ESPN Bullish on Jets After Free Agency Splurge

Can the Jets climb the AFC pecking order in 2026 after a busy offseason?

Mar. 18, 2026 at 2:37am

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ESPN's Mike Clay has named the New York Jets as one of the big improvers this offseason, citing their moves to steady the quarterback situation with Geno Smith and retain running back Breece Hall, as well as adding impact players at every level of the defense. The Jets are hoping to bounce back from a 3-14 record in 2025 and climb the AFC standings in 2026 under second-year head coach Aaron Glenn.

Why it matters

The Jets have struggled in recent years, but their offseason moves have raised expectations that they could be on the verge of a turnaround. If the Jets can take a step forward in 2026, it would be a significant development in the AFC, where the conference has been dominated by a few elite teams.

The details

The Jets brought back quarterback Geno Smith and running back Breece Hall, while adding several key defensive pieces including defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat, edge rusher Kingsley Enagbare, linebacker Demario Davis, cornerback Nahshon Wright, and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. ESPN's Mike Clay believes these moves have the Jets headed in the right direction after a 3-14 season in 2025.

  • The Jets finished the 2025 season with a 3-14 record.

The players

Geno Smith

The Jets' starting quarterback who is returning to the team after the 2025 season.

Breece Hall

The Jets' starting running back who is returning to the team after the 2025 season.

Aaron Glenn

The Jets' head coach who is entering his second season with the team in 2026.

T'Vondre Sweat

A defensive tackle signed by the Jets in free agency.

Kingsley Enagbare

An edge rusher signed by the Jets in free agency.

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What they’re saying

“The Jets are headed in the right direction after inexpensively steadying the quarterback situation (Geno Smith) and retaining running back Breece Hall. They added much-needed impact players at every level of coach Aaron Glenn's defense, including defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat, edge rusher Kingsley Enagbare, linebacker Demario Davis, underrated cornerback Nahshon Wright and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.”

— Mike Clay, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)

What’s next

The Jets will look to build on their offseason moves and improve upon their 3-14 record from 2025 as they aim to climb the AFC standings in 2026.

The takeaway

The Jets have made several key additions in free agency that have ESPN analysts bullish on their chances of taking a step forward in 2026. If the new pieces can gel and the team can stay healthy, there is reason to believe the Jets could surprise some people and climb the AFC pecking order this upcoming season.