The New York Jets made unfortunate history during the 2025 season by failing to record a single interception.
Naturally, general manager Darren Mougey responded by revamping the secondary. That unit will look significantly different in 2026.
It started with a big-time offseason trade for veteran safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. The Jets also selected former Indiana cornerback D’Angelo Ponds with a second-round pick in the 2026 NFL draft. Veteran cornerback Nahshon Wright was also signed in free agency.
Wright is an intriguing candidate to potentially lead the Jets in interceptions if he can beat out Brandon Stephens and/or Azareye’h Thomas for significant reps at cornerback. Wright had a career-high five interceptions last season. Kevin Byard was the only defender in the NFL to have more.
The veteran Fitzpatrick is probably the safe bet to lead the Jets in interceptions though. The five-time Pro Bowler has registered 21 career interceptions, though he only has two in his previous three combined seasons. Fitzpatrick does have three individual seasons with 5+ INTs, and the Jets are hoping he gets back to being the ballhawk he once established himself as.
The Jets desperately need to generate more takeaways than they did throughout 2025.
Acquiring talents like Fitzpatrick, Ponds, and Wright should help. It will likely be a Jets newcomer who leads the defense in interceptions in 2026.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Who will lead the New York Jets in interceptions this season?
