets made their passcatching additions, selecting Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq and Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. in the first round.

All in all, the Jets should be much improved in 2026, and it's thanks to their monster offseason.

Bucky Brooks says the Jets are the NFL's biggest offseason winners

NFL.com's Bucky Brooks believes the Jets' 2026 offseason was the best of any team in the NFL, and that fans should be excited about what the team can achieve next season.

"The Jets traded for Geno Smith and Minkah Fitzpatrick, who both have experience as leaders of playoff contenders. Demario Davis, Kingsley Enagbare, Joseph Ossai, David Onyemata and Nahshon Wright were signed to add more playoff experience to a locker room that lacked supreme swagger. "

Bucky Brooks

Brooks also highlighted the Jets' use of their draft picks on players who came from winning college football programs. They may not have experience in the pros, but they come to New York "with a clear understanding of expectations for a championship-caliber squad."

The former NFL scout added that he's excited to see what the Jets offense will look like with superstar wide receiver Garrett Wilson back in the mix, and flanked with a multitude of weaponry that should take some attention away from him.

"Garrett Wilson is a made man as an upper-echelon WR1, but the additions of Sadiq and Cooper should really open up the field for the 2022 Offensive Rookie of the Year. With Adonai Mitchell and Mason Taylor slotted into key roles at WR and Y tight end, respectively, the Jets have 11 and 12 personnel packages that can create mismatch problems for opponents."

Bucky Brooks

It's easy for Jets fans to be pessimistic considering how bad they've been over the last decade-plus. But with all the additions they've made this offseason, there's serious reason to have faith that they'll at least be competitive in 2026.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow