4 new Jets players to watch in preseason opener

Preseason football is officially upon us, and the New York Jets are set to play their Week 1 preseason game against the Green Bay Packers. The 2025 NFL season is a pivotal one for Gang Green. It’s the first year with head coach Aaron Glenn, who is expected to create the kind of winning culture that has been absent for many years, and general manager Darren Mougey.

While the games may not count just yet, these preseason matchups give the fans a good look at what they can expect from their team. With that in mind, here are four newcomers to the New York Jets that the fans should keep an eye on during Saturday night’s game.

1. Justin Fields

Head coach Aaron Glenn confirmed earlier this week that the starters will play Week 1 of the preseason, and that includes quarterback Justin Fields. He’s had an up-and-down training camp so far, putting up concerning stats in recent practices, but when he’s at his best he shines with franchise quarterback potential.

Fields doesn’t need to put up legendary numbers on Saturday night to call it a success. Instead, watch to see if he’s doing the little things correctly. Is his footwork clean? Is he getting the ball out on time and accurately? Is he seeing the field well? These are the areas in which he has struggled thus far. Any improvements there would be an encouraging sign for Jets fans.

2. Josh Myers

A former Packer himself, Myers signed with the Jets on a one-year deal this offseason and has been locked in a position battle with center Joe Tippmann. This first preseason game could go a long way towards determining who will win the starting center job, especially for Myers. Remember, Tippmann impressed last year but was not selected by the current regime. Myers was, and that gives him a small advantage.

3. Josh Reynolds

Excepting superstar Garrett Wilson, who was recently ranked as a Top 10 NFL receiver for 2025, New York’s corps of pass catchers is underwhelming, and that’s putting it nicely. The Jets currently lack a legitimate WR2 behind Wilson, but Reynolds is making a strong push for that role. He’s had a solid training camp so far, and an impressive performance against Green Bay could lock him in to that second spot on the depth chart.

4. Armand Membou

Considered by many draft analysts to be the best offensive tackle from the 2025 NFL draft, Membou could eventually form an elite offensive tackle duo with second-year player Olu Fashanu. However, he has to first prove himself against NFL talent, and that starts on Saturday night with his preseason debut.

Justin Fields is notorious for holding the ball longer than the average QB, which means he needs better than average protection from his O-line. If Membou can deliver on his draft hype, that will get Fields one step closer to finally delivering on his potential at just the right time for the Jets.