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The 2026 New York Jets: A Prediction for MVP, Most Improved Player and More
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- The 2026 New York Jets: A Prediction for MVP, Most Improved Player and More
The 2026 edition of the New York Jets looks to take a step forward in its rebuild, climbing out of a hole that has seen them miss the playoffs for the last 15 seasons.
There's a new quarterback at starter and backup, a rookie sack master on the defensive line, and the return of top receiver Garrett Wilson. There's also a new offensive coordinator in veteran Frank Reich, and head coach Aaron Glenn will be calling the shots on defense, playing to his strength.
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All of that should result in a Jets team competitive on any given Sunday. While the Super Bowl seems out of reach, it wouldn't be a huge surprise if the Jets manage to play some meaningful games in December.
Here are some predictions for the Jets players who will make the biggest impact on the team's fortunes in the coming season.
MVP: Garrett Wilson
Wilson seems to catch everything in his reach, making him a weapon that the Jets offense sorely needs. He's back from a knee injury that limited him to seven games in 2025. But before that, he started with three 1,000-yard receiving seasons in his first three years, quite an accomplishment for a Jets team with a rotating cast at quarterback.
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Now with veteran Geno Smith at quarterback, Wilson should get ample opportunities to make some plays. Sign him up for another 1,000-yard season, which should lead to some good times for the Jets.
Most Improved: Mason Taylor
Quietly effective is the best way to describe the second-year tight end. He had 44 receptions for 369 yards in his rookie year, stats that should improve with steadier quarterback play. New coordinator Frank Reich likes to use his tight ends as receivers on third down, so Taylor will likely get a lot of opportunities to become a go-to force as a receiver.
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Offensive Player of the Year: Breece Hall
A new contract firmly in hand, Hall should again exceed 1,000 yards on the ground and double digits in passing receptions. The return of Wilson at wide receiver should open up some territory for Hall.
Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis will also be in the running back mix, leaving Hall fresh late in the game. He has breakaway potential and will be looking to flash that in the fourth quarter.
Defensive Player of the Year: Minkah Fitzpatrick
The Jets set an ignominious record by failing to intercept a single pass in 2025. That will change with the ball-hawking Fitzpatrick in the secondary. He's already won the locker room's respect, having been named a captain in his first season with the team.
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Fitzpatrick is only 29, so there's still some tread on his tires. His experience should help settle things down.
Rookie of the Year: David Bailey
The No. 2 overall pick in the draft, Bailey has looked worthy of that pick with his strong preseason. The explosive rookie will be a threat in passing down situations, and it's hard not to envision him as the terror the defensive line has needed for the last few seasons.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Sep 4, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
