The New York Jets’ 2025 season has been disappointing to watch for fans. A two-win season hasn’t provided many exciting moments, as Jets fans look ahead to building the team this offseason.

Despite shipping out their two biggest defensive stars, there is still a young core that provides a foundation to build on. As we’ve passed the halfway mark in the season, my colleague Ryan Roberts and I attempted to create a blueprint to set this team up for success this offseason.

To accomplish this, we broke down whether they should keep or fire head coach Aaron Glenn amid this shaky season. We then pitched two 2026 NFL draft prospects that the team should consider selecting. Lastly, we each pitched a free agent they should sign this offseason as well.

Here are the results.

Should the Jets keep Aaron Glenn?

Ryan: Yes

While the Aaron Glenn era has gotten off to a rough start, everyone should have expected some early struggles. He’s a first-time head coach, and he walked into a challenging situation. The Jets’ roster needs to be completely overhauled. The organization is already planning for the future by offloading both Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams for a series of high draft selections. Give Coach Glenn another year or two to show progress while he is given the talent necessary to get an accurate gauge for what he can be as a coach.

Joe: Yes

Building a winning culture doesn’t happen overnight. Most importantly, when you’re trying to turn around a franchise, you cannot expect to produce results when you’re constantly firing and hiring coaches. Glenn was a top candidate last cycle for a reason: he came from Dan Campbell’s coaching tree and has the intensity to right the ship. There haven’t been very many bright spots this season for the Jets, but with a mass selling of top talent, he should be given the benefit of the doubt. 2026 should be the real test of who he is as a coach once he has a quarterback in place to build around, and they mold this team in his vision.

Jets 2026 NFL Draft picks

Ryan: Oregon QB Dante Moore & Tennessee CB Colton Hood

The Jets need to find their quarterback of the future, and Moore has the look of a future plus starter on the next level. The former UCLA transfer is one of the more natural throwers that you will find in this class. The ball comes out at an easy pace. Moore immediately gives a higher level of optimism for the future of the organization.

It has been a bummer for the Volunteers not to have had All-American cornerback Jermod McCoy so far this season, but Hood has done his best to pick up the slack. Hood is a very smooth cover man, instinctual, and not afraid to tackle. There is a high floor here as a player.

Joe: Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza & Georgia DT Christen Miller

While there’s been some conjecture on whether this quarterback class has enough quality prospects to take swings on, the Jets are not a team that can wait. One prospect who would help set the tone for the future is Mendoza. He’s taken Indiana over the top this season and visibly has the demeanor of a leader that you’d want to rebuild the culture in your locker room. Additionally, he’s displayed tremendous touch, timing, and natural playmaking to be a high-level starter in the NFL. He exudes skills similar to those of Drake Maye, who Jets fans are watching dominate in the AFC East.

As for their second first-round pick, securing an impactful starting defensive tackle at the end of the first round to replace Quinnen Williams should be a priority. Miller has been quietly dominant this season for Georgia, with the tape to be an every-down disruptor. He has the power to anchor against the run and the flexibility to be a quality pass rusher.

Jets 2026 top free agent target

Ryan: Jauan Jennings, WR, San Francisco 49ers

Garrett Wilson is one of the very best wide receivers in the NFL, doing his best work with his combination of route running and explosiveness. Adding some size would be huge for the Jets’ passing attack in the future. Jennings has the big frame to win at the catch point. He will also do a lot of the dirty work that sometimes goes unnoticed.

Joe: Jakobi Myers, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars

Finding another playmaker at receiver is something that can be effectively addressed through free agency for a potentially cheap price. At 29 years old, Myers likely won’t need a super long-term deal and could be a short-term rental. As they seek out youngsters to add to the receiver group, Myers can be a veteran presence in the offense. Generally, it’s not the best idea to spend wildly heading into a momentum-building year with a rookie quarterback. 2027 will be the offseason to spend on big names to spark a playoff run.

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