Entering their fifth consecutive season without a winning record, the New York Jets are aiming to turn the corner in 2026 with a revamped roster and new coaching dynamics. Wide receiver Garrett Wilson, who has yet to experience a winning season in his NFL career, expressed optimism about the team’s prospects this year under offensive coordinator Frank Reich, who will be his fifth play-caller. Wilson praised Reich’s system for allowing players more freedom to adjust on the field while maintaining discipline, a style that Jets head coach Aaron Glenn believes suits Wilson’s strengths.

Wilson, who surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first three seasons before a injury-shortened 2025 campaign limited him to 395 yards, said he expects to return to those numbers with an offense designed to maximize the team’s talent. However, Wilson emphasized that personal statistics are secondary to team success, particularly making a playoff push.

General manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn, both entering their second seasons in their roles, are relying on a blend of returning young players and experienced veterans to change the team’s long-standing culture of losing. Core players such as Wilson, running backs Breece Hall and Braelon Allen, guard Joe Tippmann, tight end Jeremy Ruckert, defensive end Will McDonald IV, and tackles Olu Fashanu and Armand Membou have collectively never been part of a winning or playoff team. The Jets have endured the NFL’s longest active playoff drought, with 10 consecutive losing seasons.

To address this, the Jets added several veterans with postseason experience, including linebacker Demario Davis (three playoff seasons), safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (four), defensive lineman David Onyemata (four), defensive end Kingsley Enagbare (three), cornerback Nahshon Wright (two), receiver Tim Patrick (two), and quarterback Geno Smith (one). Wilson noted that these additions bring “a winning mindset, a winning energy” that is influencing the team’s younger players who are eager to learn what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

Fitzpatrick, a New Jersey native, acknowledged the frustration of Jets fans who have remained loyal despite years of limited success. Enagbare highlighted the opportunity to shift the team’s narrative and build a culture of winning, focusing on mentoring younger players and preparing them for the physical and mental demands of a long NFL season.

Mougey affirmed that acquiring proven veterans was an intentional move to help the team’s young core develop leadership and a competitive edge. With training camp underway, there is cautious optimism among the Jets’ leadership and players that meaningful progress will come. Wilson said the team feels different this year, with conversations and attitudes that have set a positive foundation for the season ahead.

In addition to offensive hopes, the Jets boast a strong backfield trio with Hall, Allen, and Isaiah Davis each showing promise in practice. On the defensive side, challenges remain with injuries to rookie cornerback D’Angelo Ponds (calf strain), defensive tackle Mazi Smith (hamstring), and nose tackle T’Vondre Sweat, who is on the non-football injury list due to a hamstring problem.

As the preseason unfolds, Jets coach Aaron Glenn has demonstrated intensity, notably reprimanding edge rusher Braiden McGregor during practice, underscoring an emphasis on accountability. With the infusion of new talent and leadership, the Jets aim to pivot away from their decade-long struggles and deliver a winning season their players and fans have long awaited.