Jets' $110 million cap space creates premier landing spot for young QBs: 'You should be excited'

In recent days, the moves made by New York Jets General Manager Darren Mougey and Head Coach Aaron Glenn are not just about this season.

The first priority in this NFL Draft was rebuilding the interior defensive line. Mougey brought in defensive tackle Harrison Phillips and rookie Jowon Briggs via trades, and then acquired T'Vondre Sweat in a one-for-one move for Jermaine Johnson. These “space eaters” were added to form a wall in the middle.

The return of defensive line coach Karl Dunbar to the coaching staff may be the biggest offseason move. Dunbar is the same teacher who turned undrafted players like Damon “Snacks” Harrison into Pro Bowlers. On The Official Jets Podcast on Thursday, former Jets defensive end Leger Douzable said:

“To have a teacher of the status of Karl Dunbar is second to none—one of the best teachers of the game of football when it specifically talks about D-line work.” 

He added, “I thought the Jets, Darren Mougey, and AG did a masterful job of sticking to their board. They targeted certain players, and they were able to get it done.”

MORE: Jets' David Bailey predicted to have an award-winning rookie season

The masterclass of the New York Jets draft?

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The Jets stuck to their board and selected edge rusher David Bailey (Pick #2), a reliable pass rusher. Douzable said:

“The most productive pass rusher and the best first-step get-off pass rusher in this draft class - and it wasn’t even close.”

After that, they added tight end Kenyon Sadiq “The Freak” and wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. to build weaponry for quarterback Geno Smith.

Looking ahead, the Jets hold three first-round picks for 2027. They’ve built a chiseled roster with $110 million in cap space and those three first-rounders, ready to wreak havoc in the NFL for years to come.

“They’re gonna have over like $110 million in free agency to spend,” Douzable noted. “So if you’re a young quarterback, you should be excited to come to New York.”

Back in 2000, the Jets used four first-round picks in a single draft (Shaun Ellis, John Abraham, Chad Pennington, Anthony Becht), which changed the franchise’s fortunes. Today, Mougey is showing that same vision - three first-rounders in one year, and three more the next.

Bailey’s first-step burst and twitch make him a chess master on the field. Sadiq creates mismatches. And quarterback Cade Klubnik (no. 110 selection in round 4)? He’s a high-end backup whom offensive coordinator Frank Reich can mold into his system. Now the question is how the Jets will deploy all these weapons in the coming season.

More New York Jets News:

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• Jets are at risk of losing Russell Wilson bidding war with a TV gig
• Fantasy value for Jets rookies Omar Cooper Jr. and Kenyon Sadiq revealed by ESPN
• Jets OC predicted Kenyon Sadiq pick during pre-draft interview with Oregon TE