As a rule of thumb, bad teams don’t need to be trading draft picks in the weeks before the regular season. But for a New York Jets team desperate to look competitive, it’s hard to put a price on modest improvements.
The worst teams in the league generally struggle with quarterback play, often made worse by a poor offensive line. Struggling against the run, though, is the quickest way for a defense to become fodder for competitors.
New York couldn’t stop the run in 2024. Through two preseason games, untenable play on the interior forecasted a similar fate. The Jets can’t afford to be trampled, leaving the defense out to dry and letting opponents burn clock at will. It’s not the brand of football head coach Aaron Glenn promised. It’s not the kind of defense that earns an administration optimism.
New York Jets make two trades
Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey saw their defense give up 6.2 yards per carry to the Green Bay Packers. New York Giants starter Tyrone Tracy ran seven times for 39 yards a week later.
Rather than stick to the guns of their first offseason together, the new regime reacted accordingly. Ahead of the final preseason content, New York traded a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Cleveland Browns for defensive tackle Jowon Briggs and a 2026 seventh-round selection (via the Buffalo Bills). The Jets also sent sixth-round picks in 2026 and 2027 to the Minnesota Vikings for nose tackle Harrison Phillips and a 2027 seventh-rounder.
Less than a year ago, we were hearing from Harrison Phillips about his two-year extension. Now he’s gone before playing a game on that extension.
Still trying to wrap my head around trading a top-notch leader and the best run defending DT on the roster for a meager return. https://t.co/Lngs8Im8Zi
— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) August 21, 2025
Immediately, it stands out that New York had a type. Phillips will slide into the starting lineup next to Quinnen Williams on early downs as the starting nose tackle. Briggs offers more run-defending depth, and he’s likely to see time on the second unit next to Jay Tufele, who has looked the part as a pass rusher.
MORE: Grading Jets’ trades for defensive line help
Further, the Jets didn’t spend much at all to find reinforcements. On the same day the New Orleans Saints spent fourth- and seventh-round selections on 27-year-old second-year receiver Devaughn Vele, New York didn’t trade anything of substance. The moves were both proactive and responsible.
While they won’t say it out loud, the Jets are trying to recreate the magic the Detroit Lions found. That was forged through being competitive from the jump, even as the losses mounted on a bad roster. There was a clear plan in place, and while other teams had more talent, they made good on the buzzwords that every team uses in August. Even in a three-win season, Detroit ranked 15th in rushing success rate allowed.
By investing in a roster few expect to make the playoffs, the front office is sending a message to its roster, especially Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner, who signed long-term extensions in the offseason.
New York might not be playing meaningful football in December, but minor preseason deals could still pay real dividends both this season and down the line as this regime leaves its fingerprints on the organization.
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