The New York Jets are heading into the 2026 NFL season with a mix of optimism and apprehension. As Week 1 approaches, the team faces familiar questions about whether they have improved from the previous year and by how much.

The offseason has been filled with speculation regarding the team's roster and coaching staff. Fans and analysts are debating the potential impact of new strategies and the performance of returning players.

Key questions surrounding the Jets include the long-term outlook for defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, the ability of quarterback Geno Smith to elevate the offense, and the expected performance of player David Bailey. The upcoming games will provide the answers to these ongoing discussions.

There are diverging viewpoints on the Jets' prospects for the 2026 season. Some believe the team is poised for a turnaround, while others are preparing for another challenging year. The initial weeks of the season are expected to offer clarity on the team's trajectory. New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith warms up before an NFL preseason football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Friday, August 21, 2026, in Pittsburgh. Jets linebacker David Bailey (31) talks with teammates on the bench during the fourth quarter of a pre-season game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Friday, August 14, 2026, in East Rutherford, NJ.