Jets Rebuild Secondary After Historic Interception Drought

The Jets ended 2025 with a 3-14 record, a league-worst defense that posted zero interceptions (first team in modern NFL history) and only 26 sacks (second-fewest). In the offseason, they traded former highest-paid cornerback Sauce Gardner (four-year, $120.4 M) to the Indianapolis Colts, receiving a 2026 first-round pick (tight end Kenyon Sadiq), a 2027 first-rounder, and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell.

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The Jets signed former Bears cornerback Nahshon Wright to a one-year, $3.5 M fully guaranteed deal. Wright posted five interceptions and 11 pass breakups in 2025, tying for the NFL lead among corners, though his 1.3 yards-allowed per snap ranked 54th. He will compete with free-agent Brandon Stephens (1.1 yds/snap, 37th) for a starting spot. Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, acquired from Miami, signed a three-year, $40 M contract (average $13.3 M). A three-time All-Pro with 16 interceptions (2019-2022), he recorded two interceptions over the past three seasons and will line up with Andre Cisco and possible third-safety options.

Jets Had 0 Interceptions Last Season, Making Nashon Wright Their Most Important Addition

• 2025 interceptions: 0 (Jets) vs. league average > 10.

Jets Had 0 Interceptions Last Season, Making Nashon Wright Their Most Important Addition

• Nahshon Wright 2025: 5 INTs, 11 PBUs, 1.3 yds/snap (54th).

Jets Had 0 Interceptions Last Season, Making Nashon Wright Their Most Important Addition

• Brandon Stephens 2025: 1.1 yds/snap (37th).

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• Minkah Fitzpatrick 2025: 2 INTs; contract $40 M/3 yr; 13th-highest safety salary.

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GM Darren Mougey said the team feels “more confident than ever,” citing familiarity with head coach Aaron Glenn, financial flexibility, and ample draft capital. He called the offseason “aggressive but calculated,” focusing on veteran signings. Coach Glenn stressed the need for “players that can get their hands on the ball,” highlighting Fitzpatrick’s leadership to end the turnover drought.

Jets GM Darren Mougey: The Jets Have 'a Clear Vision' of What's Ahead

Analysts view Wright’s modest one-year contract as evidence of lingering doubts about his consistency. Fitzpatrick’s drop in interceptions and coverage metrics has also drawn scrutiny, raising questions about his ability to maintain elite play at age 30. The Jets’ defensive ranking, especially the zero-interception season, remains a focal point for critics.

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• “It's hard to believe it could happen, but it happened,” — Brandon Stephens, Cornerback

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• “Explaining his interception success, Wright said, "[It's] having a knack for the ball, being confident enough to get my eyes back to the ball.” — Nahshon Wright, Cornerback

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• “I like being able to give the quarterback different looks.” — Minkah Fitzpatrick, Safety

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• “I mean, he's done that through the course of his career, so I don't expect that to change at all," Glenn said of Fitzpatrick's ball skills.” — Aaron Glenn, Head Coach

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In 2026, the Jets will integrate Wright, Stephens, and Fitzpatrick into a restructured secondary, evaluate rookie D’Angelo Ponds in nickel duties, and rely on No. 2 overall pick David Bailey to improve pass rush. Success will be measured by the unit’s ability to generate turnovers and support a defense seeking to shed its historic interception drought.

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