2026 New York Jets training camp: Latest intel, updates

The 2026 NFL training camps have kicked off around the league, and our team reporters are on the ground each day following all the action. The New York Jets camp is taking place at the Atlantic Health Training Facility in Florham Park, New Jersey, and Jets reporter Rich Cimini has the latest intel on standouts, highlights, position battles, depth chart movement, cut decisions and of course the quarterback room.

What follows is everything we are seeing and hearing at Jets camp. We will update this file often. Who are the breakout players to watch, especially for fantasy football, and which players on the roster bubble could make the final 53?

Dive in to all the updates and be sure to check back for more information until the first full week of the preseason begins Thursday.

Camp updates for all 32 NFL teams

Latest news from Jets camp

• Jets CB Stiggers taken to hospital after collapsing at practice

• No. 2 pick Bailey living up to hype, bringing 'juice' to Jets

• Rookie TE Kenyon Sadiq to miss time after hernia setback

• Jets' Smith rues being 'distraction' after dispute with girlfriend

• 2026 Jets training camp preview

Tuesday, Aug. 11

Quarterback Geno Smith and the rest of the starters will play Friday night against the Buccaneers in the preseason opener, coach Aaron Glenn announced Tuesday.

They can use the work.

The first-team offense struggled in Tuesday's joint practice with the Bucs, as Smith was intercepted twice (one returned for a touchdown). The offense, learning new coordinator Frank Reich's system, is trending downward after an encouraging start to camp.

The Jets were out of sync and allowed the Bucs to control the line of scrimmage, with running back Breece Hall saying, "They beat us up a little today." And, no, he wasn't alluding to the four fights that marred practice.

There was a spark in a red zone period late in practice, with Smith throwing touchdowns to tight end Mason Taylor and wide receiver Garrett Wilson (on a deflection). But it's clear the starting unit -- hardly devoid of talent -- has a way to go. Smith finished 10-for-16 in 11 on 11 periods.

Glenn said the starters will play about 25 to 30 snaps in the preseason, though he's not sure how that will be divided over the three games. The Jets are installing new offensive and defensive systems. That's one of the reasons why Glenn wants to play his starters.

Another reason: While many coaches prefer to be cautious, concerned about injuries, Glenn believes the best way to prep for the regular season is to actually play in the preseason.

"Everybody's playing," he said.

This isn't a new philosophy. A year ago, starting QB Justin Fields played 28 snaps in the preseason.

More observations:

• If you had to pick a "winner" in the joint practice, it would be the Bucs, who brought more energy and physicality at the outset. The two teams will do it again Wednesday.

• WR Isaiah Williams, one of the stars of camp, has played his way into a bigger role. Before camp, he was viewed as a return specialist and No. 4 receiver, but that isn't the case anymore. Williams, who made three receptions in the joint practice, could leapfrog first-round pick Omar Cooper Jr., who has experienced "little pitfalls," receivers coach Shawn Jefferson said. "That's part of being a rookie."

• Wilson made one of the best plays of the day, catching the tipped pass in the red zone and evading what seemed like half of Tampa Bay's defense to find the end zone.

• Rookie David Bailey had another impressive day as a pass rusher, making at least one sack and multiple QB pressures. He still needs work against the run, though.

• Dane Belton, who had a pass breakup, may have the best ball production of any safety in camp. Glenn called him a "ball magnet." He's definitely pushing Andre Cisco for the starting job opposite Minkah Fitzpatrick.

• Remember last year, when we made a big deal out of "live" tackling in training camp because it's uncommon in the NFL? Well, there won't be live tackling this summer. Glenn said he now prefers "thud" -- when defenders wrap up ball carriers but don't bring them to the ground. Glenn said "thud" promotes better technique and reduces injury.

Saturday, Aug. 8

The Jets ended the first phase of training camp with a controlled instrasquad scrimmage.

There was a scary moment near the end, when prized rookie edge rusher David Bailey walked off gingerly, favoring his left ankle.

Afterward, coach Aaron Glenn confirmed it was an ankle injury, adding that Bailey likely will be listed as day-to-day. He was able to jog back to the sideline after being examined in the medical tent.

Bailey, drafted No. 2 overall, continued his strong camp, recording one sack and at least two pressures, unofficially. He probably should've had another sack, but the officials let the play continue.

This was one of those good news-bad news days. Glenn's new-look defense looked terrific, while the offense struggled, especially in the red zone.

There were plenty of self-inflicted mistakes. QB Geno Smith started hot, leading a 65-yard touchdown drive and completing his first five passes, but the starting offense unraveled after that. There were five penalties and two sacks.

Penalties were a bugaboo last season. Glenn noted that most of the penalties came toward the end of the scrimmage, adding, "It's the part that we get tired. And once you get fatigued, mentally things start to get jumbled. So we have to do a better job of that."

Smith finished 12-of-20 for 157 yards, leading only one touchdown drive in nine series, six of which began in plus territory.

More observations:

• The offensive highlight was rookie Cade Klubnik's 66-yard pass to WR Isaiah Williams in a hurry-up period. Moments later, the former Clemson star threw an 11-yard TD pass to TE Jelani Woods. Klubnik finished 10-of-14 for 154 yards, two TDs and one interception. He's battling journeyman Bailey Zappe for the No. 2 job. Because of his experience, Zappe shows more command than Klubnik, but the battle is far from over. The preseason games will tell a lot.

• Glenn wouldn't reveal his QB plans for the preseason, but it certainly sounds like Smith will see action. "My mentality is that everybody's playing," Glenn said. You can expect to see a lot of Klubnik and Zappe.

• Williams has been one of the most productive players in camp; he's a lock for the WR4 job. Whenever his name is mentioned, Glenn lights up. He caught five balls in the scrimmage, including a 36-yard TD from Smith.

• Some of the defensive standouts: S Dane Belton (interception), NB Jordan Clark (two pass breakups), DT Darrell Jackson Jr (sack), S Minkah Fitzpatrick (QB pressure).

• injury update: Rookie S V.J. Payne, a seventh-round pick, will be sidelined three to four weeks with a bone bruise.

• The Jets have no practice Sunday and Monday, then host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for two days of joint practices before opening the preseason Friday against the Bucs.

Friday, Aug. 7

Geno Smith has a big fan in offensive coordinator Frank Reich, who gushed about his starting quarterback after a sweltering practice.

"He's a leader of the offense and, make no mistake about it, in every way, shape and form," Reich said. "To me, what has come crystal clear ... the attribute that sticks out to me is his laser focus. This man is laser focused like people don't understand. He comes to work. He comes to work, and he is locked in. And I feel like the whole offense plays off of that. That's a big deal."

Smith is having a solid camp. He delivered another strong practice (8-for-12 in team drills), hooking up five times with WR Garrett Wilson. August optimism is nice; the bottom line is how the player performs in September and beyond.

Reich praised Smith's upper-body throwing mechanics, calling them "pure."

"There's only a couple guys in the league that I would say are pure. Geno's one of them," said Reich, adding that Smith, 35, from a physical standpoint, looks like a 28-year-old.

Smith has always thrown a pretty ball. The key is eliminating negative plays. He has more interceptions (52) and more sacks (182) than any QB over the past four seasons.

More observations:

• The front office has to feel good about the Breece Hall contract extension (three years, $43.5 million) in May. At the time, his average per year ($14.5 million) ranked fourth among running backs. The market has exploded in recent days with extensions for Bijan Robinson, Jonathan Taylor and Jahmyr Gibbs. Hall now ranks eighth in APY. "Man, am I glad we got that done," said Reich, calling Hall a "phenomenal" player. It pays to be proactive.

• In keeping with the load-management theme to camp, LB Demario Davis, S Minkah Fitzpatrick and DT Harrison Phillips received veteran rest days on Friday. Davis still managed to get involved. During a brief break in the action, he ran out on the field, into the huddle, and gave some quick words to the defense.

• Coaches never want to see players get hurt, but T'Vondre Sweat's hamstring injury has opened the door for rookie DT Darrell Jackson Jr. to get reps with the starters.

• Backup LB Kiko Mauigoa is looking forward to facing his brother, Francis Mauigoa, in the preseason. Mauigoa, a 2026 first-round pick, is slated to start at right guard for the Giants, so the two brothers could cross paths on the field. The family will have to make a decision during the regular season: Whose game will it attend? "I told them, 'We have one home stadium, so they can come every Sunday,'" Kiko said with a laugh.

Thursday, Aug. 6

Quarterbacks always wear a red jersey in practice. Geno Smith is taking the red thing to a new level.

Red contact lenses.

To reduce the glare on the field, Smith is wearing the red lenses for the first time in his career. They were quite apparent during his weekly news conference, with one reporter joking that the red-eye look was scary.

"It's actually pretty cool," Smith said. "It blocks out the sunlight and all that, so it's actually pretty cool. It keeps the glare from the sun out of your eyes."

Smith's former Jets teammate Santonio Holmes, a wide receiver, was known for wearing red contact lenses more than a decade ago. Smith got the idea from Holmes but didn't go red until he consulted recently with eye specialists, who signed off on the idea.

"It's just something we're trying out, just to see what it's like," Smith said. "I like it, so we've been sticking with it."

Even though his eyes look red, he's not seeing that way.

"The entire room is yellow, so it's a yellow tint to everything," Smith said. "But yeah, it's pretty cool. You guys should try it."

Smith, who threw a league-high 17 interceptions last season for the Las Vegas Raiders, is trying to reboot his career with the team that drafted him in 2013. So far, so good. Teammates and coaches have been impressed with his command of the offense and willingness to take chances downfield.

His goal is to make opposing defenses see red.

More observations:

• Rookie TE Kenyon Sadiq, who suffered a setback in his recovery from hernia surgery, will miss "a couple of weeks," coach Aaron Glenn said. Glenn called it "pretty good news." This was more detail than he provided Tuesday, when he said Sadiq would be sidelined for "a little bit." Glenn reiterated that Sadiq, the second of three first-round picks, will be ready for Week 1.

• Backup RB Isaiah Davis will miss at least two weeks with a "minor" knee injury, according to Glenn. It should be more reps for Kene Nwangwu, who probably will make the team because of his kick return ability. CB Nahshon Wright has a hip strain. Rookie CB D'Angelo Ponds (calf strain) is close to returning.

• Rookie QB Cade Klubnik was shaky on Thursday, going 1-for-5 in team drills -- most of which were in the red zone. He was intercepted by backup LB Mykal Walker. This was the second time in camp that the former Clemson star struggled in the red zone. He's been solid in the other practices.

• One under-the-radar player is former New York Giants S Dane Belton, who made three forced fumbles and one interception last season. The coaches love his ball production. Belton, who came over on a one-year, $4 million contract, is pushing Andre Cisco for a starting job. "No matter where I'm at," Belton said, "I can make plays and help the team."

Tuesday, Aug. 4

For months, the Jets have been boasting about their tight-end depth. They will get a chance to show it off in the coming weeks.

First-round pick Kenyon Sadiq suffered a setback from May hernia surgery and will be sidelined "a little bit," according to coach Aaron Glenn.

Translation: He probably will miss at least a chunk of the preseason, affording more opportunities for Mason Taylor, Jeremy Ruckert and Jelani Woods.

Ruckert capitalized Tuesday, making a team-high four receptions in practice. It was a mixed day for Taylor, who had one catch and one drop. He also was the targeted receiver on a Geno Smith pass that was intercepted.

"I see him breaking out this year," Glenn said of Taylor, a 2025 second-round pick who made a team-high 44 receptions for 369 yards last season.

The Jets surprised the draft world when they picked Sadiq 16th overall, one year after taking Taylor. Ruckert was a 2022 third-round pick. Yes, they've invested heavily at tight end.

This year's plan is to use more two-tight end packages, integrating Sadiq's elite speed and versatility into the offensive equation. Those plans will be on hold. While the Jets are "very confident" that Sadiq will be back for Week 1, per Glenn, they will have to adjust on the fly with Taylor, Ruckert and Woods.

More observations:

• The starting defense made an interception for the second day in a row. This time it was CB Brandon Stephens, who snared a Smith pass that was deflected downfield. After going interception-less for the entire 2025 season, unprecedented in NFL history, it would be an understatement to say the Jets are emphasizing takeaways.

• It was a nice day for the running backs, especially Breece Hall and Braelon Allen, both of whom busted long runs in the second padded practice. Allen, who had knee surgery last season, came to camp at 244 pounds, slightly above his ideal playing weight (240). Allen said he's been looking forward to this season from the moment he got off the operating table.

• WR Isaiah Williams doesn't generate much fanfare for his offense -- he's known for this kick returning -- but he made the catch of the day, a falling-down, over-the-shoulder grab. "He's a dude," Glenn said. In Glenn-speak, that's a high compliment.

• Backup MLB Kiko Mauigoa made a big downfield hit, jarring the ball loose from rookie WR Omar Cooper Jr. Mauigoa is getting a chance to solidify himself as Demario Davis' understudy.

• Kingsley Enagbare didn't practice -- on Monday, he got stepped on -- leaving the defense thin on the edge. They're already without Joseph Ossai (PUP list). It afforded for more reps for Will McDonald IV. Enagbare's injury isn't serious, per Glenn.

• No practice Wednesday, their third off day out of the first eight days in camp.

Monday, Aug. 3

There was an unusual occurrence on the practice field -- an interception by the defense, the first of training camp for the starters.

Former All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, one of the Jets' marquee additions, picked off Geno Smith's first pass in 11-on-11 drills -- a noteworthy feat, considering last season's ignominy.

You may have heard: The Jets were the first team in NFL history to go an entire season without intercepting a pass. We're talking about almost a full century; the league started tracking interceptions in 1933.

The defensive backs, in particular, are determined to end the embarrassing slump. They dream about getting takeaways.

"Shoot, I tell that to myself, even in my sleep," cornerback Brandon Stephens said after practice.

It's one of the big reasons why they traded for Fitzpatrick and gave him a three-year, $40 million contract. Since entering the league in 2018, he's tied for ninth in interceptions (21).

"He's extremely smart and he loves football -- and at safety, that's what you're looking for," coach Aaron Glenn said of Fitzpatrick. "Look, I've had some good safeties in my career. Early on, I like exactly where he's at."

Fitzpatrick can line up in multiple spots. On his interception, he was in the deep middle. He got an assist from LB Demario Davis, who got nice depth in his pass drop. It forced Smith into an overthrow, with the pass going directly to Fitzpatrick.

An easy pick -- if there is such a thing for this defense.

More observations:

• Injury updates: Rookie TE Kenyon Sadiq, who participated in the first three practices after offseason hernia surgery, got a rest day as part of his maintenance program. NT T'Vondre Sweat (hamstring), DE Joseph Ossai (undisclosed) and rookie CB D'Angelo Ponds (calf) still haven't practiced. They will be sidelined at least another week, per Glenn. Sweat is on the non-football injury list, Ossai the PUP list.

• There were several dropped passes in wet, rainy conditions -- the first practice in pads. One player who didn't struggle was rookie WR Omar Cooper Jr., who made a terrific, over-the-shoulder catch on a deep ball from Smith. Cooper is expected to have a significant role.

• RT Armand Membou is having a strong camp. After a solid rookie year, the 2025 first-round pick is poised for a breakout. Glenn praised his mindset, saying he noticed in last season's exit meeting that Membou "was on a mission and you saw it on his face. There was no B.S." Membou's daily battles with rookie DE David Bailey are must-see.

• CB Azareye'h Thomas changed his number in the offseason, dropping 23 and opting for 1, famously worn by Sauce Gardner for three-plus seasons. Thomas recognizes the pressure that comes with that number, but he didn't make the switch because he wants to be the next Sauce. He cited his faith, saying he plays "for an audience of one" -- God.

Saturday, Aug. 1

Geno Smith pitched a perfect practice on Saturday.

The Jets' starting quarterback completed every pass in 11-on-11 periods (11-for-11) and did the same in 7-on-7 (4-for-4). Yes, it was a non-contact unpadded practice, and, yes, most of the reps came in the red zone -- favorable circumstances for a quarterback. But let's not lose sight of the big picture. Any time a Jets quarterback can go an entire practice without the ball hitting the ground ... well, let's just say it's noteworthy.

Coach Aaron Glenn credited offensive coordinator Frank Reich and quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave with helping Smith to a quick start.

"I think he and Frank are on the same page," Glenn said after practice. "Our quarterbacks coach is doing a hell of a job, teaching him and actually expanding his knowledge as far as what we're trying to do. And one good thing about Geno is, for as long as he's been in this league, he's still learning. I think that's a good trait for any player, that we don't know it all and we can pick up something new from a new coach."

Smith's primary target was WR Garrett Wilson (five catches in 11-on-11), who came alive after two quiet practices. WR Adonai Mitchell, who caught two of Smith's four touchdown passes, continued his hot start to camp. Smith also got tight ends Jeremy Ruckert (two catches) and rookie Kenyon Sadiq (one) involved.

More observations:

• It was a shaky practice for rookie QB Cade Klubnik, who was intercepted once in 11-on-11 and once in 7-on-7. Things move quickly in the red zone -- too quickly for Klubnik, who appeared tentative at times. The Jets are hoping the former Clemson star can lock down the No. 2 job, but he has a long way to go.

• Rookie edge rusher David Bailey, dominant on Thursday, was neutralized by RT Armand Membou. The No. 2 overall pick wasn't nearly as disruptive as he was in the previous practice. "He's a really good player," Bailey said of Membou. "Great feet. Strong. Extremely strong. Ridiculously strong. So he's been getting me better. He's a great person to work on my skillset."

• The tight end position, perennially weak, now boasts two high picks from the last two drafts -- Kenyon Sadiq (2026 first-round pick) and Mason Taylor (2025 second-round pick). If Taylor was upset by Sadiq's arrival, he did a good job of hiding it. He endorsed the move, saying, "I think we're building something special in the tight-end room." He said they can be "pretty dangerous."

• A handful of Glenn's former Jets teammates watched practice, including Wayne Chrebet, Adrian Murrell, Ray Mickens, Fred Baxter and Glenn Foley. Laveranues Coles also was on hand.

• The Jets have no practice Sunday, their second "off" day in three days. Their first padded practice is Monday.