David Onyemata

Career StatsB+

Year	Team	GP	Sacks	Tkl	TFL
Career		154	31.0	401	46
2025		17	1.0	62	11
2024		17	3.0	45	7
2023		14

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

New York Jets got a C+ Contract Value Index out of the David Onyemata signing because the guaranteed money matches the production tier. At 33 years old with a decade of NFL experience under his belt, Onyemata delivered a B+ performance grade last season with 62 tackles and 1 sack across 17 games—a solid, professional floor that typifies a dependable interior lineman in the middle stages of a rebuild rotation. The $10.5M AAV deal on a one-year pact reflects reasonable market pricing for an established veteran at his stage, neither overpaying for past accomplishments nor underselling current reliability; defensive tackles of his ilk typically command between $9M and $12M annually when they're still producing at starter level. His careerStage as an established veteran—31 career sacks, drafted in 2016—means he's no longer ascending, so the Jets are buying stability and locker-room credibility rather than betting on unlocked upside. Media framing positions him as a quiet complement to the defensive overhaul, a respected presence whose leadership-by-example approach aligns with the organization's rebuild messaging; the B sentiment grade reflects measured optimism rather than transformative excitement, which is precisely the right emotional register for a role player signing. With only one year on the deal, there's minimal long-term cap commitment, allowing the Jets flexibility if the rebuild trajectory shifts—a smart hedge for a front office in active evaluation mode.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

Other same-position deals the Contract Value Index also places in the C band — a quick read on where David's contract sits relative to comparable money.

Performance Analysis

David Onyemata is a 10-year veteran interior disruptor who has carved out a respected role as a high-effort run defender at the NFL level. Earning a B+ grade overall, he remains a reliable presence along the Jets' defensive front despite entering the twilight of his career at 33. His body of work across 154 career games speaks louder than any single-season snapshot. Where Onyemata genuinely separates himself is against the run — his 3.65 tackles per game nearly matches the elite threshold of 3.69, dwarfing the NFL average of 1.82. His tackles-for-loss rate of 0.65 per game similarly sits at elite territory, signaling consistent backfield disruption. The concern, however, is his pass-rush production: just 0.06 sacks per game and 0.12 QB hits per game fall well short of league averages of 0.14 and 0.29, respectively. His recent season grades — consecutive C marks in 2024 and 2025, down from a B+ in 2023 — suggest a measurable decline in overall impact, consistent with a veteran aging off his peak. He profiles similarly to a late-career Damon Harrison: elite run-stuffing value with diminishing upside as a pass rusher. At 33, ceiling improvement is unlikely, but his floor as a run-defense anchor keeps him roster-worthy on a contending team. Watch whether the Jets deploy him situationally to preserve his effectiveness in critical down-and-distance spots.

How David Compares at the Position

David Onyemata ranks 29th of 216 graded defensive tackles by performance. That slots David between Grover Stewart (B+) just ahead and Devonte Wyatt (B) just behind.

Current Sentiment

David Onyemata enters 2026 as a respected interior defensive lineman whose media perception has solidified around his elite run-stopping ability and veteran leadership rather than flashy pass-rush production. Recent headlines from Jets organization and leadership consistently praise his technical mastery and attention to detail, with Demario Davis notably endorsing him as among the league's best run defenders—a significant endorsement that elevates his standing within the locker room. At 10 years into his career on a mid-tier $10.5M deal, Onyemata occupies the role of a dependable, high-effort starter whose value is recognized internally but lacks the All-Pro or Pro Bowl accolades that would elevate him to star-tier perception nationally. The tone of coverage is decidedly positive and substance-focused rather than sensational, suggesting media and fan perception view him as a reliable, underrated contributor rather than a household name. Overall, Onyemata's 2026 perception reflects a solid veteran whose reputation is anchored in consistency and craft rather than statistical dominance or controversy.