Following a challenging 2025 season, the New York Jets organization confronts considerable uncertainty as the 2026 season approaches. A segment of the fan base, disheartened by past results, has begun to advocate for the team to intentionally underperform, hoping to secure a more favorable draft position in the upcoming year. This strategy, often referred to as "tanking," aims to rebuild the team through high-potential draft prospects. However, this perspective has met with staunch disapproval from a prominent figure in the team's history, highlighting a fundamental disagreement within the community regarding the path to future success.
Former Jets offensive lineman Damien Woody has unequivocally condemned the notion of intentional losing. He argues that prioritizing draft capital over instilling a winning mentality is detrimental, particularly for a young team. Woody’s stance underscores the belief that a consistent focus on competitive excellence and player development is far more valuable than a cyclical pursuit of top draft picks, a pattern he suggests has plagued the franchise for too long. His impassioned remarks reflect a desire to see the team break free from this cycle and establish a sustainable culture of success.
The Jets concluded the 2025 season with a dismal 3-14 record, marked by significant scoring deficits and a defense that struggled to generate turnovers. These factors have fueled the skepticism among some fans, leading them to view another losing season as a strategic move to improve their draft standing. Offseason decisions, such as trading key defensive players Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams, further reinforced this belief, as these moves provided the team with three first-round picks in the 2027 draft. For some, this accumulation of draft capital makes a poor 2026 performance seem like a calculated step towards acquiring a future franchise quarterback.
In response to this sentiment, Woody took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice his strong opposition. He characterized the "tanking" mindset as "the dumbest thing I've seen," stressing that fostering a winning culture, especially with a youthful squad, is paramount. Woody contends that the organization has endured a prolonged period of losing seasons, frequent coaching changes, and continuous rebuilding efforts. From his viewpoint, it is essential for the team’s emerging talent to cultivate a competitive spirit, and this developmental process outweighs any potential benefits derived from a higher draft selection.
As the Jets embark on the new season, led by head coach Aaron Glenn and a revamped roster, the challenge is clear: to transform the narrative of past failures into a story of progress. The team has brought in new players, including top draft pick David Bailey, an edge rusher, and veteran linebacker DeMario Davis, whose experience is expected to bolster the defense. The effectiveness of these additions, and their ability to quickly adapt, will be crucial in determining the team's competitiveness. Should the team continue to struggle, discussions about the 2027 draft will intensify, placing immense pressure on Glenn to not only develop the roster but also to maintain a steadfast focus on securing victories. The true measure of success for the Jets this season will not necessarily be a playoff berth, but rather tangible evidence of forward momentum and a clear commitment to a winning trajectory, validating Woody’s conviction.
