The Jetsâ season came to a disappointing close on Sunday, finishing with a 3-14 record. Beyond their struggles in the standings, the team also set some unwanted NFL records. They became the first team in league history to complete a season without recording a single interception and the only team ever to lose five consecutive games by 23 points or more, which is how they ended their final five games.
When asked about finishing the season with five brutal blowout losses, veteran defensive tackle Harrison Phillips said, “That’s gonna go down as a terrible statistic over a span of time. Nobody in this organization wants to have their name affiliated with that and, unfortunately, we do — and my hand is in that,” according to Rich Cimini of ESPN.
Not only did the Jets set unwanted records in what was a total letdown of a season, but they also extended their playoff drought to 15 consecutive seasons. Phillips acknowledged the frustration of Jets fans and had a message for those still waiting for a return to the postseason.
Phillips said, “For 15 years (the playoff drought), I get your frustrations, but for us new people to this organization, it’s our first year and you have to give us some grace,” according to Cimini.
Phillips, 29, is a leader in the Jets locker room and previously played for the Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills before being traded to the Jets by the Vikings prior to the start of the 2025 regular season.
The former Stanford product will aim to play a key role in building a winning culture for the Jets , something the franchise has not had in quite some time.
GettyHarrison Phillips will look to help lead the 2026 Jets to a better season.
A New Season, A Fresh Start for the Jets
As Phillips acknowledged, Jets fans have been waiting 15 long years for a return to the playoffs. However, there are newer faces on the roster that could be part of the solution, and perhaps most importantly, the team is positioned to add even more talent through its significant draft capital. The Jets currently hold the second, 16th, and 33rd overall picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, three early selections that could be franchise-changing if used correctly.
In addition to their early draft capital, the Jets are expected to have significant financial flexibility in free agency. According to Spotrac , New York is projected to have $95,802,300 in salary cap space, ranking among the highest totals in the league heading into the 2026 offseason.
GettyHC Aaron Glenn.
The Changes That Need to Be Made
There is no question that New York needs help on both sides of the ball. Over their final five games, the Jets averaged just 10.8 points per game while allowing 37.6 points per game.
âAn eye opener: The Jets trailed by double digits for 53.1% of their offensive plays this season, the highest percentage by any team this century. The only other teams at 50% or higher are the 2011 Buccaneers at 50.5% and the 2000 Cardinals at 50.0%,â wrote Cimini , citing ESPN Research.
With significant draft capital and spending power in free agency, the Jets are expected to address the quarterback position and add another offensive weapon to pair with top target Garrett Wilson . Defensively, the team will also need to fill holes in the secondary following the trade of Sauce Gardner .
NFL.com draft analyst Chad Reuter listed quarterback, cornerback, and wide receiver among the Jets â biggest needs heading into the offseason.
GettyThe Jets fell to 3-14 in Buffalo.
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