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, a 10-year veteran defensive tackle and anchor of New York's interior line, remains a reliable two-gap defender despite a noticeable decline in production this season. The 33-year-old has logged 154 career games and earned a B+ grade based on his well-established track record as a run-stuffing presence in the middle. While his 2025 campaign has registered a C grade, his body of work significantly outpaces this season's snapshot, showcasing his value as a locker-room leader and technical run defender. Onyemata's elite tackle volume (3.65 per game versus 1.82 NFL average) and outstanding tackles for loss (0.65 per game, nearly matching the 0.66 elite benchmark) demonstrate his continued ability to penetrate and disrupt at the point of attack. However, his sack production (0.06 per game) and quarterback hits (0.12 per game) lag well behind league standards of 0.14 and 0.29 respectively, revealing diminished pass-rush effectiveness and a limited impact on opposing quarterbacks. This gap represents his primary weakness—the inability to consistently generate pressure that might offset declining athleticism. The downward trend from a B+ in 2023 through consecutive C grades suggests Father Time is catching up with the aging interior lineman. Onyemata remains serviceable in a rotational or situational role where run-stopping prowess matters more than edge production, but expecting a return to peak form appears unrealistic heading into 2026. The Jets should continue leveraging his experience in short-yardage situations while gradually transitioning younger talent into primary defensive tackle responsibilities.

How David Compares at the Position

David Onyemata ranks 29th of 217 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 but underrated defensive lineman whose reputation has been bolstered by recent media praise from Jets leadership and coaching staff. The five headlines consistently frame him as an elite run defender and a player who takes pride in technical fundamentals—language typically reserved for Pro Bowl-caliber performers, yet Onyemata has never received that honor despite a decade-long career. His $10.5M annual salary positions him as a solid starter rather than a franchise cornerstone, and the positive coverage reflects genuine organizational confidence in his role rather than league-wide acclaim. Media perception is notably favorable within Jets circles, with Demario Davis and team leaders publicly endorsing his impact, though national recognition remains limited compared to his actual contributions. Heading into 2026, Onyemata's perception sits at the upper end of the solid-starter range—respected by insiders, undervalued by casual fans, and unlikely to generate significant trade or contract buzz despite his consistent performance.