Jets linked to Chiefs Super Bowl cornerback as Sauce Gardner replacement

The New York Jets are in rebuilding mode, but they still need to improve the roster this offseason, and free agency is a good place to do so.

One of the positions the Jets need to address is the cornerback room. They cannot go into 2026 with their current room, especially now that Sauce Gardner is with the Indianapolis Colts.

To replace Gardner, PFF.com's Mason Cameron linked the Jets to a free agent Kansas City Chiefs cornerback, two-time Super Bowl champion Jaylen Watson.

Jets linked to Jaylen Watson as Sauce Gardner replacement

"Watson is a savvy cornerback with athletic traits to match, a combination that makes him formidable in press-man," Cameron writes. "... That would provide the Jets with a plug-and-play starter on the outside for head coach Aaron Glenn's man-heavy coverage philosophy."

The Jets desperately need to field a better defense in 2026 than they did in 2025. Not only did the defense fail to stop most teams, but over the full season, the Jets didn't get one interception.

Adding Watson, the 27-year-old Chiefs veteran, would be a great way to help create some play-making on the defensive side of the ball.

More: Jets projected to sign two-time Chiefs Super Bowl champion in free agency

This past season, Watson had two interceptions for the Chiefs. In his rookie season, he had a 99-yard pick-six. Every year in the league, he's had six passes defended. He also has four total sacks and 178 tackles, including 64 this past season.

Watson is one of the best free-agent cornerback targets for the Jets this offseason due to his strength in man coverage. While the Jets might not be ready to contend right away, having Watson on a three or four-year deal would give them a solid outside corner as they rebuild.

The Jets need cornerback help this offseason, and Watson would be a great option for the Jets to go after this offseason. Cameron linking Watson to the Jets makes a ton of sense, and is a move that should be very much on the table for the Jets this offseason.

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