The New York Jets continue to bolster their defense.
NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo revealed on social media that the Jets have signed Atlanta Falcons nose tackle David Onyemata to a one-year, $10.5 million deal with $9.65M guaranteed.
The native of Nigeria, who was introduced to football in college in Canada, signs another lucrative deal done by Carter Chow at @Red_Env_Sports.
Last year, the Jets hosted the Falcons in Week 13. After the game, Onyemata found head coach Aaron Glenn on the field and delivered a powerful message.
“I was gonna tell you, 10 years ago, when I used to be in that meeting room early, and you used to talk to me, man, that changed my [expletive] life, bruh. It changed my life and I appreciate you for that,” a mic’d up Onyemata told Glenn via Inside the NFL.
The two shared this really cool moment after the Jets’ game against Atlanta last season.
“….That changed my f—ing life bruh.”
I’m sure that was a major factor in Onyemata choosing to sign with the Jets.
Fast forward three months, and Onyemata will once again suit up for Coach Glenn.
Onyemata, 33, entered the league as the No. 120 overall pick in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL draft. The former Manitoba product crossed over with Glenn in New Orleans from 2016 through 2020. Glenn, at that time, served as the defensive backs coach for the Saints.
Top Social Media Reactions to Onyemata Joining the Jets
“David Onyemata tied for the 7th-most run stops for an unsuccessful play (42) among defensive tackles in 2025. He also finished tied for 8th in both run tackles (53) and run stuffs for loss or no gain (12) among that same group,” Next Gen Stats posted.
“The Jets land former Falcons DT David Onyemata for one year, $10.5M, including $9.7 gtd. Another big body (6-4, 310) for the D-line. Aaron Glenn connection from New Orleans. Had 1 sack, 61 tackles in 17 games last season. Entering his age-34 season,” ESPN’s Rich Cimini said.
According to Pro Football Focus, Onyemata was the “7th highest graded interior defender in 2025 (78.2 – minimum 400 snaps).”
7th highest graded interior defender in 2025 (78.2 – min 400 snaps)
Contract Situation
Onyemata signed a one-year, $10.5 million contract. That $10.5 million annual salary places him No. 31 among the highest-paid defensive tackles in the NFL, per Over The Cap.
During his 10-years at the NFL level, Onyemata has appeared in 154 games and has made 115 starts. With those opportunities, he has totaled 401 tackles, 49 tackles for loss, 31 sacks, 86 quarterback hits, three forced fumbles, 10 pass deflections, and one interception.
The Jets Are Freaking Loaded on the Interior Defensive Line
In a matter of months, the Jets have totally overhauled the interior of their defensive line.
A year ago, it was Quinnen Williams and a bunch of guys. At the NFL trade deadline last year, the Jets shipped off Williams in a blockbuster deal that left plenty of question marks.
Now? The Jets have a formidable unit on paper. That group consists of Jowon Briggs, Harrison Phillips, T’Vondre Sweat, and Onyemata.
There is still plenty of work to do on the defensive side of the ball, but this has been a hell of a start for the Jets’ brass. If you look at all of the contracts the Jets have been cooking up on the first day of the legal tampering period, it might not be a lot of money in terms of eyebrow-raising contracts.
However, there is a quantity over quality approach that was desperately needed for the green and white.
Jets Sign Nose Tackle in Free Agency With Special Aaron Glenn Connection