How to fix the Jets: A 6-part plan to turn the team around

Transforming the Jets won’t be easy or quick. They’ve been under construction for 15 seasons, so what’s another year or two?

It was never going to be a one-year turnaround under Aaron Glenn like the Patriots and Bears enjoyed with new coaches this past season. Those teams have their franchise quarterbacks. Glenn’s first mistake was believing that he could make Justin Fields into one.

Glenn’s first season was troublesome and raised questions about his ability to be a head coach. At least he and general manager Darren Mougey realized that they needed to tear it down to build it back up.

Trading Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams for three first-round picks and a second-rounder gave the Jets the draft assets to properly rebuild over the next two years.

The Jets have picks 2, 16, 33 and 44 in this upcoming draft and three first-rounders next year. Another down season may not necessarily be a bad thing. A high 2027 pick in a class expected to be loaded with quarterback talent could set the Jets on the right path, finally.

The priorities have to be to create a stable culture and environment – especially after Glenn fired eight coaches since last week – and start assembling a competitive NFL roster and resembling a team that top coaches and players want to join.

Here is our plan to get the Jets on the road to recovery, respect and — at some point — success:

1. Fix the quarterback mess

The Jets need a short-term and long-term solution at quarterback, and Mougey said the team would “exhaust every option.”

Even though the Jets have the No. 2 pick in this April's draft, there is no potential franchise quarterback available after Indiana's Fernando Mendoza, whom the Raiders are expected to take with the first pick.

The 2027 draft is really when the Jets should go all-in and take the quarterback who they believe will turn around the franchise. With three first-round picks next year, they should be able to move up — if they have to — and draft Arch Manning, Dante Moore or Julian Sayin. 

But before that happens, the Jets will need to figure out the position for 2026. They will likely release Fields, who is owed $10 million guaranteed. The dead cap hit in 2026 is $22 million if they designate Fields a pre-June 1 cut or $13 million this year and $9 million next if it’s post-June 1. Tyrod Taylor is a free agent. Undrafted rookie Brady Cook appeared in five games this past season and threw seven interceptions.

The Jets will have a few options to improve the position in the short-term.

Sign: Malik Willis. There will be competition for the Packers’ backup and maybe within the Jets’ division. The Dolphins hired a GM and head coach from Green Bay. Veterans Kirk Cousins, Marcus Mariota or Mitch Trubisky are possibilities, but not to start.

Trade for: Mac Jones. He grew playing in San Francisco under Kyle Shanahan. If the 49ers hold on to him, Davis Mills or Kyler Murray should be on the Jets’ radar. Stay away from Geno Smith and Tua Tagovailoa.

Draft: Trinidad Chambliss (if he comes out) or Ty Simpson, but not with the No. 2 pick. Drew Allar, Garrett Nussmeier or Carson Beck could be options later in the draft. Play one of them later in the 2026 season and evaluate.

A veteran mentor, creative offensive coordinator and proven quarterback coach are needed to develop a rookie quarterback in 2026 and the one coming in 2027.

2. Give the young QB weapons

Garrett Wilson’s former Ohio State teammate Jaxon Smith-Njigba, now a star receiver for the Super Bowl-bound Seahawks, was on the board in 2023, but the Jets’ previous regime drafted Will McDonald instead. The Jets need dynamic offensive playmakers for their 2026 starting quarterback and the young one who will eventually lead this team.

Receivers Jauan Jennings, Christian Kirk, Alec Pierce and Romeo Doubs should be among Mougey’s first calls in free agency. If someone becomes available in a trade, Mougey has the assets to enter discussions.

Then, in the draft, Carnell Tate, Jordyn Tyson and Makai Lemon should be targets with one of the Jets’ two first-round picks, or Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion if they’re still around early in Round 2.

3. Explore trading Jermaine Johnson and/or McDonald

Johnson was nearly traded before the deadline. He’s in the final year of his contract. The Jets have until May 1 to pick up McDonald’s fifth-year option. They must decide whether the two edge rushers are in their plans. If not, see what you can get for either or both. They should have some value. More picks will help fill the many holes in this roster. The Jets will have their choice of impactful defensive players — Arvell Reese, David Bailey or Rueben Bain, Jr. — with the No. 2 pick in the draft. Mougey should listen to offers for No. 2 if it means getting a star veteran player or more early-round draft capital this year and next.

4. Sign Alex Anzalone and other former Glenn players

Glenn erred in not bringing in players from Detroit, where he was the defensive coordinator previously, to help create the culture he wants. Ex-Lions were available. They signed with other teams.

Now that Glenn is expected to call the defense, he should make sure he brings in some of his guys.

Anzalone, a productive linebacker, could replace free agent Quincy Williams. Glenn coached Anzalone in New Orleans and Detroit. The two remain close. Anzalone called Glenn “my biggest mentor” after he got the Jets’ job.

Anzalone knows exactly what Glenn wants and expects, and would make sure everyone in the locker room does, too. He would help a defense that underperformed and too often played with no pride.

5. Hire a president of football operations

The Jets would have to create this position and appoint someone with gravitas who can connect the past and present, build stability, recruit players, and repair the relationship with disgruntled fans. They hoped Glenn would do that. It didn’t happen.

It worked for Denver with John Elway. Dan Marino is a special adviser in Miami. Atlanta just hired Matt Ryan as president. Curtis Martin is the first player who comes to mind for the Jets. Boomer Esiason or Chad Pennington would be good, too.

6. Get in on the coaching carousel

Glenn may be keeping the seat warm for the Jets’ next coach, unless there’s major improvement.

Otherwise, the Jets should hire an established coach. (See if Mike Tomlin or Sean McDermott are available and willing. Willing is the key word). If they take a shot on a rising young coordinator, the newly created president of football operations s has to pick the right one. He has to be an offensive guy. Enough of defensive coaches already.