Defensive Strength with New Additions for the New York Jets

The 2024 NFL season has seen the New York Jets transform their defense from a solid unit into a legitimate elite force, thanks in large part to strategic new additions that addressed longstanding gaps. General manager Joe Douglas targeted key areas—pass rush depth, secondary versatility, and run-stopping resilience—bringing in players who not only fit the Jets’ 4-3 defensive scheme but also complemented the team’s existing core, including Pro Bowl defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner. These new faces haven’t just filled roles; they’ve elevated the play of those around them, turning a defense that ranked 15th in total yards allowed in 2023 into one that currently sits in the top 5. Defensive Strength with New Additions for the New York Jets explores the impact of these key acquisitions, how they’ve integrated into the system, and why they’ve become the backbone of the Jets’ playoff push.

Defensive Strength with New Additions for the New York Jets begins with the most impactful addition: edge rusher Chandler Jones, a four-time Pro Bowler signed in free agency to bolster the Jets’ pass rush. Jones, a 12-year NFL veteran with 117 career sacks, joined the Jets after a one-year stint with the Las Vegas Raiders, bringing a proven track record of disrupting quarterbacks. Through 12 games, he’s recorded 8.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and 18 quarterback pressures—numbers that rank second on the team behind Williams. What makes Jones’ addition so valuable is his ability to win in multiple ways: he’s equally effective using speed rushes off the edge and power moves to bull-rush offensive tackles, forcing opposing teams to commit extra blockers to him. This has freed up Williams, who has seen fewer double teams and has already matched his 2023 sack total (11) by Week 12. “Chandler is a game-changer,” Jets defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich said. “He’s got that veteran savvy—he knows when to dial up the intensity and when to conserve energy, and he’s been a great mentor to our young edge rushers like Jermaine Johnson II. Having two elite pass rushers in Jones and Williams means we can attack quarterbacks from all angles.” Jones’ presence was never more evident than in Week 7, when he recorded 2 sacks and a forced fumble against the Philadelphia Eagles, helping the Jets hold Jalen Hurts to just 198 passing yards in a 21-17 win.

A key under-the-radar addition that’s strengthened the Jets’ defense is safety Jordan Poyer, a former Buffalo Bill signed to add leadership and versatility to the secondary. Poyer, who spent six seasons with the Bills and was a 2021 Pro Bowler, joined the Jets to replace the departed Marcus Maye, bringing with him a deep understanding of the AFC East and a knack for making plays in the passing game. Unlike Maye, who was primarily a box safety, Poyer can line up in the slot, deep center field, or near the line of scrimmage—giving Ulbrich flexibility to adjust to opposing offenses. Through 12 games, Poyer has 65 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 5 pass deflections, including a game-sealing interception in Week 10 against the Buffalo Bills that preserved a 17-14 win. He’s also been a vocal leader in the locker room, helping Gardner and fellow cornerback Michael Carter II refine their coverage techniques. “Jordan brings so much more than just talent,” Gardner said. “He’s seen every offensive scheme in this division, and he’s always pointing out little things we might miss—like a quarterback’s tell before a deep pass. He’s made all of us better.” Poyer’s ability to play multiple roles has allowed the Jets to use more nickel and dime packages, which has been critical against pass-heavy teams like the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs.

A critical aspect of Defensive Strength with New Additions for the New York Jets is the impact of rookie defensive tackle Eric Johnson Jr.—an undrafted free agent who has emerged as a reliable rotational player—and what it means for the current New York Jets’ run defense. Johnson, signed after the 2024 draft out of Missouri, wasn’t expected to make the roster, let alone contribute, but a strong training camp and preseason earned him a spot in the defensive line rotation. He’s since become a key piece in the Jets’ run-stopping efforts, playing 30% of defensive snaps and recording 28 tackles, 3 sacks, and 4 tackles for loss. What makes Johnson so effective is his strength (he bench-pressed 225 pounds 32 times at his pro day) and his ability to clog running lanes, forcing opposing backs to bounce outside where the Jets’ linebackers and cornerbacks can make tackles. In Week 5 against the Atlanta Falcons, Johnson helped hold the Falcons to just 72 rushing yards (2.8 yards per carry), a season low for Atlanta. “Eric is a testament to our scouting department’s eye for talent,” Ulbrich said. “He’s a hard worker who never complains about his role, and he’s made the most of every opportunity. Having a rotational player like him means we can keep Quinnen and Sheldon Rankins fresh, which is huge over a 17-game season.” For the New York Jets, Johnson’s emergence has turned a potential weakness—depth at defensive tackle—into a strength, ensuring the run defense doesn’t drop off when starters need rest.

Another important new addition is cornerback Kelee Ringo, a second-round draft pick from Georgia who has provided much-needed depth and youth to the Jets’ secondary—and how it supports the New York Jets’ long-term defensive plans. Ringo, known for his size (6-foot-2) and speed (4.46 40-yard dash), was drafted to eventually replace veteran cornerback D.J. Reed, who is set to become a free agent in 2025. While Ringo hasn’t started yet, he’s played 40% of defensive snaps as the Jets’ third cornerback, lining up in the slot and on the boundary in sub-packages. He’s recorded 35 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 6 pass deflections, with his first NFL interception coming in Week 8 against the Miami Dolphins, where he picked off Tua Tagovailoa in the end zone to stop a potential touchdown drive. Ringo’s size has been a asset against larger wide receivers, like the Bills’ Stefon Diggs and the Patriots’ DeVante Parker, whom he’s held to a combined 45 yards in two matchups. “Kelee is exactly what we look for in a cornerback,” Jets secondary coach Tony Oden said. “He’s physical, he can run with anyone, and he’s not afraid to make mistakes—something that’s rare for a rookie. He’s learning from Sauce and D.J. every day, and we’re excited to see how he develops.” For the New York Jets, Ringo represents a long-term investment in the secondary, ensuring that even if Reed leaves in free agency, the team will have a young, talented cornerback ready to step into a starting role. This kind of forward-thinking addition is what makes the Jets’ defense sustainable for years to come.

Wrapping up Defensive Strength with New Additions for the New York Jets is the broader impact of these additions on the Jets’ identity and playoff aspirations. What sets this year’s defense apart is its balance: the pass rush (led by Jones and Williams) can pressure quarterbacks, the secondary (bolstered by Poyer and Ringo) can shut down receivers, and the run defense (with Johnson contributing) can stop opposing backs in their tracks. This balance has made the Jets a tough out for any team, as evidenced by their 8-4 record and their status as one of only three teams in the NFL to hold four opponents to 10 points or fewer this season. Beyond stats, these new additions have brought a winning mindset to the locker room—Jones and Poyer, both former playoff performers, have talked openly about what it takes to win in January, inspiring younger players like Gardner and Johnson. “This defense isn’t just about talent—it’s about chemistry and culture,” head coach Robert Saleh said. “Our new guys didn’t just come here to play—they came here to win, and that attitude has rubbed off on everyone. We believe this defense can carry us to a Super Bowl, and every week, they prove that belief right.” For the New York Jets, these defensive additions aren’t just short-term fixes—they’re the foundation of a unit that can compete at the highest level for years. As the Jets head into the final stretch of the season, their defense will be the key to their success, and the new additions that have strengthened it will be front and center. Defensive Strength with New Additions for the New York Jets isn’t just about celebrating new players—it’s about recognizing how strategic, intentional acquisitions can turn a good team into a great one.