Jets Urged to Reunite With $5.1 Million 318 Pound Big Man
The New York Jets could reunite with a big man to fill a massive void on the defensive line.
Jets analyst Joe Caporoso pushed the team to “Bring home Foley Fatukasi” this offseason.
Fatukasi Is Exactly What the Doctor Ordered for the Jets
The former UConn product was one of the best run defenders in the NFL during his time with the Jets.
Pro Football Focus issued an 87.6 run defense grade to Fatukasi in 2019, which ranked fifth best among defensive tackles in the NFL. He was even better in 2020, earning an 86.2 run defense grade, which ranked second best at his position, per PFF.
Last season, NFL teams ran against the Jets at the fifth-highest rate (504 rushing attempts). The Jets gave up 22 scores on the ground, which was tied for the third most in the league. A Fatukasi return could help the Jets with arguably their biggest problem.
Across his four seasons with the Jets, Fatukasi appeared in 45 games and made 23 starts. During that stretch, he racked up three sacks, 14 quarterback hits, 18 tackles for loss, and totaled 115 tackles.
Since leaving the Jets in 2021, Fatukasi hasn’t had as much success at his other stops. However, a return home could be the spark his career needs to get back on track.
This past season, Fatukasi finished with new career lows with a 33.7 overall grade, 57.5 pass rush grade, and a 32.4 run defense grade according to PFF. That would explain why Fatukasi is still a free agent post-draft.
Social Media Trying to Pressure Jets to Bring Back Fatukasi
“Bring Foley Fatukasi home @nyjets,” the Optimistic Jets account posted on social media.
Bring Foley Fatukasi home @nyjets pic.twitter.com/b8FDqVjs5v
— Optimistic Jets (@OptimisticJets) April 28, 2025
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“Bring Foley Fatukasi back home,” the Jet Nation account posted on X previously Twitter.
The Jets need a run stuffer. Heading into the 2025 NFL draft, defensive tackle was considered one of the team’s top needs. Despite that, the Jets didn’t select a defensive tackle with any of their seven selections in April’s draft.