The New York Jets have heard plenty of encouraging reviews this offseason. National analysts have applauded general manager Darren Mougey’s vision.
Their 2026 NFL Draft class received favorable marks across the league. Mandatory minicamp generated optimism, and OTA reports consistently highlighted improved chemistry and competition throughout the roster.
Apparently, the praise isn’t slowing down. During a recent collection of offseason observations, Sports Illustrated senior NFL reporter Albert Breer pointed to the Jets as one of the teams that quietly helped themselves over the past several months.
His biggest takeaway wasn’t centered around one blockbuster acquisition. He didn’t revisit any headline-grabbing moves in particular. Instead, he dedicated a few paragraphs to his belief that New York has built something every successful team needs: depth.
The Jets finally have answers behind Garrett Wilson
For four seasons, opposing defenses knew exactly where the football was going. Garrett Wilson often carried the passing game while the Jets searched for reliable complementary weapons. Breer agrees with everyone else who states that may no longer be the case.
He highlighted Adonai Mitchell as one of the offseason’s biggest bright spots, noting that the former Indianapolis Colts star has built upon the flashes he displayed after arriving in New York midway through last season. Mitchell finished 2025 with 24 receptions for 301 yards and two touchdowns in just eight games after the trade.
Breer believes he looks like an ideal complement to Wilson as a physical outside target. With rookie Omar Cooper Jr. also expected to contribute, the Jets’ receiving corps suddenly appears much deeper than it has in recent years.
Veteran additions could transform the defense
Breer was equally complimentary of New York’s defensive additions. Rather than simply praising the leadership of linebacker Demario Davis and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, he emphasized something more important.
“They both look like they can still play.”
That’s music to the ears of every New York Jets fan. Leadership carries weight inside an NFL locker room, but only if the veterans continue producing on Sundays. Breer believes both Davis and Fitzpatrick remain capable of doing exactly that while helping stabilize two important areas of the defense.
Their experience should also benefit one of the NFL’s younger rosters. Meanwhile, that gives head coach Aaron Glenn trusted voices on both the front and back ends of his defense.
Darren Mougey’s vision is becoming clearer
Breer’s observations reinforce something Jets fans have been hearing throughout the offseason. This wasn’t about making the biggest splash in free agency. It was about building a deeper, more complete football team.
The additions of Mitchell, Davis, Fitzpatrick, and several others have given New York more competition, more experience, and more reliable options across the roster. Whether that translates into more wins remains to be seen.
What is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore, however, is the growing consensus surrounding the Jets’ offseason. From analysts to beat writers to opposing observers, the reviews continue pointing in the same direction. The Jets didn’t simply add talent this offseason. They built a roster that appears deeper, more balanced, and better equipped to compete than the one they fielded a year ago.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Jets again praised for adding depth and veteran leadership
Reporting by Geoffrey A Knox, Jets Wire / Jets Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Geoffrey A Knox, Jets Wire | USA TODAY Network
