Two Jets trades for Harrison Phillips and Jawan Briggs instantly reshape the defensive tackle room, trimming two roster spots and lighting a fire under every DT on the verge of making the roster. Phillips brings steady, proven inside presence beside Quinn Williams, while Briggs adds a younger contrast with special-teams upside. The moves send a clear message: production at the DT spots won’t be tolerated, and if depth players don’t step up this final preseason, opportunity will arrive from outside. Add in lingering questions at wide receiver and in the back end, and Friday’s finale vs. Philadelphia is a pivotal audition for depth players to prove they belong on the 53. The broader roster context: the Jets are weighing upgrades at WR, evaluating rookies and veterans alike, and watching entry points for the practice squad as cutdown day looms. This is a critical inflection point where depth-chart advantage can swing with a strong performance in the final exhibition.