The Jets understood what needed to change from last year and went all in on day one.
Entering this offseason, the New York Jets had one of the biggest opportunities they've had in a while to course correct from the abysmal road they've been on as a franchise.
With 11 total draft picks and a whole lot of cap space to fill, there may not have been a team with more hope than New York this offseason. One area the team desperately needed to address was their defense, and on day one of free agency, they did just that.
Although they did lose a solid player in LB Quincy Williams to the Cleveland Browns, they were able to put together a much better defense on paper than last season. As of right now, every player they signed is projected to be a starter next season.
Let's break down who all they signed on that side of the football.
Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick
While it wasn't a free agent signing, the Jets made the move and traded for Fitzpatrick this morning before the legal tampering window opened up.
The Jets got a legitimate safety to pair with Malachi Moore and a veteran presence who can hopefully raise the floor of the entire secondary. Even though he's not the same player as he was during his days as a Pittsburgh Steeler, his one interception last year would have led the team that had zero.
The Jets will be locking him up on a multi-year deal at 3 years and $40 million. A solid first get of the day.
Edge Joseph Ossai
Joseph Ossai may have been one of the better signings of the day. The 25-year-old edge rusher was traded to New York from the Cincinnati Bengals and is an exceptional pick-up for a few reasons.
He's not only a talented player who's racked up 14.5 sacks through his 4-year career and 10 over just the last two seasons. He would have been second on the team in sacks last season, and with his age, he fits the Jets timeline perfectly.
Regarding their timeline, it seems that the Jets are fairly clear on their plan, as, like Fitzpatrick, they also signed Ossai to a 3-year deal worth $36M. Two solid contributors right out of the gate that didn't even necessarily break the bank.
Edge Kingsley Enagbare
Kingsley Enagbare could be the sneaky signing for the Jets this offseason.
Coming from the Green Bay Packers, Enagbare is extremely raw, he's young, and he has great potential. In terms of playstyle, he's been described as more of an edge setter than a pass rusher. Someone who can be a force in the run game.
Despite this, the 26-year-old Enagbare has had 11.5 sacks through his 4 seasons with the Pack. As of right now, as is the case with all these players, Enagbare is slated to be a starter, but even if he gets replaced, this is such a solid depth piece for a heavily revamped Jets defensive line.
Linebacker Demario Davis
Demario Davis was another great signing. A fan favorite of Jets faithful in the team's recent history, Demario Davis was drafted by the Jets in 2012 and has had a prosperous 14-year career since.
He was able to find loads of personal success in New Orleans, where now Jets' HC Aaron Glenn was the Saints' defensive backs coach for four seasons. So it's almost a dual reunion for Davis.
While Davis won't be in the running for any type of first or second-team All-Pro honors, he will be a clear starter, a steadying force, and a veteran leader for this team. He'll also hopefully be an excellent example for either Arvell Reese or Sonny Styles, who the Jets have been projected to take.
They signed him yet again to a very reasonable deal at 2 years $22M.
Defensive Line David Onyemata
It sounds repetitive, but this is another great smart signing by the Jets to acquire more veteran leadership.
This is not a name most people would recognize, and while he's not a Pro Bowler by any means, by the numbers, he's one of the best at the position in the run game.
Last season, according to NFL Next Gen Stats, Onyemata was tied for the 7th-most run stops for an unsuccessful play (42) among all defensive tackles and tied for 8th in run tackles (53) and run stuffs (12) per game.
Between him, Enagbare, and a reloaded LB core, the Jets team that ranked 4th-worst in total rushing yards allowed last year, should look much more the part this upcoming season.
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