The New York Jets are expected to be aggressive in free agency this offseason, given the numerous holes on the roster and the team’s significant financial flexibility. The Jets currently have $83,569,717 in cap space, according to OverTheCap.
Zachary Pereles of CBS Sports recently projected the Jets to address their struggling secondary by signing Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Jaylen Watson, who is set to hit free agency this offseason.
“Aaron Glenn knows he needs better cornerback play, and Watson — who hasn’t allowed any touchdowns either of the past two seasons — fits the bill perfectly as a big outside corner,” wrote Pereles.
After trading star cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts in 2025, the Jets are expected to add another cornerback, whether through the draft or free agency, and Watson would be a solid addition to New York’s struggling defense.
Watson, 27, is ranked as the 16th overall best player set to hit free agency, according to Garrett Podell of CBS Sports.
“Jaylen Watson’s growth the last three years has been outstanding. After allowing five touchdowns in coverage in 2023, he hasn’t allowed any since 2024 while snagging a couple of interceptions,” wrote Podell. “At 6-2, 197 pounds, Watson could continue to develop rather nicely through the rest of his prime as an outside corner.”
Watson had a productive 2025 regular season, recording 64 total tackles, two interceptions, and two sacks, according to ESPN.
GettyJaylen Watson is one of the best CBs set to hit free agency.
Jets Defense Struggled in 2025
Adding a veteran player like Watson could be exactly what New York needs this offseason, given the defense’s struggles this past season.
The Jets’ defense ranked 31st in the NFL in scoring defense, allowing 29.6 points per game. The unit also allowed a league-high 36 passing touchdowns, according to Fox Sports.
On top of those notable stats, the 2025 Jets were also the first team in NFL history to go an entire season without an interception.
Watson, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Chiefs, would bring not only a veteran presence but also a winning mentality to New York’s defense, which could be a major boost for a unit that made unwanted history this past season.
GettyCB Jaylen Watson.
The Advantages of Targeting Watson in Free Agency
By adding Watson, the Jets would immediately upgrade their secondary while also allowing the team to focus on other roster needs in the 2026 NFL Draft rather than using a high pick on a cornerback.
For example, many mock drafts have projected the Jets to address the cornerback position with the 16th overall pick in the first round.
If the Jets sign Watson, they could use their high draft picks to address other areas of need, such as adding a reliable wide receiver to complement star receiver Garrett Wilson.
GettyAdding Watson would allow the Jets to focus on other roster holes in the draft.
Jets Projected to Land Chiefs’ 2-Time Super Bowl Champion CB in Free Agency