Rumored early Jets schedule wrinkle may offer Aaron Glenn ideal launch

For years, New York Jets fans have developed something close to seasonal trauma when NFL schedules are released. The routine feels familiar. Stop the train if any of this sounds familiar.

Hope emerges. Then, the schedule actually drops, and reality punches everyone directly in the face. The early portion of the 2025 campaign certainly felt that way.

One year ago, at about this same time, New York found itself staring at a difficult slate almost immediately. For a team trying to stabilize itself, early avalanches can bury optimism before Halloween decorations hit store shelves.

That’s why the latest schedule rumor feels... refreshing. If reports prove accurate, the Jets could begin the 2026 season with a road trip to face the Miami Dolphins. That's seemingly a winnable game followed by another potential outing, a home opener against the Minnesota Vikings.

Head ciacg Aaron Glenn and his Jets certainly need some early momentum.

No one is confusing the expected pair of opening games with a free pass. Still, compared to some of the AFC horrors, New York could have drawn? That feels manageable. That's important because first impressions matter for new regimes.

Glenn doesn’t need his first month resembling an NFL stress test designed by sadists. He needs competence. He needs progress. He needs proof of concept. The Jets improved this offseason. Geno Smith raises the floor at quarterback. Newly acquired safety Minkah Fitzpatrick brings another piece. He adds veteran intelligence to the secondary. . Younger offensive weapons add intrigue.