Jets’ Stifling Preseason Defense Gives Fans Hope for 2026

It would be almost impossible for the New York Jets defense not to improve from its performance in 2025.

New York finished 25th in total yards allowed, 31st in scoring defense, and dead last in turnovers. Aaron Glenn‘s perceived defensive acumen led the Jets to hire him. Early on in the preseason, that acumen is starting to shine through.

The Jets invested heavily in the defensive side of the ball in the offseason. Between trades, free agency, and the draft, the Jets look completely retooled. However, the names on the depth chart does not mean as much s the performance on the field.

The defensive potential the team showcased in the first half of its preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers should give fans some hope going into 2026.

Old Dog, Same Tricks

One of the first moves Gang Green made in the offseason was bringing Demario Davis home. Davis is 37 and was brought in mainly for his leadership qualities. That doesn’t mean he’s missed a step. The linebacker finished 2025 with 143 tackles and looks to replicate those types of numbers in 2026.

The former New Orleans Saint had three tackles in the three drives he played. One of those tackles was a thumper across the middle to stop Jaylen Warren from getting any RAC. Davis fills a veteran need the Jets lacked last year. New York had C.J. Mosley during the Robert Saleh era. Demario Davis has the ability to fill that spot in this defense for the Aaron Glenn regime.

Demario Davis is not the long-term answer at MIKE for the Jets, but he is an important transition piece. Davis will show the young players on the defense how to be a consummate professional and, hopefully, perform as he has in the past. Davis will be an integral part in turning a defense that was one of the league’s worst last year into one that is competent and competitive.

A Great Dane?

The Jets signed Dane Belton this offseason to a one-year deal that is worth up to $6 million. Belton looks like he wants to make sure that the deal reaches that $6 million mark. The safety was all over the field during the Jets’ preseason game against the Steelers. The former New York Giant showed out both on the defensive side of the ball and on special teams.

The 25-year-old finished the game with four total tackles, including a run stuff at the line. If Belton is able to float around in the defensive secondary, he should find himself a niche in this roster. The Jets have not had a safety who is lethal in the run since Jamal Adams.

The veteran is unlikely to start the season, but he will get more playing time if he continues to perform like this.

Performance from the Young Pup

David Bailey has been a revelation for the Jets during this preseason. The second overall pick comes into the season with high expectations. The rookie will be expected to revive a pass rush that finished 29th in sacks in 2025. Luckily for the team, Bailey looks like he can carry some of that burden.

The rookie only had one tackle in the game against the Steelers, but it was exactly the tackle the organization has been hoping to see. Bailey got his first taste of an NFL sack when he took down Will Howard during the first quarter. The former Red Raider won his matchup with what looked like a mix of a speed and bull rush and was able to keep contain for the sack.

This is exactly what the Jets were looking for when they drafted Bailey. His ability to get to the quarterback fast will show through if the Jets can stay in games this season. The more reps the rookie gets, the more he seems to understand the NFL.

Gang Green and their fans should be very pleased with the steps Bailey has taken so far and should be excited for the 22-year-old’s first season in the league.