New York Jets Make Smart Move Trading For Jowon Briggs
The New York Jets just pulled off one of those trades that makes you scratch your head and nod approvingly at the same time. On Wednesday, Gang Green acquired Defensive Tackle Jowon Briggs from the Cleveland Browns, along with a 2026 seventh-round pick, in exchange for a 2026 sixth-rounder. At first glance, it might seem like moving deck chairs on the Titanic, but this move has some serious logic behind it.
When you are the Jets, every move feels magnified. But sometimes, the best trades are the ones that fly under the radar, and this Briggs deal might just be one of those sneaky good acquisitions that pays dividends down the road. How will it work out?
Why Briggs Could Be the Perfect Fit For New York
Briggs isn’t your typical seventh-round afterthought. Sure, Cleveland selected him in the seventh round of the 2024 draft, but he has shown he belongs on an NFL roster. In six games last season, the 6-foot-1, 313-pound defensive tackle racked up 13 tackles with 2 quarterback hits. Those numbers might not jump off the page, but for a rookie getting limited snaps on a crowded Browns defensive line, they tell a story of productivity when given the chance.
The former Cincinnati Bearcat brings a college resume that would make any defensive coordinator salivate. During his time at Cincinnati from 2021-2023, after transferring from Virginia, Briggs posted 12 career sacks and 170 tackles. That is a player who knows how to get after the quarterback and disrupt offensive game plans.
What makes this trade even more intriguing is the timing. With Byron Cowart nursing an ankle injury that’s kept him sidelined during training camp, the Jets needed bodies on the defensive line. Rather than scrambling to sign some practice squad casualty, they went out and got a young player with upside who has already proven he can contribute at the NFL level.
The Reunion Factor That Nobody’s Talking About
Here’s where things get interesting: Briggs reunites with Jets Cornerback Sauce Gardner in New York. Both players were key contributors on Cincinnati’s 2021 playoff team. There is something to be said for chemistry and familiarity, especially on defense.
Gardner has already established himself as one of the premier corners in the NFL, and having a former teammate who understands his tendencies and communication style could provide an unexpected boost to the Jets’ defensive cohesion.
Smart Asset Management
From a pure asset management perspective, this trade is a masterclass in maximizing value. The Jets essentially upgraded from a seventh-round pick to a sixth-round pick while acquiring a young defensive lineman who’s already shown he can contribute at the NFL level. That’s what we call addition by addition.
General Manager Darren Mougey has been building this roster methodically, and moves like this show he is not just thinking about the headline-grabbing trades. Sometimes the best roster construction happens in the margins, with smart moves that add depth and competition without breaking the bank or mortgaging the future.
What This Means For the Jets’ Defensive Line Depth
Briggs isn’t being brought in to unseat Quinnen Williams or steal significant snaps from established players like Micheal Clemons, Jay Tufele, Will McDonald, or Rashad Weaver. But in today’s NFL, you can never have too much defensive line depth, especially when you’re trying to make a playoff push.
The Jets’ defensive line has been a strength, but depth becomes crucial when injuries hit or when you need fresh legs during long drives. Briggs provides exactly that kind of insurance policy, with the added bonus that he is still developing and could potentially become something more than just a rotational piece.
The Bottom Line On the Briggs Trade
This isn’t the kind of trade that’s going to make SportsCenter highlights or generate massive social media buzz, but sometimes the best moves are the ones that make your roster just a little bit better without costing you significant resources. The Jets got younger, added depth, and improved their draft capital. They did all this while acquiring a player who’s already proven he belongs in the league.
In a season where every snap could determine whether Gang Green finally breaks through or suffers another heartbreaking disappointment, having players like Briggs who can step up when needed might be the difference between watching the playoffs on TV and playing in them.
