The New York Jets appear to be shifting strategy midseason, raising fan speculation they may be deliberately underperforming to secure the first overall draft pick, abandoning the “win-now” approach they preached at the season’s start.
On November 15, reports confirmed the Jets traded All-Pro corner Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts for two first-round picks and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, signaling a rapid dismantling of the team’s top defensive talent this season.
Shortly after, defensive anchor Quinnen Williams was dealt to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 first-round pick, and offensive tackle Mazi Smith, further suggesting New York may be prioritizing draft capital over immediate wins.
Adding to the speculation, Garrett Wilson was placed on injured reserve with a knee issue, eligible to return in Week 15. Many fans believe the move is strategic rather than injury-related, intensifying concerns over the team’s direction this season.
Social media reacted quickly to Wilson‘s IR placement by treating it as all but confirmation the team is focusing on the 2026 NFL Draft instead of their Week 12 clash with the Baltimore Ravens on November 23.
One fan said via X, “They’re putting him in bubble wrap. The tank is on.”
A second commented, “They didn’t need to put him on IR to tank. But yeah, that’s the point.”
And a third wrote, “The Jets are beginning to tank, no surprises here.”
New York’s front office is reportedly scouting top quarterback prospects as their General Manager Darren Mougey and executive Rick Spielman were seen evaluating Indiana’s breakout QB Fernando Mendoza.
The Hoosiers‘ star has completed 71.3% of his passes and accounted for 31 total touchdowns this season and with multiple first-round picks available in upcoming drafts, the Jets could maneuver to secure Mendoza outright by aiming for the No. 1 overall selection.
Currently, they hold the third pick, meaning strategic losses could directly impact draft position.
Back to the drawing board for Jets after New England Patriots loss
Following a 2-8 start, head coach Aaron Glenn is assessing all aspects of the team, including players, coaches, and schemes, in hopes of reversing the team’s fortunes as they try to find some life in the 2025 NFL campaign.
Such language is typical for coaches under pressure, reminiscent of the statements made by former Giants coach Brian Daboll before benching Russell Wilson in favor of rookie Jaxson Dart.
Unlike Daboll, Glenn is balancing the evaluation of Justin Fields with veteran backup Tyrod Taylor, as Fields continues to underwhelm in the wake of his move from the Pittsburgh Steelers, since arriving at the MetLife.
“I’m evaluating everything, the players, schematics, coaches… my job is to put this team in the best position to win,” Glenn said Friday after Fields, under contract through 2026, showed flashes of competence against the Patriots.
He contributed a rushing touchdown on a designed run and delivered accurate passes despite drops from recently acquired Adonai Mitchell, who struggled to make an impact. However, Fields has consistently ranked near the bottom of NFL.com’s QB Index this season.
Ball security issues and a lack of consistent offensive production have compounded the Jets’ struggles.
“Not good enough,” Fields admitted after the Thursday night loss. “We lost the game, so it wasn’t good enough.”
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