Sportsnaut
The New York Jets were one of the worst NFL teams in 2025, but they will be one of the few in their position not searching for either a new head coach or general manager this offseason. While those two positions are filled, there’s more than enough work for New York to do this offseason.
Let’s dive into our list of five Jets offseason moves that should be made in 2026.
Linebacker play has been one of the many issues for New York defensively this season. While it is still unknown who will be the Jets’ defensive coordinator in 2026, the influence of Aaron Glenn on this scheme makes pending free agent Alex Anzalone a natural target. It is also worth noting, as reported by Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic, that Glenn and Anzalone are very close, and that relationship could provide a significant boost to the locker room. Anzalone will be entering his age-32 season, so New York could sign him to a two or three-year contract and secure an above-average starter in the middle of its defense who brings a veteran presence and understands his role.
Related: 2026 NFL Draft Order after Week 17, New York Jets Draft Picks 2026
We are not trying to break the bank with our proposed Jets offseason moves in NFL free agency. After all, one signing will not come close to fixing everything. The focus is on spreading around what could be north of $100 million in cap space, with an emphasis on improving this team defensively. Quentin Lake might not be a Pro Bowl safety, but ahead of his age-27 season, he brings a lot to the table. He had one of the lowest missed tackle rates (3.2 percent) among safeties this season, and he allowed a modest 83.0 QB rating in coverage. Notably, Lake is also a team captain who can play a variety of roles for New York. The Jets would not have to make him one of the highest-paid safeties in the league, but they would be adding another above-average starter who also brings leadership to the field.
Related: NFL Teams With Most Cap Space in 2026, including the New York Jets
It is no secret that the Arizona Cardinals want to move on from Kyler Murray this offseason. The issue for the franchise is finding a quarterback-needy team willing to take on his contract. Carrying a $53.2 million cap charge in 2026 likely rules out the Minnesota Vikings and Miami Dolphins, but it could present an opportunity for New York to roll the dice on him as a one-year starter in 2026.
Arizona’s desperation to move on could result in the franchise’s willingness to both attach a draft pick to him and cover some of the contract. New York would likely have to take on a majority of the guaranteed money owed to Murray over the...
