Jets takeaways from preseason opener loss to Buccaneers

· New York Post

Three takeaways from the Jets’ 24-16 preseason opener loss to the Buccaneers on Friday night at MetLife Stadium.

1. Garrett Wilson looked like himself Friday night.

After losing the last 10 games of 2025 to a knee injury, Wilson has been full speed this summer.

He had two catches for 32 yards, one of them a leaping grab. Both catches were third-down conversions.

Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (5) makes a catch over Buccaneers defensive back Damarion Williams (28) during the first quarter of a preseason game in East Rutherford, NJ, on Aug. 14, 2026. Bill Kostroun/New York Post

2. It is clear that Isaiah Williams has passed rookie Omar Cooper on the depth chart. Williams opened the game with the starters, alongside Wilson and Adonai Mitchell at receiver.

Williams has had a strong camp while Cooper has been quiet. Cooper did have two catches, including one for 26 yards. 

3. One position battle to watch has been safety. Andre Cisco and Dane Belton are competing for the starting job opposite Minkah Fitzpatrick.

On Friday, Cisco started but it was notable that he was the only starter who stayed in the game when the backups entered.

He and Belton played together with the second team.