Story perspectives

Jets Pick Bailey, Trade for Cooper, Eye Okereke

4/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

The New York Jets selected edge rusher David Bailey with the No. 2 overall pick in the draft.
The Jets traded with the 49ers to select wideout Omar Cooper Jr. at No. 1-29 after selecting tight end Kenyon Sadiq at No. 1-16.
General manager Darren Mougey exercised Will McDonald’s fifth-year option, a $13.8 million contract for 2027.
The Jets are targeting linebacker Bobby Okereke, a three-year, $36.3 million prospect, and have $39.5 million cap space.

History

Historical Context

Since Bill Parcells’ 1998 overhaul that saw the Jets trade up to select Vinny Testaverde at No. 12 and finish 12-4, the franchise has embraced early-round aggression. That mindset resurfaced this offseason as the Jets pursued another bold trade in the league, echoing the same roster-building strategy that propelled their late-1990s resurgence.

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Story summary

The New York Jets selected edge rusher David Bailey with the No. 2 overall pick in the draft.
The Jets traded with the 49ers to select wideout Omar Cooper Jr. at No. 1-29 after selecting tight end Kenyon Sadiq at No. 1-16.
General manager Darren Mougey exercised Will McDonald’s fifth-year option, a $13.8 million contract for 2027.
The Jets are targeting linebacker Bobby Okereke, a three-year, $36.3 million prospect, and have $39.5 million cap space.

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