Jets projected to sign two-time Chiefs Super Bowl champion in free agency originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
After a brutal 2025 season, the New York Jets need to undergo a lot of changes for their 2026 season. Aaron Glenn is already making sweeping changes to the coaching staff.
But the roster is also in need of some major changes. Specifically, on the defensive side of the ball, the Jets must add talent this offseason to avoid another season without an interception.
Zachary Pereles of CBS Sports projects one free-agent signing for the Jets to help them avoid such a future. Pereles predicts the Jets to sign Kansas City Chiefs two-time Super Bowl Champion Jaylen Watson to a free-agent deal.
Jets predicted to sign Chiefs 2-time SB champ
"Aaron Glenn knows he needs better cornerback play, and Watson - who hasn't allowed any touchdowns either of the past two seasons - fits the bill perfectly as a big outside corner," Pereles writes.
Watson is a 27-year-old cornerback who's spent his entire NFL career with the Chiefs after being selected in the 7th round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Since his rookie year, when he started just six games, Watson has been a staple of the Cheifs secondary. Across the last four years, he has three interceptions, including a 99-yard pick-six. In the playoffs, he has two interceptions, both coming in his rookie year.
Now, set to be a free agent, and with the Chiefs dealing with a lot of uncertainty around the roster, the Jets could swoop in and sign Watson to a free-agent deal.
More: Jets predicted to draft 'high-ceiling' QB prospect in first round by Mel Kiper Jr.
While the Jets might be seeking ballhawks this offseason, Watson would be more than worth the investment even if he doesn't secure a pick for the Jets.
He's a shutdown cornerback who, in each of the last two seasons, hasn't allowed a touchdown and has allowed a passer rating of just 75.4 and 79.0 in 2024 and 2025, respectively.
Adding a player like Watson, a two-time Super Bowl champion who's one of the best corners in the game, would be great for the Jets.
They have some decent options on the team, but landing a true number 1 cornerback after trading Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts would be a smart move to make this offseason.
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