The New York Jets, with plenty of new playmakers on both offense and defense, will look to change their fate heading into the 2026 NFL season.

While many fans are excited to see the newest defensive additions, such as the Jets’ newest rookies in EDGE David Bailey and cornerback D’Angelo Ponds, there are multiple key returners to the unit that should have an impact this upcoming season. However, there is one name that made a name for himself over the course of the 2025 season that could have a larger role this year.

With all the new defensive pieces, there are still issues within the interior of the defensive line heading into the upcoming season, and with his impressive stint last year, 2024 seventh-round pick Jowon Briggs could thrive alongside the newest free agent signings and the rookies.

Briggs, coming out of Cincinnati, was an underrated prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft class. This caused him to slip to the final round of the draft, as he was selected by the Cleveland Browns. And while he did not receive an ample amount of playing time as a rookie, Briggs stood out in his limited time, racking up 13 tackles and 2.5 sacks in six games.

Unfortunately for the rising playmaker, the Browns’ selection of former Michigan star defensive tackle Mason Graham ultimately forced him off the roster, leading the Jets to trade for Briggs before the 2025 season. Luckily for New York, following the departure of defensive lineman Quinnen Williams at the trade deadline, Briggs saw an increase in his role on defense. The 24-year-old finished his second NFL season with 38 tackles and four sacks, as he became the key defensive tackle without Williams in the lineup.

Now, with multiple years of experience under his belt, Briggs is set to become a massive difference-maker up front for the Jets in 2026.

While general manager Darren Mougey addressed the position group this offseason by trading for T’Vondre Sweat and signing David Onyemata, Briggs has shown himself to be a terrific pass rusher, which will allow him to be a perfect third-down tackle for the Jets. While his role may be limited due to the Sweat and Onyemata, his ability to get after the quarterback will help him carve out a role on head coach Aaron Glenn’s defense in 2026 and beyond.

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