Jets GM Darren Mougey made some wise moves in 2025, but he'll have to show he can win the offseason
Jets general manager Darren Mougey is introduced to the media at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center on Jan. 27, 2025 in Florham Park, New Jersey. Credit: Getty Images/Ed Mulholland
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Three quarterbacks who could be on the Jets’ radar in April’s draft will be playing on New Year’s Day. Jets general manager Darren Mougey and his college scouts will be watching either in person or on TV.
Oregon’s Dante Moore, Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza and Alabama’s Ty Simpson will lead their teams into the College Football Playoffs quarterfinals. One could be leading the Jets’ offense in 2026.
They hold the No. 3 pick with one game remaining. The Jets have the assets to move up — thanks to some Mougey trades.
The Raiders will likely have the No. 1 pick and like the Jets need a quarterback. Las Vegas may not be a willing trade partner unless Mougey hits them with a Godfather offer — one they can’t refuse. The Giants pick second, which will be a coveted spot as well.
The Jets didn’t get the quarterback right, throwing $30 million guaranteed at Justin Fields. That was more of an Aaron Glenn decision than Mougey.
As bad as the season has been, Mougey has made some shrewd moves, added talent from last year’s draft and through trades, and set up the Jets for the future.
They currently have four picks in the top 46 in this draft, nearly $100 million to spend in free agency according to spotrac.com, and three first-rounders in 2027. Mougey has earned some trust that he will get the Jets’ latest critical offseason right.
Mougey’s first draft
It looks like Mougey hit on his first pick. Missouri right tackle Armand Membou was taken seventh and could be a foundational player.
It’s hard to fully evaluate second-round pick Mason Taylor because of poor quarterback play, but he has potential to be a productive tight end.
Cornerback Azareye’h Thomas and safety Malachi Moore, selected in the third and fourth rounds respectively, became starters and showed promise.
Linebacker Kiko Mauigoa was a rotation player before getting hurt. Arian Smith and defensive lineman Tyler Baron didn’t play much either performance-related or due to injury.
The Jets should have drafted a quarterback with one of their picks and see if he was worth developing.
Free agency
Some signings worked out really well: punter Austin McNamara, returner Isaiah Williams, kicker Nick Folk. Some signings worked out: Josh Myers, Brandon Stephens. Some didn’t due to injury or performance: Fields, Andre Cisco, Josh Reynolds, Rashad Weaver, Byron Cowart, Tyler Johnson.
Trade front
Mougey made eight trades from Aug. 20 until the Nov. 4 trade deadline, acquiring seven players, including five starters who should return next season.
The Jets got defensive tackles Jowon Briggs (from Cleveland) and Harrison Phillips (from Minnesota) and two seventh-round picks on the same August day for two sixth-round picks.
Phillips, a proven starter and leader, is under contract next season. Briggs went from rotational player to starter. He’ll be an exclusive rights free agent and likely will return.
Less than a week later, Mougey acquired a 2027 sixth-round pick from Kansas City for defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi, who was going to be released.
In September, the Jets got physical nickelback Jarvis Brownlee and a seventh-round pick from Tennessee for a sixth. Brownlee is signed through 2027.
The Jets acquired receiver John Metchie III and a 2027 sixth in October for slot corner Michael Carter II and a seventh. Metchie will be a restricted free agent.
On deadline day, Mougey received Godfather offers for former cornerstones Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams, and he couldn’t refuse.
The Jets acquired 2026 and 2027 first-round picks from Indianapolis and talented receiver Adonai Mitchell for Gardner, whose contract was team friendly to facilitate a trade just in case. This year’s Indianapolis pick has increased in value. It was No. 32 after the trade and now 18 with the Colts on a six-game losing streak. Mitchell is under contract through 2027.
Williams went to the Cowboys for Dallas’ 2026 second-round pick and 2027 first-round choice and tackle Mazi Smith, who has played just 40 defensive snaps.
Finally, defensive back Ja’Sir Taylor came from the Chargers for a 2028 seventh-rounder. Taylor has played 46 snaps.
The draft haul from Gardner and Williams will play a huge role in shaping this team. Mougey has made some good moves. The Jets and their fans hope he has some more in him this offseason.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
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