The New York Jets finished second-last in the NFL in sacks last season with a pathetic 26 quarterback takedowns.
Will McDonald IV easily led the Jets in sacks with eight. No other defender on head coach Aaron Glenn’s unit had more than four (Jowon Briggs).
That’s precisely why the Jets selected EDGE David Bailey at No. 2 overall in the 2026 NFL draft. General manager Darren Mougey also signed Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Enagbare in free agency. The Jets’ pass-rushing personnel will look significantly different this season.
McDonald should be the overwhelming favorite to lead the Jets in sacks for a third consecutive season. Don’t sleep on Bailey, though. The former Texas Tech standout was a haunting pass rusher in college who produced 14.5 sacks this past campaign.
Ossai is an interesting candidate as well. He’s registered five sacks apiece in back-to-back seasons.
The Jets signed Ossai to a three-year, $34.5 million contract in free agency to essentially replace Jermaine Johnson II (who was traded to the Tennessee TItans) in the defense.
The Jets hope to field a significantly improved pass-rushing unit this season. The offseason additions of Bailey and Ossai should make them deeper on the defensive line.
McDonald is currently the Jets’ best pass rusher, but Bailey has Defensive Rookie of the Year upside.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Who will lead the New York Jets in sacks in 2026?
Reporting by Justin Melo, Jets Wire / Jets Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Justin Melo, Jets Wire | USA TODAY Network
