New York Jets reportedly expected to lose 2 key defensive starters this offseason..
The New York Jets had one of the best NFL defenses from 2022-’23, carrying the team to competitive records even while saddled with one of the worst quarterback situations in the NFL. Coming off a down year, NFL rumors are already circulating about at least two major departures defensively this offseason.
New York experienced a steep defensive decline from 2022-’23 to the 2024 season. A unit that ranked third in Defensive EPA per Play (-0.077) with the lowest Success Rate allowed (39.6 percent) fell to 21st and 17th in those areas this past season.
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There are certainly reasons to forecast a turnaround in 2025. Jets head coach Aaron Glenn oversaw a top-10 defense as the Detroit Lions defensive coordinator, with much of that success coming after that unit lost multiple starters and key reserves to season-ending injuries. However, Glenn could already be facing two massive on-field departures.
Jets’ reporter Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic wrote that All-Pro linebacker C.J. Mosley is “most likely” to either be a cap casualty this offseason or he’ll retire. While New York has already experienced life without the five-time Pro Bowl selection, it’s not only departure expected to hurt this Jets defense in 2025.
Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda reported that cornerback D.J. Reed Jr. is expected to leave the team in NFL free agency, finding an opportunity to be a No. 1 cornerback for another club. It would leave two massive defensive voids that New York will have to address this offseason.
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Reed essentially played like a No. 1 cornerback in his last two seasons with New York. Across his last 29 starts in a Jets’ uniform, he held opponents under a 58.5% completion rate with a sub-87 QB rating, surrendering just 6.5 yards per target.
Losing a high-end outside corner also further exposes a Jets’ safety tandem that didn’t play well in 2024. To make matters worse, Mosley’s absence on the field in 2024 coincided with regression from fellow linebacker Quincy Williams.
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New York already finds itself in the market for a quarterback and offensive line help this offseason, but Glenn and the new Jets’ regime were hopeful this defense could keep the team afloat in 2025. With the two likely departures, the Jets defense is now a bigger concern that will need to be addressed in the 2025 NFL Draft.
