Who are the Jets players worth keeping for 2026 and beyond?

The Jets are not a quarterback, or another player or two away from contending.

GM Darren Mougey and coach Aaron Glenn have a lot to do to assemble a team that ends the franchise’s 15-year playoff drought. The Jets do have some foundational pieces, potential building blocks and players worth developing, though.

Here’s a look:

Foundational pieces

Garrett Wilson: The Jets gave him a four-year, $130 million extension in July and made him off limits at the trade deadline when they moved Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams. Wilson only played seven games due to a knee injury and still leads the Jets in receiving yards (395). Management needs to get Wilson more help in the receiver room and a franchise quarterback.

Armand Membou: The right tackle from Missouri has had an impressive rookie season and carries himself like a seasoned pro. There’s been some expected rookie moments, but Membou could be the Jets' starting right tackle for many years.

Olu Fashanu: The second-year left tackle has made steady improvements since the start of the season. Similar to Membou, Fashanu picks things up quickly and looks like he’s been in the league a while. Fashanu and Membou could be long-term bookend tackles.

Potential building blocks

Mason Taylor: The rookie tight end has the tools to be very productive when used properly. Taylor has played the most snaps of any Jets skill player — despite missing the last three games — and has a team-high 44 catches. The Jets have to get Taylor the ball more and utilize him better.

Alijah Vera-Tucker: He’s their best offensive lineman and absolutely would be a foundational piece if not for his injury history. A healthy Vera-Tucker would make the offensive line stronger.

Joe Tippmann: Selfless, tough and versatile, Tippmann slid over from center to guard when Vera-Tucker tore his triceps and has played well. The Jets would like continuity on the offensive line.

Malachi Moore: The rookie safety from Alabama has gained experience playing different positions in the secondary and has made plays in coverage and the run game. Moore is second on the team in tackles (91) and had a direct hand in two of the defense’s three takeaways.

Azareye’h Thomas: Injuries shortened his rookie season, but the Jets believe he can be a good cover corner — and hope he can be a ball hawk. Thrust into a more prominent role after Gardner was moved, Thomas had seven passes defended.

Possible keepers worth developing

Adonai Mitchell: A talented receiver, acquired in November in the Gardner trade, who has flashed, producing the Jets’ only 100-yard receiving game this season. Mitchell has size, speed, strength and is a good route runner. Can he become a reliable No. 2 receiver with a dependable quarterback?

Isaiah Williams: A dangerous returner and versatile playmaker at receiver. Williams has been what the Jets hoped rookie fourth-round pick Arian Smith could be for them. Williams can be a deep threat in the passing game or in the run game on reverses or jet sweeps.

Austin McNamara: Glenn called McNamara a “sniper” and “a weapon” because of how often the rookie punter pins teams back in their territory. McNamara will be even more effective with a defense that takes advantage of his field-flipping ability.

Jowon Briggs: Acquired from Cleveland in August, the second-year defensive tackle has emerged since the Williams trade. Briggs is second on the Jets with four sacks and fourth with seven tackles for loss.

Jeremy Ruckert: The Jets extended the tight end from Lindenhurst’s contract believing that he can help their offense go and that he still has more potential.

Braelon Allen: Had the second-year back not suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 4, Breece Hall might have been traded at the deadline.

Jarvis Brownlee: A physical corner who can play multiple positions but needs to limit penalties.

Last-chance opportunities

Jermaine Johnson: More was expected and he hasn’t delivered. Coming back from a torn Achilles tendon, Johnson also was slowed by an ankle injury. The Jets picked up his fifth-year option, but he needs to prove himself next year to stick.

Will McDonald: Aside from a couple splash plays, he didn’t have a big impact before ending the season on IR. McDonald had eight sacks, but six came in two games. It’s not a given that the Jets will pick up his fifth-year option.

By Al Iannazzone

al.iannazzone@newsday.comAl_Iannazzone

Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.