Jets Bolster Defense in Free Agency, Impacting No. 2 Draft Pick

New York's moves could shape their selection at the top of the 2027 NFL Draft.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The New York Jets were active in free agency on Monday, trading for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and signing several defensive players including edge rushers Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Enagbare, defensive tackle David Onyemata, and linebacker Demario Davis. These moves have likely changed the team's plans for the No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, with Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese or Florida linebacker Sonny Styles now potentially atop their draft board.

Why it matters

The Jets' free agency moves have strengthened their defense, potentially reducing the need to use the No. 2 pick on a premier edge rusher like Rueben Bain Jr. Instead, they may opt for a more versatile linebacker like Reese or Styles who can play both off-ball and on the edge. This could open the door for the Jets to potentially target an offensive player or an interior offensive lineman with their second first-round pick.

The details

The Jets kicked off free agency by trading a seventh-round pick for Miami Dolphins safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and signing him to a three-year, $40 million extension. They also added edge rushers Ossai and Enagbare, defensive tackle Onyemata, and linebacker Davis. These moves have likely impacted their plans for the No. 2 overall pick, with Ohio State's Reese and Florida's Styles now potentially atop their draft board. Reese could play both off-ball linebacker and edge rusher, while Styles is a versatile linebacker who can also rush the passer.

  • The Jets made their free agency moves on Monday, March 13, 2026.
  • The 2027 NFL Draft is scheduled for April.

The players

Minkah Fitzpatrick

An American football safety who was traded from the Miami Dolphins to the New York Jets and signed a three-year, $40 million extension.

Joseph Ossai

An American football edge rusher who signed with the New York Jets in free agency.

Kingsley Enagbare

An American football edge rusher who signed with the New York Jets in free agency.

David Onyemata

An American football defensive tackle who signed with the New York Jets in free agency.

Demario Davis

An American football linebacker who signed with the New York Jets in free agency, returning to the team.

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What they’re saying

“Signing two edge rushers on Day 1 of free agency suggests that Reese may be atop New York's board. Neither Ossai nor Enagbare projects as stars, but they can play the run opposite (or in relief of) Will McDonald. That mitigates the need for an every-down edge rusher, although Bain would undeniably raise the ceiling of the unit.”

— Anthony Licciardi, Author (sportingnews.com)

“Pairing him with Davis would be bad news for Jamien Sherwood, but would offer Styles a mentor and a Mike linebacker to free up his usage. As an outside linebacker, Styles may share the edge-rushing off-ramp that defines Reese's profile. It remains unlikely, but a Styles selection should still be on the table.”

— Anthony Licciardi, Author (sportingnews.com)

What’s next

The Jets will continue to evaluate their options for the No. 2 overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, with Ohio State's Arvell Reese and Florida's Sonny Styles emerging as potential targets following their free agency moves.

The takeaway

The Jets have made a concerted effort to improve their defense in free agency, which could impact their plans for the No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. Their additions at edge rusher and linebacker suggest they may target a more versatile defensive player like Reese or Styles, rather than a pure edge rusher like Rueben Bain Jr. This could open the door for the Jets to potentially address an offensive need with their second first-round selection.