Jets Should Promote 4th-Round Rookie to Starting Job

Things have been rough for the New York Jets. On the bright side, their offense has shown shades of what they envisioned when Glenn & Engstrand came from the Detroit Lions. That is when they can avoid fumbling the ball, league-leading eight fumbles. However, the defense is more concerning. Thus far, the Jets are tied with the Tennessee Titans for fourth-most points allowed per game, averaging 30 points per game. Only the New Orleans Saints, the Baltimore Ravens, and the Dallas Cowboys have allowed more than them.

While the Jets will benefit from playing the Cowboys defense, quarterback Dak Prescott will take advantage of the Jets struggling defense as well. Especially with the team’s struggles at safety. Despite his tenure with the team, strong safety Tony Adams has been off to a rough start. Perhaps it’s time to allow an opportunity for a young safety with lots of starting experience to get a chance. Could the door be opening for Malachi Moore to start?

Malachi Moore should be starting at Strong Safety

In April, first-year general manager Darren Mougey was tasked with handling the 2025 NFL Draft for New York. Entering the season, Mougey recognized New York had no safeties under contract in 2026. Veteran Tony Adams was on the last year of his contract, and free agent signee Andre Cisco signed a one-year deal. As a result, the Jets traded up with the Philadelphia Eagles to gain the 130th overall pick. Eventually, that pick was used on Alabama safety Malachi Moore. A four-year starter in college, Moore was a valued member of the Crimson Tide. Before his retirement in 2024, Moore played for over 50 games for renowned head coach Nick Saban. In fact, Aaron Glenn even referred to Lions safety and Moore’s Alabama teammate Brian Branch to find out more on the prospect.

In Week 3, Moore made his first career start, replacing an injured Tony Adams, vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While getting beaten in pass coverage by a well-organized offense, he did have bright spots. Due to his commitment to trying to finish plays, Moore can often overcommit to making the tackle. Thus leading to veteran receivers taking advantage if Moore has a bad angle. Especially with a Hall of Famer like Mike Evans in Tampa Bay’s offense. He finished the game with four tackles and demonstrated a great motor. Despite some early limitations, Moore’s tackling ability will be useful to help the Jets stop the run.

Moore will gain valuable experience with a larger role

With a winless September in the first year of a rebuild, the Jets have nothing left to lose by giving younger players more snaps. Considering the challenges a new and inexperienced regime has, the duo of Glenn and Mougey will be given a long leash by owner Woody Johnson. The goal for this season is to determine who should stick around in 2026. Right now, the team is looking for long-term pieces. As a result, the younger players should get more playing time. Even if their performance drastically improves, both Adams and Cisco won’t be in New York next year.

Which is why it’s more important than ever to see if Malachi Moore can be a long-term starter. Revered by his Alabama teammates for his composure and tackling abilities, Moore was a valuable member of that locker room. If he can perform nearly half of what he demonstrated in the SEC, he’d be an upgrade. The 24-year-old safety just wants an opportunity to prove himself. Should he live up to the challenge, it can go a long way to helping the Jets defense. Especially if New York can bring in coveted safety Caleb Downs from The Ohio State University in the 2026 Draft.