As the New York Jets gear up for the 2025 NFL season, expectations are cautiously optimistic. With quarterback Justin Fields and head coach Aaron Glenn now leading the charge, the team is looking to turn potential into production. While every player contributes in some way, five individuals stand out as absolutely essential to the Jets’ success this year.
The top three on this list are clear-cut choices due to their star-caliber talent—after all, when it comes to winning, your stars need to play like stars. The last two selections take a different approach, focusing more on positional importance and team context. And truthfully, there are several others not on this list who will also play key roles. But when it comes to leadership, raw talent, and overall impact, these five players will help define the Jets’ 2025 season.
Players Who Will Define the Jets Season in 2025
Sauce Gardner – Cornerback
Sauce Gardner remains the cornerstone of the Jets’ defense. After a relatively quiet 2024 season by his high standards, he enters 2025 with something to prove. His elite coverage ability, physicality, and football IQ continue to make him one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL.
With a new contract in hand, Gardner can focus solely on football. Under new defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, and with coach Glenn’s defensive background, Gardner is expected to be used more creatively this season. The staff hopes to deploy him as a true playmaker and chess piece across the secondary, maximizing his ability to generate turnovers. His performance against top-tier receivers will be critical in determining just how far this defense can carry the team.
Garrett Wilson – Wide Receiver
Offensively, no name looms larger than Garrett Wilson. Now entering his fourth season, Wilson has already established himself as one of the NFL’s elite receivers. His route-running, reliable hands, and separation skills make him the go-to weapon in the Jets’ passing attack.
Like Gardner, Wilson recently secured a major contract extension, allowing him to focus fully on helping the team win. With Justin Fields at quarterback and limited depth behind him, Wilson will be the centerpiece of the aerial offense. His ability to stretch defenses and draw coverage opens things up for the rest of the unit. Wilson’s health and production will be absolutely critical to the Jets’ offensive success in 2025.
Quinnen Williams – Defensive Tackle
Quinnen Williams continues to anchor the Jets’ defensive front. His combination of strength, explosiveness off the snap, and ability to disrupt the pocket makes him a nightmare for opposing offenses.
Widely regarded as one of the NFL’s top interior defensive linemen, Williams consistently draws double-teams, clogs run lanes, and creates opportunities for his teammates—even when he’s not the one making the play. He’s also one of the emotional leaders of the locker room and sets a professional tone for the entire defense. His presence on the field elevates everyone around him, and his level of production could be the difference between a playoff push or another rebuilding year.
Jermaine Johnson – Edge/Defensive End
Jermaine Johnson is looking to bounce back from a devastating Achilles injury suffered in Week 2 of last season. Despite the uncertainty, new general manager Darren Mougey chose to pick up Johnson’s fifth-year option—a clear vote of confidence in his recovery and potential.
Johnson had built significant momentum in 2023 and was expected to make a major impact before the injury. The Jets lack depth at edge rusher, making his return all the more vital. If he can regain his pre-injury form and maintain his stamina over a full season, it could dramatically elevate the Jets’ pass rush. A healthy and effective Johnson adds another gear to the defense.
Olu Fashanu – Offensive Tackle
This might be a bit of a projection pick, but it’s a crucial one. After spending most of his rookie season in a backup swing tackle role due to injuries across the line, Olu Fashanu is now expected to take over as the starting left tackle which is widely considered one of the most important positions on the field.
Tasked with protecting Fields’ blind side, Fashanu will face elite pass rushers weekly. His development and consistency will be critical to the offense’s success. While he performed admirably in limited snaps last season, this will be his first full year as a starter—and all eyes will be on how he holds up. If he stabilizes the left side, the entire offensive unit will benefit.
Conclusion
The 2025 season is a pivotal one for the Jets. While national expectations remain low, getting off to a strong start under a new regime could accelerate the rebuild and change the narrative around the franchise.
With a new culture, coaching staff, and a promising core of young talent, the potential is there. But the performances of these five players—Gardner, Wilson, Williams, Johnson, and Fashanu—will be central to determining just how far this team can go. If they deliver, the Jets may finally take the long-awaited step forward into playoff contention.
Main Image: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
