Just like any other rebuilding NFL team would do, the New York Jets have relied on a mix of veteran talent and youth to guide them. As the 2025-26 campaign continues, that blend has only continued to become more important.
The latter group, however, remains key for both the present and the future. Those worlds are briefly colliding for rookie safety Malachi Moore, who has seen his workload increase in each week of his professional career.
With the return of Tony Adams from injury, is that expected to change? It’s likely, but don’t think Moore is going away.
Aaron Glenn Has High Praise for Rookie Standout Safety Malachi Moore
Speaking ahead of Week 4’s contest against the Miami Dolphins, head coach Aaron Glenn had high praise for Moore. He believes the fourth-round pick will find a way to make an impact, regardless of how many snaps he plays.
He’ll be, in Glenn’s words, a “damn good player.”
“Well, he’s always had a role, and we make sure we understand the role that he has, that’s not for me to tell you guys, but he always has a role,” Glenn said. “But I think he did a pretty good job. There’s always room for improvement, he’s a rookie, and he made some rookie mistakes, but to be expected from a rookie. He’s going to be a damn good player for us, and I’m looking forward to the way he progresses as these weeks go by. But there won’t be a week that we go in where he doesn’t have a role.”
Moore’s ascension on defense was rapid. The Alabama product logged just one defensive snap in Week 1’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. That figure spiked to 48 in Week 2, then he got every available rep (72) in Week 3 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That contest saw Moore and Andre Cisco man the back end of the secondary on every down.
Unfortunately for Moore, Adams’ reintroduction to the lineup will undoubtedly lead to a decrease in snaps. Perhaps that’s a good thing for his development, though. Moore has yet to establish consistency. Although his instincts and athletic profile will play, his 46.7 Pro Football Focus coverage grade ranks 106th out of 125 eligible safeties thus far.
Bucs facing 3rd & 5 with 2:28 to go, Moore hustles all the way across the line and finishes Bucky Irving before he can reach out for the first down yardage. Sets up the blocked FG.
Clutch
Glenn Shares Philosophy on Playing Time for Jets’ Young Pieces
For a team that enters Monday Night Football with an 0-3 record, it’s clear what direction this season is taking. The Jets, for all intents and purposes, aren’t a playoff-bound organization. Their long-term ceiling will be determined by folks like Moore, tight end Mason Taylor, tackle Armand Membou and cornerback Azareye’h Thomas.
That rookie class is the first real chance Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey got to leave their mark on the franchise. Glenn doesn’t feel pressure to field those players immediately but if the avenue presents itself, that’s exactly what he’ll do.
“We have a plan for all of our guys and it’s our job to make sure when those guys play,” Glenn said. “We don’t listen because we know what’s going on — we try to make sure that when the time is right, you know, those guys will be in. It’s just like when you have a rookie quarterback how sometimes guys put them in as the starter immediately, some guys wait and let those guys see exactly what’s going on in the game.
“We do the same thing with each guy, and we know each guy from a personal [standpoint], really in-depth, on when it’s time. We focus on that more than anything than saying, ‘OK, maybe we just got to throw this guy out there.’ Some guys are ready to go as a rookie and they’re ready to play right away. Some guys are not ready to do that just yet, and we try to make sure that we do what’s right when it comes to the player.”
Moore is a perfect example of preparation and opportunity meeting. As Gang Green attempts to climb out of an early-season hole, every chip-in from young players like him matters.
Aaron Glenn Gives Telling 3-Word Review of Jets Rookie