On day four of NFL free agency, the New York Jets have focused on attacking some of their biggest needs with low-risk, high-reward signings.
Earlier on Thursday, the Jets signed tight end Stone Smartt to a one-year deal. They have now bolstered another one of their thinnest position groups: defensive tackle. As first reported by the Associated Press’ Dennis Waszak, the Jets have signed former Chicago Bears DT Byron Cowart. The Jets officially announced the move later in the day.
Cowart, who will turn 29 in May, has played for six NFL teams since being selected in the fifth round of the 2019 draft. Playing 15 games for Chicago in 2024, Cowart had his best season, posting career-highs in sacks (2.5), total pressures (12), and run stops (14).
In line with Smartt, the Jets are taking a low-risk bet that Cowart can translate his impressive efficiency on a limited snap count to greater production in a larger role. While playing a small role (22 snaps per game, 35% of defensive snaps), Cowart was productive in both phases for Chicago on a per-snap basis. His 8.0% run-stop rate placed 23rd out of 116 qualified interior defensive linemen, while his 7.7% pressure rate placed 50th.
Cowart stands at 6-foot-3 and 300 pounds. He primarily lined up over the guard for Chicago last season (68.6% of snaps), but he also spent a good chunk of his time at nose tackle (20.6%).
The veteran defender joins a Jets defensive tackle unit that is mighty thin beyond Quinnen Williams; the only other members are Leonard Taylor III and Phidarian Mathis.
