Jets general manager Darren Mougey stated that his relationship with coach Aaron Glenn has strengthened entering their second year together with the team. Mougey, also in his second season, noted that a year spent within the organization has fostered a greater sense of comfort and alignment.
"There’s a better comfort level going into Year 2,” Mougey told reporters on the first day of training camp, July 29, 2026. “My relationship with AG has only gotten stronger and better. We have dialogue every day. We’re just much more in sync; time on task with anybody does that for you. I think we all have high expectations for ourselves — that’s players, that’s coaches, myself included.” Mougey defined a successful season by the team’s ability to win and improve daily. "We want to win,” Mougey said. “I want to see these guys compete and get better every single day. That’s starting today throughout training camp and throughout the season.”
This offseason, Mougey finalized contract extensions for running back Breece Hall and guard Joe Tippmann. When asked about other potential extensions, Mougey indicated that contract matters would be kept internal but suggested the team is in a favorable position.
Regarding the backup quarterback position, Mougey addressed speculation about adding a veteran. He expressed eagerness to observe the competition among Cade Klubnik, Bailey Zappe, and Brady Cook as they vie for the role behind Geno Smith. "I won’t get into the hypotheticals,” Mougey said. “I’m just excited to see Cade get his reps during training camp and watch the whole group, Bailey and Brady, and Geno, get their reps and develop and continue to improve while they’re here and we’ll keep an eye on the landscape … that’s no different for [any] position.” Mougey also briefly commented on quarterback Geno Smith’s recent legal issues, stating that he is looking forward. "I’m excited about what’s moving forward, glad that’s behind us,” Mougey said. “It is behind us and I’m excited for the continued growth through the offseason and training camp.”
Coach Glenn credited Smith with accountability regarding the off-field matters. "I think he did a really good job of the awareness part of it,” Glenn said. “First, understanding that we built a lot of momentum in OTAs and coming out of OTAs. Man, the distraction happened. I know that he hated that he was a part of that. The thing about it is it’s behind him. It’s behind him and we’re all moving forward. He talked to me. He talked to some of his teammates. We’re with him 100 percent and we’re moving forward.”
In injury news, rookie cornerback D’Angelo Ponds did not practice due to a strained calf, but Glenn expects him to be fine. Defensive tackle Mazi Smith left practice with a hamstring injury, and nose tackle T’Vondre Sweat also has a hamstring injury that placed him on the non-football injury list, though Glenn indicated it is not a long-term concern.