Jets Begin Building for 2026 Season at NFL Scouting Combine
INDIANAPOLIS — The foundation for the Jets’ 2026 season is set to take shape this week.
The NFL Scouting Combine marks a significant kickoff for the NFL offseason.
When teams, agents, and college prospects converge in one location, the offseason strategies for various teams begin to take form.
The Jets are in the midst of rebuilding after a disappointing 3-14 record in the first year under head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mousey.
There are multiple gaps in the roster, particularly at the quarterback position, which they are now starting to address.
The new league year starts on March 11, when teams can start officially signing free agents.
This week is also crucial for discussing both their own free agents and players from other teams.
Additionally, it’s an important time for evaluating draft prospects, who will be training, meeting with teams, and undergoing medical exams.
In a press conference at the end of the season, Mousey shared his expectations for 2026.
“I believe we can be competitive and respectable right away next year,” he expressed.
To achieve that, the Jets need to show substantial improvement in Glenn’s second year, especially after a poor finish to the last season where they lost their last five games without a win.
Glenn made changes to both the offensive and defensive coordinators, though the transition was rocky.
He’ll likely face questions about these choices when he speaks to the media this Tuesday.
This offseason is significant for Glenn, who seems to be in a much better position heading into 2026.
He is expected to take charge of defensive play calling this season, and it will be interesting to see if he adapts his strategies in other areas.
At the end of the last season, he suggested he recognized some missteps.
“As a new head coach—and like any general manager—going through your first year is vital to grasp the entire situation,” Glenn remarked. “I can identify areas where I can improve.”
The immediate focus for the Jets is managing their own free agency.
Breece Hall tops the priority list, with a decision due by March 3 on whether to use the franchise tag or the transition tag on him.
The franchise tag would come with a hefty price around $14.5 million, while the transition tag is more economical at approximately $11.5 million, though it carries the risk of losing him without draft compensation.
This week will also allow Hall’s agent to gauge other teams’ interest in him.
In addition to Hall, the Jets must also decide on guards Aliyah Berra-Tucker and John Simpson, linebacker Quincy Williams, and kicker Nick Folk.
With about $80 million in salary cap space, Mousey faces the challenge of effectively utilizing it to address all team needs.
This will likely lead to some intense discussions about potential free agent acquisitions.
“I think everyone wants to be aggressive, but we have to be strategic about how we tackle the offseason,” Mousey noted back in January. “It’s about knowing your team, your division, and what you really need. You might think it sounds aggressive, but it requires careful planning and understanding your resources. We’re always on the lookout to add strength and address vulnerabilities to compete effectively.”
Meanwhile, college player evaluations are ramping up this week.
Ohio State linebacker Arbel Reese is often linked to the Jets for the No. 2 pick, and they’ll likely have an opportunity to observe him closely.
While drafting a quarterback in the first round isn’t on the table, they will be analyzing potential second- and third-day quarterback prospects to tackle their ongoing search for a solid quarterback solution.
