The Jets announced the signing of fourth-round pick Darrell Jackson Jr. on Tuesday. They now have all eight members of their 2026 draft class under contract.
Jackson, the 103rd overall selection, inked a four-year deal worth approximately $5.62MM. The 6-foot-5, 315-pounder is officially a pro after a five-year college career divided among Maryland (2021), Miami (2022) and Florida State (2023-25). Jackson was at his most productive as a member of the Seminoles, with whom he recorded 80 tackles, 7.5 TFL and 4.5 sacks in 24 games.
While ranking Jackson as the 125th-best prospect in this year’s class, Dane Brugler of The Athletic wrote that he “plays big in a big-man’s game.” Drafting Jackson was part of the Jets’ concerted offseason effort to add size to their defense as the unit transitions to a 3-4 base under play-calling head coach Aaron Glenn. They now have Jackson, 366-pound trade acquisition T’Vondre Sweat and 310-pound free agent pickup David Onyemata among their options up front, joining returning starter Harrison Phillips and fellow holdover Jowon Briggs.
Jackson is one of four defensive newcomers the Jets landed during the draft. Edge defender David Bailey, whom they chose second overall, is the headliner of the group. Now that the Jets have completed their rookie signings, here is a look at their class:
- Round 1, No. 2: David Bailey (EDGE, Texas Tech) (signed)
- Round 1, No. 16 (from Colts): Kenyon Sadiq (TE, Oregon) (signed)
- Round 1, No. 30 (from Broncos via Dolphins and 49ers): Omar Cooper Jr. (WR, Indiana) (signed)
- Round 2, No. 50 (from Lions): D’Angelo Ponds (CB, Indiana) (signed)
- Round 4, No. 103: Darrell Jackson Jr. (DT, Florida State) (signed)
- Round 4, No. 110 (from Bengals): Cade Klubnik (QB, Clemson) (signed)
- Round 6, No. 188 (from Browns via Seahawks): Anez Cooper (G, Miami) (signed)
- Round 7, No. 228 (from Cowboys via Bills and Raiders): VJ Payne (S, Kansas State) (signed)
