How depleted is the defensive line of the New York Jets after the 2025 NFL offseason?
Players come and go every NFL offseason. Gone are defensive tackles Javon Kinlaw, Solomon Thomas, Bruce Hector and Leki Fotu. Kinlaw and Thomas were nonfactors last year, hardly providing any pass rush and were horrendous against the run. Defensive end Haason Reddick has also been cut after only getting one sack in 2024. He was a major disappointment after the Jets traded a third round draft pick to the Philadelphia Eagles for him but he held out for a new contract and missed the first six games of the season.
Rashad Weaver and Derrick Nnadi are the significant free agents that were added to the defensive line by new general manager Darren Mougey. The former Tennessee Titan Weaver will compete with Micheal Clemons for a defensive end spot across rising star Will McDonald IV, who had 10.5 sacks the previous year. Ex-Kansas City Chiefs Nnadi will battle with Leonard Taylor lll to decide who plays next to DT Quinnen Williams.
Quinnen Williams and Will McDonald IV are the key impact players on the defensive line. McDonald complements Williams well with his skill set. Known for his speed and agility, McDonald can disrupt offenses and contribute to pass-rushing efforts. Together with the new free agents, they form a formidable front for Gang Green’s defense. It will be up to new head coach Aaron Glenn and new defensive coordinator Steve Wilks to a build a unit that can contain opposing offenses.
