The New York Jets' 2026 offseason has been a rollercoaster, with a mix of risky moves and missed opportunities. Here's a deep dive into three critical areas where the Jets could have made better decisions.
1. Kicking the Can Down the Road: The Folk Problem
The Jets' decision not to re-sign Nick Folk is a head-scratcher. Folk, a consistent and reliable kicker, had a career-best season in 2025, making 28 of 29 field goals and all 22 extra points. At 42, his production was impressive, and the Jets should have been eager to keep him. Instead, they let him walk, opting for a risky approach by signing Cade York and Jason Sanders to compete for the job. While Sanders has potential, his career-long field goal is just 57 yards, a full yard shorter than Folk's. This move feels like a missed opportunity, especially considering the Jets' history of kicking woes. The team should have prioritized stability at this crucial position, especially with the high stakes in close games.
2. Centered on Complacency
The Jets' lack of action at center is baffling. Josh Myers, the starting center, had a poor 2025 season, ranking low in total pressures allowed, penalties, and Pro Football Focus grade. With a backup in Xavier Newman, who has minimal experience, the Jets entered the offseason with one of the league's worst projected starting centers and an even worse backup. Yet, they did nothing to address this glaring weakness. This complacency is concerning, especially with training camp underway. The Jets should have been aggressive in upgrading this position, considering it as one of the offensive spots with the most room for improvement. The lack of action here could come back to haunt them in 2026.
3. Glenn's Dilemma: A Coach's Conundrum
Retaining Aaron Glenn as head coach is a controversial decision. Glenn's presence has divided Jets fans, with some fearing a 'fake' improved season that could lead to his retention despite underperformance. The 2019 season, where the Jets 'surged' to a 6-2 finish after a 1-7 start, is a cautionary tale. That season, like 2025, didn't provide clear evidence of Glenn's ability to lead the team to the playoffs. The Jets' decision to keep him and rebuild his staff is risky, especially given Glenn's struggles in calculating field goal distances. If Glenn fails again, the team will be in a messy position, having wasted a season that could have been used for a better coach. The Jets' only hope is a high-quality 2026 season from Glenn, but history suggests this is unlikely. The team may be stuck in a cycle of mediocrity, with Glenn as the head coach tasked with setting the foundation for a rookie QB in 2027.
