The New York Jets went into the 2026 offseason believing they weren’t big and tough enough during the 2025 season. Finishing with an NFL-worst 3-14 record led to a period of reflection for Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey. Getting stouter, especially on defense, was a goal.
It began by trading EDGE Jermaine Johnson II to the Tennessee Titans for T’Vondre Sweat. A true nose tackle, Sweat tips the scales around 360-plus pounds (his listed NFL weight). Sweat should immediately improve Glenn’s run defense, a unit that finished 29th last season.
Coach Glenn has routinely referenced a “mass-kicks-a**” and “jumbo jet” philosophy this offseason, as covered by ESPN’s Rich Cimini. Rookie draft pick Darrell Jackson Jr. was listed at 315 pounds throughout the pre-draft process. How about reuniting with veteran linebacker Demario Davis, who Cimini shrewdly pointed out is 32 pounds heavier than his new running mate at the position, Jamien Sherwood? Good luck running the football versus the Jets this season.
On offense, running back Braelon Allen and offensive tackle Armand Membou are among the physically impressive contributors. The Jets weren’t big, tough, or stout enough throughout 2025. A shift to a 3-4 defense influenced the offseason strategy, as the Jets look to be a more difficult opponent for the opposition in 2026.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: How did the Jets plan to get ‘bigger’ this during 2026 NFL offseason?
Reporting by Justin Melo, Jets Wire / Jets Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Justin Melo, Jets Wire | USA TODAY Network
