The New York Jets have added a ton of new faces to the roster this offseason after a disappointing five-win season in 2024.
The offense, in particular, will look much different after the team replaced veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers with Justin Fields. Wide receivers Josh Reynolds and Tyler Johnson were added, and the team selected tight Mason Taylor in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
While the offense will be interesting to watch, the defense could use some work, especially on the defensive line. The team did bring in Byron Cowart, Jay Tufele, and Derrick Nnadi, but none of that trio figures to have full-time starter potential.
Mason Cameron of Pro Football Focus suggested the Jets add a veteran presence on the defensive line, specifically former Minnesota Vikings defender, Jonathan Bullard.
Bullard started in 38 games for the Vikings over the last three seasons and was a solid run-stuffer with some pass-rush ability. Regarding Bullard's potential fit in New York, Cameron offered the following:
Although the Jets added Byron Cowart, Jay Tufele and Derrick Nnadi to their interior defensive line, the group still lacks an experienced starter to slot next to Quinnen Williams. Undrafted free agent Leonard Taylor III put together a respectable first season, but there is uncertainty if he’s ready for a starting role.
Splitting the job with a veteran such as Jonathan Bullard could alleviate those concerns, as Bullard’s 7.6% run-stop percentage would help the unit on early downs.
In 2024, Bullard started all 17 games for the Vikings and collected 41 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and one sack. Pro Football Focus gave Bullard a middle-of-the-road 56.1 grade, but the defender has graded better in the past.
In New York, Bullard could provide depth at multiple spots, and especially along the edge.
Bullard has played nine seasons in the NFL. The defender began in Chicago, spending three seasons with the Bears before stints with the Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, and Atlanta Falcons.
Bullard's best seasons came from 2022-24 with the Vikings, where he was a frequent starter on the line and provided solid results. Overall, the Florida product has accumulated 221 tackles, 28 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks.
The veteran earned just over $2 million in 2024, so he shouldn't break the bank as a free agent. Over the Cap projects the Jets to still have around $27 million in cap space, so adding a veteran like Bullard would be no problem.
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