Demario Davis. Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Jets continue to bolster defense with multiple additions

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Mar 9, 2026 1:45 PM ET

There is no denying that the New York Jets had an abysmal 2025-26 season. In their first season under head coach Aaron Glenn, New York was one of the worst teams in the league.

With an early move Monday to acquire safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, the Jets showed that defense is a priority in free agency. That trend has continued after the legal tampering period began, as they've added three more new players on defense.

New York Jets bolstering their defense

Less than two hours into the legal tampering period, the Jets have reportedly agreed to terms with linebacker Demario Davis and defensive ends Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Enagbare. The moves have shown a conscious effort to improve a defense that was among the worst in NFL history last season.

The #Jets are signing 14-year veteran LB Demario Davis to a 2-year, $22M contract.

Aaron Glenn had Davis in New Orleans and now gets him with the Jets, where Davis started his career. https://t.co/Yx6EQtUiSD pic.twitter.com/CuPkMAECNe
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 9, 2026

Pass rusher Kingsley Enagbare headed to the Jets for one year and $10M.

Trevon Smith of @AthletesFirst negotiated deal. pic.twitter.com/3Uq8ANUnDt
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 9, 2026

Pass rush was an obvious room for improvement

New York collected just 26 sacks as a defense last season, the second fewest in the NFL. The three free-agent agreements have signaled that the front office is well aware that pass rush was a major team need and it has now been addressed.

Secondary help will also be needed

The Jets were on the wrong side of NFL history last season, as they did not collect a single interception during the entire season. The addition of the aforementioned Fitzpatrick may help that, but more additions may also be needed.

New York will likely not be a playoff team this upcoming season, but it does appear that it will have a much-improved roster from last season.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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