TL;DR
- The New York Jets are not intentionally losing games for better draft positioning.
- Coach Aaron Glenn stated the team plays to win, not to tank for draft picks.
- Despite a 2-9 record, the Jets aim for victories, not a losing strategy.
- Potential losses against Jacksonville, New England, and Buffalo could still aid draft selection.
For franchises such as the New York Jets, the primary narrative has revolved around whether they'll continue to lose games for improved draft selection.
The Jets have frequently been associated with losing games, especially after failing to secure top talent like Trevor Lawrence in prior seasons. With a 2-9 record as they approach a Week 13 game versus the Atlanta Falcons, supporters are once again contemplating whether the team will intentionally lose.
Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic provided a significant development regarding the Jets possibly losing the remainder of the 2025 season intentionally. While the concept of tanking is attractive, Aaron Glenn's Jets are not pursuing such a strategy.
Jets insider clarifies if Aaron Glenn intends to sabotage the remainder of the 2025 season.
"And no, the Jets are not going to tank for better draft positioning - as they shouldn't." Rosenblatt writes.
Glenn also shared his perspective on tanking, stating, "I'm going to give you a line you guys heard before: We play the game to win."
As the standings currently shape up, the Jets would be picking fourth overall behind the Tennessee Titans, New York Giants, and New Orleans Saints.
Considering Cam Ward and Jaxson Dart are with The Titans and Giants, the Saints are the only team that might be looking for a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Although deliberately losing the remainder of the season to secure a high draft selection could aid the Jets in potentially acquiring their future quarterback, Glenn has no intention of intentionally losing the rest of the season.
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The choice to avoid a losing strategy might draw disapproval from outside the team and from supporters. However, during his initial year as the lead coach, while he's focused on establishing a team environment, intentionally losing would offer no benefit to Glenn.
With a 2-9 record, the Jets might not need to intentionally lose games to secure a high draft selection. Considering their remaining schedule includes contests against the Jacksonville Jaguars, New England Patriots, and Buffalo Bills, several probable defeats could assist the Jets in obtaining a prime draft spot.
Their most promising opportunities to secure another victory this season are against the Falcons during Week 13, the Miami Dolphins in Week 14, and the New Orleans Saints in Week 16.
That contest against the Saints might determine which team secures the better draft selection. While certain teams may intentionally lose such a game, Glenn and the Jets aren't considering that approach.
The New York Jets have no intention of deliberately losing this season. Glenn, in his inaugural year as the team's head coach, is committed to pursuing victory in each game, irrespective of any potential impact on their positioning for the 2026 NFL Draft.
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