On a day when prominent figures in the Jets locker room were being asked what would constitute a successful season, wide receiver Garrett Wilson had an eye-opening response.  The fifth-year wideout said not only that success would mean making the playoffs, but that doing so is “realistic”.

It’s a bold claim for a team that Las Vegas has set the over/under win total at 5.5 which would extend their playoff drought to sixteen years.  A team that hasn’t even finished .500 or better since 2015 when they went 10-6 under Todd Bowles.

Head coach Aaron Glenn and quarterback Geno Smith were asked the same questions and both offered a far more vague response with plenty of wiggle room to claim success with a variety of outcomes.  Both Glenn and Smith said “winning” would mean success.  But neither offered a number of wins or the possibility of a playoff berth.  So technically speaking, the Jets could go 5-11 and clam that they “won games”.

While some may be critical of Wilson’s comments, it’s important to remember that he hasn’t had a winning season since coming to the NFL.  He’s ultra competitive, and if you can’t be optimistic at this point in the season, when can you be?

The Jets have also made tons of upgrades on both sides of the ball.  Adding T’Vondre Sweat, David Bailey, Kingsley Enagbare, Joseph Ossai, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Dean Belton should make the Jets a far better team against the run and the pass.  While on offense, there’s an offensive line in place that should give Geno Smith plenty of time to operate in throwing the ball to Wilson, AD Mitchell, Omar Cooper, Mason Taylor and rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq.

So disagree with Wilson all you like, but who can blame him for trying to speak success into existence after so many years of failure?

The Jets Roster may need a small update before the regular season begins. The Jets tweeted a photo of rookie wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. that appears to show him wearing No. 11 instead of No. 83, the number he wore throughout training camp. The team has not officially announced the number change, but the photo posted on the Jets official X account certainly makes it look like Cooper will have a new number when he begins his rookie season.

Omar Cooper Jr. Earned Attention During Jets Camp

Cooper was selected with the 30th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after the Jets traded No. 33 and No. 179 to the San Francisco 49ers to move back into the first round. The former Indiana receiver finished his final college season with 69 receptions for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns while helping the Hoosiers win the national championship.

The 6-foot, 199-pound receiver had a good first training camp with the Jets. He made several impressive catches while working with Geno Smith and showed the ability to contribute from both the slot and the outside.

One of Cooper’s best moments came when he adjusted to an over-the-shoulder pass from Smith and made an impressive catch with Andre Cisco in coverage. Later in camp, Cooper caught an 18-yard touchdown from Smith to finish a two-minute drill. He also remained involved during the final practice, when the Jets credited him with four receptions during team periods.

There will be plenty of competition for targets behind Garrett Wilson and Adonai Mitchell, but Cooper did enough during the summer to show why the Jets traded up to select him. Now it appears the rookie will begin his first regular season wearing No. 11.

Join the conversation and share your thoughts on Omar Cooper Jr.’s apparent number change in the JetNation forums.

now wearing 1️⃣1️⃣, @TheOmarCooper pic.twitter.com/yaq3e0DymN

— New York Jets (@nyjets) September 8, 2026

Roger Goodell has agreed to a four-year contract extension that will keep him serving as NFL commissioner through the 2030 season. According to ESPN, Goodell’s new contract will officially expire on March 31, 2031.

The agreement represents the fifth contract extension for Goodell, who replaced Paul Tagliabue as commissioner in September 2006. By the conclusion of the new deal, Goodell will be nearly 72 years old and will have led the NFL for approximately 24 years.

“We believe we are very fortunate to have Roger at the helm for the next four years.”

Robert Kraft, chairman of the NFL Compensation Committee, via ESPN

ESPN reports that more than 95% of Goodell’s compensation under the new agreement will be performance-based. His compensation will be tied to several performance measurements involving both Goodell and the NFL, with the league’s Compensation Committee retaining discretion over those evaluations.

Financial terms of the extension were not immediately disclosed. Goodell reportedly earned a combined $63.9 million during the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons, although the NFL is no longer required to publicly disclose his annual compensation.

The timing of the extension is notable because the NFL’s current collective bargaining agreement also expires in March 2031. Goodell helped negotiate that agreement with the NFL Players Association in 2020.

During Goodell’s tenure, NFL franchise values and league revenue have increased dramatically. The league has also expanded its international presence, with a record nine international games scheduled for the 2026 season.

What do Jets fans think about the latest Roger Goodell contract extension? Join the discussion in the JetNation forums and share your thoughts on the commissioner’s new deal and the future direction of the NFL.

At long last, the New York Jets are set to kick off their 2026 season this Sunday.  Gang Green will travel to Tennessee where they’ll face their former head coach, Robert Saleh.  Saleh won’t be the only familiar face on hand either.

Former Jets John Franklin-Myers, Jermaine Johnson, Tony Adams, Jacob Martin and Solomon Thomas are all on the Titans roster while former Jets safety Isaiah Oliver is on their practice squad with running back Michael Carter.  But where are the key matchups to keep an eye on in this one?  Let’s take a look.

NT T’Vondre Sweat vs C Austin Schlottmann: Having missed almost all of training camp, Sweat might be on a pitch count early on.  But when he’s on the field in a 3-4 alignment, he should be a force in the middle who can give Schlottmann all he can handle and more.

WR AD Mitchell vs CB Alontae Taylor: When all is said and done, Garrett Wilson may have a bigger day than Taylor, but when Mitchell draws him in coverage, he’s more likely to see one-on-one matchups.  If that’s the case, look for Geno Smith to target Mitchell deep down the field against a cornerback who has allowed fourteen passing touchdowns over the past two seasons.

Edge David Bailey vs LT Dan Moore: Moore surrendered ten sacks last season and 28 over the past three years.  Even worse might be the fact that in total, he has surrendered 144 total pressures in that time.  Bailey has earned rave reviews from onlookers from the second he arrived at 1 Jets Drive and looked like the real deal during preseason action.  Look for either Bailey or Will McDonald to come away with at least one sack in this one.

Jets TE room vs LB Cody Barton: 

Cody Barton has allowed 79% of passes that come his way to be completed.  With the likes of Mason Taylor, Kenyon Sadiq, Jelani Woods and Jeremy Ruckert set to line up at tight end, there could be a chance to make some impact plays.

DT Jeffery Simmons vs Josh Myers: If you’re the Titans, you have to be licking your chops at the chance to turn Simmons loose on Josh Myers.  Of course the Jets will give Myers help whenever possible, but of course that could leave the Jets guards going 1-on-1 with John Franklin Myers.

DL John Franklin-Myers vs Gs Joe Tippmann and Dylan Parham: Franklin-Myers has remained one of the most consistent and versatile defensive linemen in the league for several years.  He’s a guy who can play all over the defensive line who you can count on for 6-8 sacks and 50+ pressures.  He has hit one or both of those marks in each of the past six seasons.  If the Jets want to get anything going on the ground, both guards will have to play at a high level to get Franklin-Myers out of Breece Hall’s running lanes.

Prediction:

Losing to Robert Saleh would be a nightmare scenario for Woody Johnson.  Aaron Glenn, in his lone season, looked worse than Saleh ever did.  But with that said, we like the Jets in this one as we think Geno Smith will connect with his wide receivers down the field multiple times while the Jets pass rush will make life difficult for Cam Ward to settle in.

Jets: 20
Titans: 17

A new season is here. There is a prohibitive favorite for the ring, but how often have things gone according to plan in the NFL? Here are the JetNation  NFL Power Rankings, definitely worth checking out if  you are planning on betting on the NFL for week one.

NFL Power Rankings

1. Los Angeles Rams 0-0 (2025 Final Ranking: 2)

It is unusual for us to drop the champs from the top of the ranking in week one, but the changes the Rams have made cannot be ignored.

2. Seattle Seahawks 14-3 (2025 Final Ranking: 1)

The Seahawks still have as good a chance of repeating as any recent champion. Seattle’s defense will be among the best in the league.

3. Denver Broncos 14-3 (2025 Final Ranking: 5)

The Broncos would have been the AFC’s representative in the Super Bowl if not for an injury to their starting quarterback. Adding Jaylen Waddle was a major upgrade for an offense that needed additional firepower.

4. New England Patriots 14-3 (2025 Final Ranking: 3)

New England added AJ Brown and Romeo Doubs to an offense that got nothing done in the Super Bowl. Brown is talented, but his presence will inevitably be more of a subtraction than an addition.

5. Houston Texans 12-5 (2025 Final Ranking: 6)

The Texans cannot seem to stay healthy at the wide receiver position. There will be enough offense though given Houston’s elite defense.

6. Jacksonville Jaguars 13-4 (2025 Final Ranking: 7)

The Jaguars will be a problem this year. They enter the year overlooked, but by midseason, people will start to notice.

7. San Francisco 49ers 12-5 (2025 Final Ranking: 4)

The Niners might be the best team to ever finish third in their division. Age is catching up to San Francisco, and there was not enough change in the offseason to change the Niners fate in 2026.

8. Philadelphia Eagles 11-6 (2025 Final Ranking: 8)

The Eagles lost their most productive receiver, and they are hoping a change in scheme and a rookie wideout will improve what was an average attack. It will not be enough.

9. Chicago Bears 11-6 (2025 Final Ranking: 10)

The Bears need to be better in the first fifty-eight minutes of their games. The comebacks are exciting, but it cannot be a weekly thing. Chicago should compete for the top spot in the NFC North.

10. Buffalo Bills 12-5 (2025 Final Ranking: 9)

Josh Allen keeps the Bills on the edge of the top ten. The team does not seem to recognize that he needs help to keep Buffalo relevant in the AFC.

23. New York Jets 3-14 (2025 Final Ranking: 32)

The Jets are rising, but many will point out that up is the only direction they can go from where they ended the 2025 season. Simply adding a quarterback that can make basic NFL throws should make the team better in 2026.

But which version of the now 35-year-old Geno Smith will this be? Last year Smith was awful, but his team was awful. The Raiders had a historically ineffective offensive line and very few options in the passing game. In the year before he joined Las Vegas, Smith completed over 70% of his passes for more than 4,000 yards. The Seahawks had professional-level players on their offensive line and at receiver. Those are things that the Las Vegas Raiders did not have.

The Jets now have a very solid offensive line, and they can threaten defenses on the edges finally. They have a home run threat at halfback and young, capable tight ends. This team will be able to score, and maybe more importantly, they will be able to possess the ball, so their defense does not spend the entire game on the field.

This Jets defense should also be better. The Jets upgraded the middle of the unit, which was where teams attacked them in 2025. New York added the number two overall pick, David Bailey, in the draft to bolster the pass rush. They also have a capable veteran presence in Minkah Fitzpatrick in the secondary. There are holes, but nothing quite so glaring as they had at this time in 2025.

The Jets should see something closer to 2024 than 2025 out of Geno Smith. Just average play at the quarterback position will make for a much more interesting season than the debacle that was the 2025 Jets. The ‘fans’ that are hoping for the Jets to tank in 2026 might be out of luck. The Jets are not a contender in the AFC, but they will compete, and that is so much more than what they have been doing in recent seasons.

Today’s Jets News is starting to shift from roster construction to the Tennessee Titans. With Week 1 one week away, the biggest questions are whether Geno Smith can stabilize the offense, how comfortable the Jets are with rookie Cade Klubnik as QB2, and what Aaron Glenn’s defense will look like against Cam Ward. The Jet Press is questioning whether Klubnik truly earned the backup job, while Jets X-Factor is digging into how New York can make life difficult for Ward and what Brian Daboll may show in the opener. Frank Reich’s personnel choices are also pointing toward heavier use of multiple-tight-end formations.

Jets News – Sunday, September 6

• Just because Cade Klubnik is the Jets’ backup quarterback doesn’t mean he earned it – The Jet Press
• The latest Geno Smith disrespect should send Jets fans on the offensive – The Jet Press

Latest From JetNation – Saturday, September 5

Jets Season Opener: Five Questions Before Week 1 – JetNation

JetNation looks at five of the biggest questions surrounding the Jets heading into Tennessee. Cade Klubnik is officially QB2, but the Jets have continued evaluating veteran quarterbacks. Blake Grupe appears to have the inside track at kicker, Breece Hall is expected back from his groin injury, and Frank Reich has several interesting options at tight end. The bigger question is whether Aaron Glenn’s revamped roster is ready to win immediately in Year 2.

Saturday Jets Coverage Worth Reading

• NY Jets have an easy way to make life hell for Cam Ward – Jets X-Factor (September 5)
• NY Jets roster decisions hint at significant scheme change – Jets X-Factor (September 5)
• The Titans weapon who could cause New York Jets problems – Jets X-Factor (September 5)
• What New York Jets should expect from Brian Daboll in Week 1 – Jets X-Factor (September 5)
• Predicting the Jets Opening Day Lineup – Gang Green Nation (September 5)
• Ex-New York Jets Progress Report: Part I (Offense) – Gang Green Nation (September 5)
• Combating old faces in new places dominate the key Week 1 story lines for Jets – New York Post (September 5)
• 2026 NFL rookies guide: Stat leaders, fantasy picks, top QBs – ESPN (September 5)
• Projecting the Win Totals for All 32 NFL Teams – Bleacher Report (September 5)

Recent Official Jets Coverage

• What Are Your Thoughts On The Jets Initial 53-Man Roster? – NewYorkJets.com (September 4)

Hot Topics in the JetNation Forums

• Sam Howell for backup QB? – JetNation Forums
• When would you play Klubnik if Geno goes down? – JetNation Forums
• Countdown to the season opener – away at Titans – JetNation Forums
• About those first round QBs… – JetNation Forums
• Who will the Jets opening day kicker be? – JetNation Forums
• Klubnik named Backup – JetNation Forums

For more Jets News, Week 1 analysis and fan discussion, join the conversation in the JetNation forums.

The Jets season opener against the Tennessee Titans is getting closer. JetNation will be in Nashville for thFe game, if you are going let us know. The latest conversations in the JetNation forums highlight the biggest questions surrounding the team. From the backup quarterback and kicking situations to Breece Hall’s health, here are five topics Jets fans are discussing before Week 1.

Is Cade Klubnik Ready to Be the Backup?

Aaron Glenn has named rookie Cade Klubnik the backup behind Geno Smith. The fourth-round pick showed some encouraging traits during the preseason, but the Jets are still examining their options at quarterback. Former Titans starter Will Levis and UFL MVP Jack Plummer recently worked out for the team. Either player could provide additional depth without immediately changing Klubnik’s position as the No. 2 quarterback. Jets fans are debating the Jets quarterback workouts with Will Levis and Jack Plummer in the forums.

Who Will Be the Jets Kicker?

Blake Grupe is currently the favorite to handle the job, but the Jets have continued working out available kickers. That suggests the coaching staff is not completely comfortable with the position as Week 1 approaches. Grupe has made 81.9 percent of his NFL field-goal attempts. He could receive the first opportunity, but the Jets appear determined to keep their options open. Make your selection in the forum poll asking who will be the Jets opening day kicker.

How Much Will Breece Hall Play?

Hall has been recovering from a groin injury, although Glenn has said he expects the Jets starting running back to be available against Tennessee. Being cleared to play does not necessarily mean Hall will receive his usual workload. Braelon Allen could see additional carries if the Jets decide to bring Hall along carefully during the opener.

Follow the latest Breece Hall injury update and fan reaction in the forums.

Can the Tight Ends Transform the Offense?

Frank Reich has several intriguing options at tight end. Mason Taylor is coming off a promising rookie season, while first-round pick Kenyon Sadiq brings speed and athleticism to the position. Jeremy Ruckert gives the Jets another option for multiple-tight-end formations. The talent is there. The question is how quickly Reich can turn that potential into consistent production.

Share your opinion in the forum discussion evaluating the Jets tight ends.

Are the Jets Ready to Win Immediately?

There are legitimate reasons for optimism.  Geno Smith provides experience at quarterback, the offensive line appears improved and the defense added accomplished veterans such as Demario Davis and Minkah Fitzpatrick. Now the Jets must prove it on the field. Winning a road game against Tennessee would be an encouraging start to the second year of the Aaron Glenn era.

Join the Jets season opener against the Titans discussion as Week 1 approaches.

The Jets captains for the 2026 season have been selected, with six players chosen by their teammates to lead the team. Geno Smith and Joe Tippmann will represent the offense, while Demario Davis, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Harrison Phillips were selected on defense. Isaiah Williams will serve as the special teams captain.

Smith returns as the unquestioned leader of the offense nearly a decade after his first stint with the Jets ended. His preparation, competitiveness, and willingness to communicate have earned praise throughout the organization.

Tippmann’s selection continues an eventful off season for the starting right guard, who signed a contract extension in June. Aaron Glenn has praised Tippmann’s unselfish approach, communication skills, and presence in the locker room.

The defensive captains bring a tremendous amount of experience. Davis previously served as a captain eight times with the Saints and will act as Glenn’s voice in the middle of the defense. Fitzpatrick brings five Pro Bowl selections, three All-Pro honors, and the versatility to line up throughout the secondary. Phillips, acquired from Minnesota last August, believes the Jets enter the season as a more connected and cohesive team.

Williams earned the special teams honor after being named the Jets Curtis Martin Team MVP last season. He scored two touchdowns on punt returns while averaging 29.9 yards per kickoff return and 14.1 yards per punt return. Williams is also expected to have an expanded role on offense following a strong training camp.

The six selections give the Jets a leadership group that combines accomplished veterans with players who have developed within the organization.

JetNation has a new captain as well and here is his official statement –> JetNation Captain.

The New York Jets continued to reshape their practice squad, signing offensive lineman Brant Banks and releasing guard Marquis Hayes. Banks is a massive 6-foot-7, 306-pound lineman who spent time with the Packers and Titans after going undrafted out of Rice in 2025.

Banks appeared in two regular-season games for Green Bay last year. The Jets also reached injury settlements with linebacker Mykal Walker and running back Dominic Richardson. Read the full transaction update from the Jets.

Banks (6-7, 306) signed a reserve/futures contract with the Packers in January and spent the summer with the club before he was released on Aug. 30. A Houston, TX, native, Banks played collegiately at Nebraska (2019-22) and Rice (2023-24) before going undrafted in 2025 and signing with the Packers. He spent part of the season on Green Bay’s practice squad and active roster, playing in two games, before he was waived and claimed off waivers by Tennessee on Oct. 1. After he was waived by the Titans, Banks returned to Green Bay on the practice squad and signed a reserve/futures contract with Green Bay in January.

Hayes (6-5, 318) played over 20 snaps in each of the three preseason contests for the Jets and was signed to the practice squad on Aug. 31. Hayes, who was on the Jets’ practice squad last season, played collegiately at Oklahoma where he was the team’s starting left guard.

The Jets re-signed Walker (6-3, 230) in March, but he injured his calf in training camp. Walker, who has played six seasons in the NFL, had been signed to the Jets’ practice squad on Tuesday . Last year, he was elevated to the active roster on Oct. 1 and appeared in 14 games (5 starts), taking 194 snaps on defense and an additional 306 snaps on special teams. He logged 31 total tackles (9 solo), 1 TFL and 1 PD. Walker was a fourth-round pick of the Atlanta Falcons (No. 119 overall) in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Richardson (6-0, 210) signed with the Jets on Aug. 23 and sustained an elbow injury during the team’s preseason finale vs. the Giants. An undrafted free agent who signed with the Dallas Cowboys in April, Richardson also recently spent time with the Tennessee Titans. Richardson played last season at Tulsa and became the 23rd player in school history to rush for 1,000 yards in a season and the first since 2021, finishing with 1,065 rushing yards.

In case you were wondering just how comfortable the Jets are with new kicker Blake Grupe, they let us know by working out more kickers today.  The headliner in the group being five-time All-Pro Justin Tucker.

Tucker, once viewed as the best kicker in the NFL, was released by the Baltimore Ravens following allegations of inappropriate sexual advances by multiple massage therapists.

In addition to Tucker, the Jets worked out Michael Badgley and Joshua Karty. kicked for the Rams last season and went 10-15.

Badgly, a seven-year veteran who has struggled from long distance in going 7-16 for his career from 50 yards or more, and Karty

The Jets kicker position has been a merry-go-round ever since the departure of Nick Folk following his first stint with Gang Green from 2010-2016.  Since that time, fifteen kickers not named Folk have kicked in game action until Folk returned last season.  Then after having one of the best years of his career, Folk opted to depart via free agency and landed with the Falcons in Atlanta.

That left the Jets without a kicker and the club decided to have a competition between former Dolphin Jason Sanders, and former Bengal Cade York.  Sanders “won” the competition but after a disastrous final preseason game against the Giants, was replaced two days ago by Grupe, who had been cut by the Colts.

Grupe finished up 2025 strong in going 11-for-11 in Indianapolis, but his 18-26 stretch with the Saints to start the season was what got him released by New Orleans.  Today’s workouts were not made public by the team but initially reported by NFL insider Jordan Schultz.