The New York Jets are looking to bounce back after a disastrous 4-13 season in 2025.
The Jets were bottom-10 in both offense and defense last season and were in dire need of more talent on the roster. That's exactly what New York accomplished in the first week of free agency, addressing multiple positions of need while adding leadership to a young roster that struggled last season.
How effective was each individual move?
Minkah Fitzpatrick gives the Jets leadership in a secondary that had zero interceptions last season. The former Dolphin and Steeler will be 30 next season and, unfortunately, it looks like his best football may be behind him. Fitzpatrick only has two interceptions in the past two years.
However, Fitzpatrick ranked 7th out of 98 qualified safeties in PFF grade despite his lack of turnovers created. The safety is not what he was in the past, but his experience in the league should help a secondary that was abysmal last season.
This trade was never one that would move the needle for the Jets. Geno Smith 's Jets reunion comes after the quarterback led the league in interceptions in 2025. Despite that, Smith has shown he is a serviceable QB in the past with the Seahawks. Ultimately, New York does not take much risk with this move.
If Smith performs how he did in his two seasons with Seattle , the Jets could overachieve, save Aaron Glenn 's job, and still use any of their three 2027 first-round draft picks to get the QB of the future.
However, if Smith plays similar to how he did last season, it will put New York in position to have a top pick come 2027.
The Jets heavily addressed defense with their early free agency signings. Joseph Ossai had five sacks last season, which would have been second-most on a New York defense that ranked 31st in sacks. Ossai should play as a defensive end in the 3-4 look likely in 2026.
Sure, Ossai is not the biggest pass rusher signing of this free agency class. However, he posted career highs in pressure percentage and pass rush win rate last season. The former Bengal will likely be used to take pressure off whoever the Jets bring in with the second overall pick in the upcoming draft.
Demario Davis is back in Florham Park after the Jets signed him to a two-year deal. Davis began his career with the Jets and was an All-Pro with the Saints. The veteran linebacker is 37 years old and figures to be on the last leg of his career.
Davis will bring leadership to a young defense that is in desperate need of it. While he won't be the Davis that longtime Jets fans remember, he will be a welcome locker room presence. New York will benefit from the veteran's leadership and may get some vintage moments from him in this contract.
David Onyemata reunites with Head Coach Aaron Glenn. The run-stopping defensive tackle figures to bolster a defensive line that struggled against the run last year. Onyemata will pair with T'Vondre Sweat. The two newly acquired DTs will look to fill the hole left by the trade of Quinnen Williams .
The Jets signed Onyemata to a one-year deal worth $10.5 million. This deal is relatively team-friendly and low-risk. Onyemata will serve as an early-down run stopper who should bolster what was a poor defense last season.
Kingsley Enagbare has served mostly as a depth piece in his career. His best statistic in his career has been durability. Enagbare will likely continue his role as a depth piece for the Jets with the signing of Joseph Ossai and likely taking a pass rusher in the first round.
Dane Belton looks to be another depth signing for the Jets. The team clearly went into free agency looking to address their secondary. Belton is a top-five safety when it comes to tackling. The former Giant had 120 tackles last season. The new Jets signing should make an impact, either as a backup or if he wins the second safety job.
The Jets were able to sign Nahshon Wright to a one-year deal for $3.5 million. Wright was tied for the league lead in interceptions in 2025. The cornerback has been boom or bust in his career, but the Jets could use some boom.
Wright fits in Aaron Glenn's press-man scheme at 6-foot-4. He will start for the Jets and look to bring his ball hawk skills to New York. The Jets were able to get a much-needed boost for a small cap hit in what will be a prove-it year for Wright.
Cade York is a downgrade for the Jets as they could not retain Nick Folk . York has been a below-average kicker throughout his career. Kicker is a replaceable position throughout the season, but still very important. The Jets will go into 2026 with a kicker who hasn't made a kick since 2024.
Max Mitchell will return to the Jets as a depth piece. The offensive lineman has started 17 games and played 45. He should be a depth piece for the Jets offensive line which took steps last season. His versatility will come in handy if he receives opportunities in 2026.
Andrew Beck played in every game for the Jets last year. Listed as a fullback, Beck has lined up at tight end and also is a core special teamer. He will not be a major part of the Jets offense but will play a role for the Jets in 2026.
Mykal Walker is back after playing 14 games for the Jets in 2025. He will serve as a backup for newly signed Demario Davis and returning Jamien Sherwood . This is another depth signing for the Jets that will likely not move any needles in 2026.
Andre Cisco only played eight games last season for the Jets. He did not do much in his time playing but will compete to earn his starting spot back. The Jets have invested in the safety position this offseason. Cisco will either be a starter or serve as a backup, but the Jets clearly want options at the position for next season.
Kene Nwangwu was part of one of the only bright spots of the Jets season, the special teams. The kick returner averaged 33.6 yards per return last season. The Jets retained one of the best kick returners in the league who has shown he can change momentum at any time. This is a great re-signing for the Jets.
The Jets have not had any blockbuster signings so far in free agency. They have, however, addressed many needs in a roster that was lackluster last season. Defense, leadership and depth signings have been the plan in the early throes for the Jets. By filling these gaps through free agency, New York has allowed itself to pursue the upcoming draft more aggressively.
The post What Grades Do New York Jets' Free Agency Signings Get? appeared first on The Lead .
