Darrell Jackson Jr. Signed His Deal, And His Crazy College Path Is The Most Surprising Part Of The Jets' Draft
Alright, listen up, 12s, because even though our beloved Seahawks are always top of mind, sometimes you gotta peep what's happening around the league. And let me tell you, the Jets just pulled off something that got me raising an eyebrow. They officially locked down their entire 2026 draft class this week, putting the final pen to paper with defensive lineman Darrell Jackson Jr. Yeah, you heard that right, they’re all signed up! It's early June, and getting everyone under contract this quickly for the upcoming season? That’s a big checkmark for any team.
The Final Piece of the Puzzle
So, who is this Darrell Jackson Jr. guy who's making headlines for signing? He was their lone unsigned selection from the 2026 NFL Draft back in April. The Jets picked him up in the fourth round, snagging him at No. 103 overall. You know how these rookie deals go, gotta get them locked in to avoid any drama before training camp really kicks off. And now, with Jackson on board, New York officially wrapped up all eight players they drafted for the 2026 season. That’s gotta feel good for their front office, having all their ducks in a row well before the real fireworks start.
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👉 Claim Your Free $10 at KalshiFrom Coast to Coast: Jackson's Wild Ride
But honestly, what makes Jackson’s signing so interesting, beyond just getting a rookie deal done, is the journey this dude took just to get to the NFL. Talk about a wild ride through college! He started his collegiate career way back at Maryland, getting his feet wet there. Then, he decided to pack his bags and headed down to Miami for a season. One year, that’s it! And if you thought he was done moving, think again. After Miami, Jackson transferred *again*, this time playing three seasons at Florida State before finally entering this year’s draft. Maryland, Miami, FSU,that’s a resume that shows some serious adaptability, or maybe he just liked seeing new scenery! Either way, it means he’s seen a lot of different schemes and coaches, which could be a huge asset as he transitions to the pros.
What This Means For the Jets' Season
The Jets clearly had a plan in the 2026 draft, and now it’s fully executed on paper. Beyond Jackson, they picked up three players in the first round alone: David Bailey, Kenyon Sadiq, and Omar Cooper Jr. That's a serious haul of top-tier talent, and you know they're hoping these guys make an immediate impact. Getting all these rookies signed up now, especially a guy like Jackson who’s clearly been through a lot of changes, means they can all focus on one thing: football. No contract holdouts, no distractions. For the Jets, this completes their roster building through the draft, and it sets them up to head into the heart of summer with a clear picture of their future. Now the real work begins, and the league is definitely watching to see if these early moves pay off when the season kicks off!
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This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.