With a new season comes a new opportunity. A chance to wipe the slate clean. Especially after what happened last year, few teams need it more than the Jets. Aaron Glenn knows he’s on borrowed time as head coach unless major changes happen. After overhauling the coaching staff, they’ll need the roster to follow. While they are picking second overall, New York has pieces in place to improve. However, to fully capitalize, they will need these players to regain form and contribute.
Five Players the Jets Need to Bounce Back in 2026
Azareye’h Thomas
As a third-round pick last year, Azareye’h Thomas wasn’t expected to play much. However, after Sauce Gardener was traded to the Colts, the Jets had starting reps at cornerback open up. Despite playing in only playing in 12 games, Thomas shown flashes of promise. Before suffering a season-ending shoulder surgery, he recorded passes defended in six consecutive games. A mark that was only one away from tying a rookie record by Darelle Revis. Entering year two, Thomas will need to build off this to be considered a long-term option at cornerback. With four picks within the top 45 picks in the draft, the Jets could draft another cornerback early. If that’s the case, Thomas will need to take major strides to remain in the picture
Braelon Allen
Entering last season, Braelon Allen was expected to be the second leading rusher in the Jets offense. However, he was used sporadically. Eventually, Allen would suffer an MCL injury vs. the Dolphins in October that would cost him his season. Despite the injury, Allen failed to reach 100 total rushing yards in only four games. After rushing over 950 yards each season at Wisconsin, Allen is a far cry from the star fans watched leading a dangerous Badgers run game. With Breece Hall agreeing to the franchise tag, Allen is once again looking at minimal snaps at running back. With the Jets commitment to the ground game, Allen needs to make every carry count in 2026.
Garrett Wilson
It must be made crystal clear: Garrett Wilson is the best player on the New York Jets right now. He was the engine behind their passing game that suffered from anemic quarterback play in 2025. Unfortunately, Garrett Wilson’s absence was felt after missing 10 games due to a knee sprain this season. In addition, the time missed cost Wilson what could have been fourth consecutive 1,000+ yard season.
That being said, he should be fully prepared by the start of the year. Wilson’s return is crucial for the Jets success. Without question, Wilson is the best receiver on the team. When healthy, provided New York can find the right bridge quarterback, we should see the return of his elite production.
Mason Taylor
Drafted in the second round last year, Mason Taylor is trying to make his own mark in the NFL like his Hall of Fame family. Despite playing on the opposite side of the ball, Taylor has tools to be great like his father, Jason. However, the Jets quarterback room failed to set him up well. While Taylor finished within the top 15 in yards by rookie tight ends in team history, they will need more from him. With 44 catches for 369 yards and a touchdown, it was a pretty solid start to his career. But, without a true number two receiver behind Garrett Wilson, they need Taylor to become a more well-rounded threat. Despite his 6’5″ and 255lb frame, Taylor could use more refining in his blocking as well. Depending on the additions this offseason, Taylor should finish within the top five on the team in targets.
Jamien Sherwood
Few players felt more disappointed last year compared to Jamien Sherwood. After leading the NFL in solo tackles in 2024, Sherwood got rewarded with a three-year extension from the Jets. However, his production took a hit in 2025. Last season, Sherwood finished with 27 fewer solo tackles compared to 2024. Despite this, Sherwood still finished seventh in the league in combined tackles. It’s disengenuous to call Sherwood a bad linebacker. However, his performance this year led to his benching during the Bengals win around Halloween. While finishing the season strong, Sherwood’s price tag leaves little room for mistake.
The true problem is his lack of size. While he plays with a high motor, Sherwood’s lack of size leads him into trouble. Weighing under 220 lbs, Sherwood is nearly 30lbs lighter than the average linebacker. To maximize Sherwood’s impact, he’ll need to be joined by a bigger linebacker to limit mistakes. A veteran like either Alex Anzalone & Demario Davis not only fit the bill, but can help Sherwood get comfortable in Glenn’s defense.
Main Photo: [Morgan Tenzca] – Imagn Images