Weeks after the season concluded, the Jets entered an offseason full of questions.
The most significant talking point has been, who will be Gang Green’s quarterback in 2026?
It won’t be Dante Moore after he decided to return to Oregon for his redshirt junior season after committing three turnovers in the Peach Bowl loss to Indiana. But the Jets’ concerns go beyond who will be their signal caller.
In addition to questions at quarterback, who will be the Jets’ new defensive coordinator after Steve Wilks was fired last month? Jets coach Aaron Glenn says he’s looking for an “aggressive” playcaller with whom he has chemistry.
“I’ve said this before, compatibility is just as important as coachability,” Glenn said earlier this month when it comes to what he’s looking for in a defensive coordinator. “So, I want to make sure we see things the same way and I want to make sure that we can vibe as far as sitting down and talking about how we see football also.”
Let’s tackle that and some of your other questions in the first Jets mailbag of the offseason.
Who is your guess at DC? And are there more changes coming? – @Charliesdad2024
For those who missed the news, Glenn interviewed eight candidates virtually in the first round of interviews, according to the Jets. The next stage of the process will be in-person interviews with candidates who advanced to the second round. Broncos defensive pass game coordinator/assistant head coach Jim Leonard is the only candidate who is still coaching in the postseason, with Denver advancing to the AFC Championship to play New England on Sunday.
If I had to guess, I would say Wink Martindale is the leader in the clubhouse. He has the aggressive style Glenn is looking for in a coordinator. Martindale also has extensive experience as an NFL assistant coach with the Ravens, Broncos, and Giants.
In 2022, while with the Giants, Martindale’s defense finished 25th in yards and 18th in points allowed per game. But the Giants advanced to the divisional round of the playoffs that season.
During Martindale’s final season as defensive coordinator, the Giants tied with the Ravens for the league lead in takeaways (31). After registering a league low four takeaways, Glenn and the Jets have to be salivating at the possibility of adding a coordinator who can get the ball back for their offense consistently.
Lions safeties coach Jim O’Neil, with whom Glenn worked with when he was the Lions defensive coordinator before becoming the Jets coach. He has prior experience as a defensive coordinator with the Browns (2014-15) and the 49ers (2016). However, his defense finished no better than 23rd in the league during those stints.
Chris Harris, who became the Jets’ interim coordinator after Wilks was fired, is also a possibility, but remains a long shot. If I had to guess, it would be Martindale.
Your favorite player at #2 [in the 2026 NFL Draft] and thoughts on Caleb Downs – @HollyWoodrulz16
The Jets have several needs on both sides of the ball. It is possible they could use up to 11 new starters on offense and defense.
With Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza expected to be selected by the Raiders at No. 1 overall, the Jets can take the best available player at No. 2. To me, that would be Miami defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr.
At 6-3, 275 pounds, Bain can play multiple positions across the defensive line. He was primarily used as a pass rusher with the Hurricanes, but there are some questions about where he should play because of his lack of explosiveness off the line and his short arms.
But put Bain anywhere on the line and the man can produce. In 16 games, Bain registered 54 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, and 9.5 sacks. Considering the Jets were next-to-last in the league in sacks (26), Bain would instantly improve a unit that underachieved in 2025.
In terms of Ohio State safety Downs, he is arguably the best prospect in the draft class. He is a player who can play close to the line of scrimmage or in pass coverage and produce at either.
If not for him being a safety, I think Downs would be discussed more as a possibility for the Jets. But they desperately need safety help, so drafting Downs would help satisfy a major need.
The Jets have a ton of needs to address. Which FAs do you think the Jets will target? – @FranS3837
Quincy Williams is unlikely to return to the Jets in 2026. Because of that, Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd is someone who can instantly improve a linebacker corps that struggled last season.
At 6-3, 235 pounds, Lloyd is always around the football. He has 81 tackles, six tackles for loss, and five interceptions en route to helping the Jaguars win the AFC South. The Jets could use another linebacker with size and Lloyd fits the bill.
Depending on what the Jets do at quarterback, Marcus Mariota and Malik Willis could be options. But there will be plenty of other teams vying for their services.
Market cost to acquire Mac Jones from SF. Has 1 yr remaining on his contract – @Kevin747747
Well, first, I’m not sure the 49ers are going to trade Jones, who started eight games after Brock Purdy suffered a turf toe injury. Especially if you believe 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan.
“As any player on our team, including myself and John, you always listen to people and trade offers, but we’re also not into getting rid of good players,” Shanahan said earlier this week. “So, I’d be very surprised if Mac wasn’t around us next year.”
In eight starts, Jones recorded a 5-3 while completing 2,151 yards with 13 touchdowns and six interceptions. After a stint in Jacksonville after being traded by New England in 2024, Jones signed a two-year, $7 million contract with San Francisco.
A good backup quarterback is hard to find, and the 49ers probably will hold onto Jones unless the Jets give them a draft pick or two they can’t refuse if the Jets can find a way to get a third-round pick, that might be enough for the 49ers to consider it.
I personally think Jones would flourish in Tanner Engstrand’s offensive system. Also, have to keep in mind that the Jets may not be the only team to call about Jones, so that will factor into any compensation they would have to give up.
