News Jets Team Notes

[New York Jets]

New York Jets Flight Connections 08/27/25

Good morning Gang Green Nation!

The New York Jets cut their roster down to 53 players yesterday. There were a few decisions I would have made differently, but for the most part there were no major surprises. Today NFL teams put in their waiver claims for players waived over the last few days. There are some interesting players available at positions of need for the Jets, so I’m hoping the Jets will be active with waiver claims today. The Jets rank 7th in waiver priority. We’ll know later this afternoon if the Jets made any successful claims.

Here are your links to your New York Jets this glorious Wednesday in August:


Kyle Crabbs – An Achilles heel that helped doom Joe Douglas with the Jets is back in the spotlight amid a recent cut and looms as a major test for team’s new leadership

Kyle Crabbs – Jets’ 53-man roster cuts claim one of Joe Douglas’ final draft selections as team turns the page to a new era in 2025

Max Shuart – A Decade Later, Fitzmagic is Still Best Thing to Happen to Jets

Randy Lange – Inside the Numbers | Some Individual Goals for Jets’ Offensive Players

Randy Lange & Eric Allen – Final Cuts | Jets Move 22 Players to Reduce Active Roster to 53 Players

Andy Vasquez – Jets’ initial 53-man roster includes one surprising player not sticking around

Andy Vasquez – Jets’ high-profile cutdown-day decision reveals plenty about new regime

Nick Wojton – 2025 NFL roster cuts: Initial New York Jets 53-man roster at deadline

Justin Melo – Jets must take advantage of waiver wire priority to improve the roster

Justin Melo – Should the Jets make an offer for Raiders WR Jakobi Meyers?

Danny Abriano – Jets announce 53-man roster, with wide receiver Malachi Corley among those cut

Sam Robinson – Jets Pare Roster To 53

Billy Heyen – Jets admit brutal mistake by cutting high draft pick after just 1 season

Billy Heyen – New York Jets cut son of ESPN analyst

Brian Costello – Jets waive Malachi Corley one year after ‘no matter what’ draft-day trade with roster down to 53

Glenn Naughton – NY Jets Roster (Final 53-Man) Arrives With few Surprises

Justin Fried – 10 roster cut players the Jets should target on the waiver wire

Justin Fried – Jets’ initial 53-man roster for 2025 hints at much bigger moves coming


Scott Rogust – Jets could solve tight end problems with one smart move after roster cut



Here are your missed connections from yesterday.

Source: https://www.ganggreennation.com/new-york-jets-news/86175/new-york-jets-flight-connections-08-27-25

 

[New York Jets]

What you need to know about the Jets’ practice squad

Starting today, the Jets will sign members of their practice squad. Here are the answers to the most likely questions you have.

What is the practice squad?​

You probably will not be surprised to hear that it is exactly what the name makes it sound like. The Jets and other NFL teams are allowed to have up to 17 players who are not part of the 53 man roster but are allowed to practice with the team.

Why does the practice squad exist?​

There are two primary reasons. First it gives teams a chance to develop young players who aren’t good enough to be on the 53 man roster. It also gives the team a reserve of players whom already know the playbook to call upon if an injury opens up a roster spot.

Who is eligible for the practice squad?​

Any player who is a free agent may sign on the practice squad. Formerly to be eligible, a player needed to have less than two years of experience. Those restrictions have been loosened through the years. Now anybody can be on the practice squad. The caveat is that 10 of the 17 slots still must be used on players with less than two years of experience. Six spots can be used on players with no eligibility restrictions. The final spot must be used on an international player.

Can practice squad players be activated for gameday?​

The answer is yes. This is a recent change. Until a few years back, a player needed to be on the 53 man roster to become one of the 48 players active on gameday. Now teams are allowed to activate up to two players per game from the practice squad without putting them on the 53 man roster. There is a caveat. A player cannot be activated more than twice from the practice squad in a season. The third time it happens, a player must be elevated to the active roster.

How much do practice squad players make?​

Players with two years or less of experience get $13,000 per week.

Players with more than two years of experience get a minimum of $17,500 per week and a maximum of $22,000 per week.

For a rookie, that’s a salary of $234,000 for the season, but the league minimum salary for a rookie on the active roster is $840,000. You can probably see why a roster spot is so coveted.

Can the Jets only sign players who spent training camp with them to the practice squad?​

No, the Jets are allowed to sign any free agent to their practice squad. They can sign players who were in Jets camp, in camp with another team, or who were not at any NFL training camp.

Is there anything else to know?​

Practice squad players live in limbo. They are practicing with a specific team and can be called up for game duty. However, they are also technically free agents. A practice squad player can be signed to the 53 man roster of any of the other 31 teams. The league does have some restrictions that prohibit signing practice squad players from an upcoming opponent. They don’t want teams signing practice squad players, pumping them for information for that game, and cutting them. Teams are also allowed to protect four practice squads from being poached each week.

Source: https://www.ganggreennation.com/new...ou-need-to-know-about-the-jets-practice-squad

 

[New York Jets]

Jets awarded Jelani Woods, Esa Pole, and Cam Jones off waivers; lose Jarrick Bernard-Converse

The Jets were awarded three players off waivers on Wednesday.

The Jets claimed LB Cam Jones, TE Jelani Woods and T Esa Pole. #Jets

— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) August 27, 2025

Of the three, Woods is likely the most significant move. He could see a lot of playing time for a Jets offense that has no proven players at tight end. Woods had a solid 2022 season in Indianapolis but missed the last two seasons completely due to injury. In 2022 it was a hamstring. In 2023 it was turf toe. His ability to stay on the field is questionable, but by most accounts Woods had a strong preseason. He quite possibly is the best tight end on the Jets roster right now.

Jones and Pole are smaller scale moves. Jones was most likely added for special teams play. He participated in two-thirds of Kansas City’s special teams snaps in 2023 and 2024.

Pole is a developmental tackle. Kansas City signed him as an undrafted free agent out of Washington State. By all accounts he had a strong preseason. Many around the Chiefs were expecting him to earn a roster spot. It’s difficult to know what all of that means for his ability to play in real games, but the Jets clearly feel he’s worth a look.

The Jets lost one player to waivers, cornerback Jerrick Bernard-Converse.

We have claimed CB Jarrick Bernard-Converse and RB Raheim Sanders via waivers, signed 9 to our practice squad and made other roster moves

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) August 27, 2025

Bernard-Converse had a strong preseason in coverage for the Jets but got caught in a numbers game. The team opted for Qwan’tez Stiggers’ special teams ability over Bernard-Converse’s ability as a cover guy.

Source: https://www.ganggreennation.com/new...nes-off-waivers-lose-jarrick-bernard-converse

 

[New York Jets]

2025 Jets practice squad tracker

The Jets have begun signing players to their practice squad. The team has 17 spots available. One must go to an international player. Ten must go to players with two years or less of NFL experience. The final six spots can be used on any player with no restrictions. We will do our best to stay on top of practice squad signings.

Dean Clark, S

The Jets have begun signing players to the practice squad and one of them is S Dean Clark, per source. Up to 16 on the PS. #Jets

— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) August 27, 2025

Brady Cook, QB

Harrison Mevis, K

Kohl Levao, G

Leander Wiegand, G (International Player)

Among those waived yesterday but are in the #Jets’ locker room today ahead of practice (apparently as practice squad signings):

QB Brady Cook, DB Dean Clark, OL Kohl Levao, K Harrison Mevis, OL Leander Wiegand

— Dennis Waszak Jr. (@DWAZ73) August 27, 2025

Jamaal Pritchett, WR

Quentin Skinner, WR

Jamaal Pritchett and Quentin Skinner on the practice field, meaning they’re on the practice squad. #Jets pic.twitter.com/NtyrnC8amM

— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) August 27, 2025

Jordan Clark, CB

SOURCE: I am told the NY #Jets practice squad signings thus far include S Dean Clark, QB Brady Cook, OL Kohl Leavo, K Harrison Mevis, OL Leander Weigand (IPP), CB Jordan Clark

— Connor Long (@connor_long15) August 27, 2025

Payton Page, DT

Boog Smith, LB

Jackson Sirmon, LB

Some players I’ve spotted at practice as part of the #Jets practice squad:

WR Quentin Skinner
WR Jamaal Pritchett
DE Eric Watts
DT Payton Page
QB Brady Cook
LB Boog Smith
K Harrison Mevis
OL Kohl Levao
DB Jordan Clark
LB Jackson Sirmon
S Dean Clark
OT Leander Wiegand (IPP)…

— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) August 27, 2025

Tyler Johnson, WR

Tyler Johnson has been added to the practice squad. #Jets https://t.co/MxknpnCoxN

— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) August 27, 2025

Source: https://www.ganggreennation.com/new-york-jets-roster/86200/2025-jets-practice-squad-tracker

 

[New York Jets]

New York Jets Flight Connections 08/28/25

Good morning Gang Green Nation!

The New York Jets were active on the NFL waiver wire yesterday, claiming three players: tight end Jelani Woods, offensive tackle Esa Pole, and linebacker Cam Jones. In corresponding moves to make room for the additions the Jets cut wide receiver Tyler Johnson, linebacker Zaire Barnes and offensive tackle Marquis Hayes. The Jets also nearly filled out their 16 man practice squad, signing 14 players. The heavy lifting of building the 2025 Jets is almost done. Now the team turns towards preparing for the season opener against former Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Real football is just around the corner. Can’t wait.

Here are your links to your New York Jets this glorious Thursday in August:


Eric Allen & Susanna Weir – Jets Sign 14 Players to Practice Squad

Jack Bell – Jets HC Aaron Glenn: Building a Final 53-Man Roster ‘Is Still a Fluid Process’

Susanna Weir – Jets Awarded LB Cam Jones, OT Esa Pole and TE Jelani Woods

Nick Wojton – Jets end up claiming three players off waivers following roster cuts

Nick Wojton – Malachi Corley finds new team after being cut by the New York Jets

John Flanigan – Jets claim TE Jelani Woods, two others off waivers

Adam Schultz – Jets’ Aaron Glenn Details ‘Good Process’ Of First Roster Cutdown

Billy Heyen – 49ers sign former Jets QB to fill gap after roster cuts

Billy Heyen – New York Jets sign son of ESPN analyst after tough cut day decision

Pete Martuneac – New York Jets claim three players from waiver wire

Patrick McAvoy – Jets Tried Adding New Quarterback to Practice Squad

Glenn Naughton – Jets cut Tyler Johnson, Zaire Barnes and Marquis Hayes

Justin Fried – Jets shockingly cut potential starting wide receiver in roster stunner

John Molnar – Jets should make splashy play to trade for Raiders’ disgruntled wide receiver

Benedetto Vitale – Titans, Jets make most waiver claims




Here are your missed connections from yesterday.

Source: https://www.ganggreennation.com/new-york-jets-news/86232/new-york-jets-flight-connections-08-28-25

 

[New York Jets]

What’s with all the hoopla around Esa Pole?

When I was younger I used to get really excited when the New York Jets added a back end roster player. I distinctly remember when they signed runningback Jonathan Grimes off the Texans practice squad in 2013 and thinking that he was going to be our starter for a while… needless to say that didn’t happen. And the real answer is that most of these back end roster moves don’t amount to much so I’ve generally stopped giving much thought to them.

Sometimes though, a move is quite interesting. One such move seems to be the signing of offensive tackle Esa Pole who is an undrafted free agent who spent the summer with the Kansas City Chiefs before being following the cut deadline.

Why is Pole interesting? Well because apparently his cut has led to quite the uproar among the Kansas City faithful.

In example, this tweet is from a Kansas City sports columnist.

Well, this should go over well in KC.

I'm told Esa Pole was notified after the waiver deadline that he indeed had been claimed — at least by the Jets.

He's as surprised as I (and now you) are. The deadline had passed, and he was notified afterward.

— Sam McDowell (@SamMcDowell11) August 27, 2025

There’s also apparently been a grand swell of unhappiness among the Kansas City fans, such as that expressed by this fan account.

Cam Jones and Esa Pole

Jets you dirty dawgs pic.twitter.com/79EK9KYohw

— how bout those CHIEFS (@hbtCHIEFS) August 27, 2025

I’m also not the only one who noticed this vibe from those who follow the Chiefs.

Based on what I'm seeing, it's surprising the Chiefs let go of Esa Pole.

UDFA rookie who had a very sharp preseason:

– 0 penalties on 68 offensive snaps
– 0 pressures allowed on 49 pass-blocking snaps

Seeing a lot of unhappy Chiefs fans.#Jets OL depth just got stronger.

— Michael Nania (@Michael_Nania) August 27, 2025

So what’s all the hoopla about? A look at the above stats in the tweet by Michael Nania make it easy to understand why. He also graded out as a superstar preseason performer according to his ProFootballFocus grades.

#Jets new OT Esa Pole is a 6’7” 319 lbs undrafted rookie who had a heck of a preseason:

84.1 pass blocking grade
allowed ZERO pressures across 49 pass blocking snaps
ZERO penalties across 68 offensive snaps pic.twitter.com/uPeLu8Yr2M

— Harrison Glaser (@NYJetsTFMedia) August 27, 2025

In the end, is this going to work out for the Jets? The odds are probably stacked towards “no,” but the guys that buck those odds tend to have the type of fan outrage and high-level performance that Pole has shown. Time will tell, but he’s someone that I’ll be looking for crumbs of practice reports on in the coming weeks.

Source: https://www.ganggreennation.com/new-york-jets-news/86215/whats-with-all-the-hoopla-around-esa-pole

 

[New York Jets]

College Football Week 1 Spotlight: Arch Manning Vs Ohio State

How to watch: Sat, 08/30, 12:00PM/EST – FOX

College football is officially back, and one of the premier matchups of Week 1 doubles as an early scouting opportunity for NFL fans. All eyes will be on Texas quarterback Arch Manning as he leads the Longhorns into Columbus to take on Ohio State. For a program with national championship aspirations, Texas faces one of the toughest openers in the country and Manning’s performance under the bright lights could go a long way in shaping his Heisman campaign and future draft stock.

Manning enters 2025 as perhaps the most famous name in college football, but he’s no longer just “the nephew of Peyton and Eli.” After sitting behind Quinn Ewers, Manning took the reins of the Texas offense last season and showed steady growth. He displayed poise in the pocket, above average arm talent, and the ability to extend plays with his legs. Scouts will want to see improved consistency, especially in his ball placement on deep throws and decision making under pressure. Week 1 against an NFL caliber Ohio State defense offers a perfect proving ground.

For Jets fans, this game matters because it provides a glimpse at one of the top quarterback prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft. While it’s impossible to predict the Jets’ draft position this far out, quarterback will always remain under evaluation unless the team has a clear, long term answer. Manning has the traits NFL evaluators covet: size (6’4”, 215), pedigree, processing ability, and mobility. A strong junior season would cement him as a potential top 5 pick, and New York could be one of the teams keeping close tabs.

The challenge Manning faces Saturday is immense. Ohio State boasts one of the deepest defensive fronts in the country, led by future first round talents who thrive at collapsing the pocket. Their secondary is fast and physical, capable of baiting quarterbacks into mistakes. For Manning, the keys will be trusting his reads, not forcing throws against disguised coverages, and taking advantage of Texas’ skill talent on the perimeter. How he handles third and-long against a relentless pass rush may be the ultimate measuring stick.

Source: https://www.ganggreennation.com/gam...l-week-1-spotlight-arch-manning-vs-ohio-state

 

[New York Jets]

Mailbag Questions

Leave mailbag questions for this week in the cleverly marked “comments” section.

Source: https://www.ganggreennation.com/general/86252/mailbag-questions

 

[New York Jets]

What can the Jets expect from their recent waiver wire claims?

The Jets claimed three players off waivers following cutdown day in the NFL. Let’s discuss how these three could impact the team in 2025 and beyond.

Jelani Woods​

The last time Woods played in the NFL he had a successful season. That’s the good news. The bad news is that last time was the 2022 season. Woods missed all of 2023 with a hamstring injury and all of 2024 with turf toe.

When a player misses back-to-back seasons with two separate soft tissue injuries, it is fair to wonder whether he will hold up. At the very least, it seems like the Jets should be concerned about how often he will be on the field in 2025.

But it’s important to remember he wasn’t a big money free agent signing. Woods was acquired off the waiver wire. The players found on waivers almost all have some issue or question mark.

The good news for the Jets is that the questions around Woods don’t involve his ability. By all accounts he had a strong preseason with the Colts and was caught up in a numbers game at tight end.

I think this is the exact type of player the Jets should be rolling the dice on. It’s not inconceivable that Woods is currently the best tight end on the roster and could take over the TE1 role once he gets up to speed on the playbook. Mason Taylor is certainly a player the Jets have a lot invested in, but he is a rookie and missed part of training camp with an injury. It might be in Taylor’s best interest to be brought along slowly in the TE2 role.

If Taylor is the top guy, though, Woods offers the Jets a potential quality TE2.

The bottom line is that if Woods is healthy he should have a role on this team. It’s rare you can say that about a waiver wire addition.

Cam Jones​

Jones is nominally listed as a linebacker, but make no mistake about it. The Jets brought him in to play special teams. He participated in two-thirds of the special teams snaps for the Chiefs in both 2023 and 2024. A year ago he was the team’s leader in special teams tackles.

For the last few spots the 53 man roster, it felt like the Jets were considering special teams ability in roster decisions. It’s a logic approach to take. In most of their games, the Jets will be the less talented team. One way to bridge the gap is to dominate in the game’s third phase.

Jones could see some time at linebacker in the event a flood of injuries creates an emergency at the position, but his focus will be on special teams. Expect him to be active in Week 1, and don’t be surprised if you hear his name called.

Esa Pole​

Pole was probably the most hyped of the three players the Jets claimed this week. Ironically, he is by far the least likely to make an impact on the team.

An undrafted free agent out of Washington State, Pole had a strong preseason with the Chiefs. He didn’t allow a pressure on 49 pass blocking snaps or commit a penalty in 68 total snaps. Many observers around the Chiefs thought he was a strong contender to make the roster.

I don’t think there’s anything wrong with the Jets placing a waiver claim on Pole. In fact, I like adding a developmental offensive lineman on the roster. He replaced Marquis Hayes on the roster. Hayes is a 26 year old entering his fourth year in the NFL. It was getting difficult to imagine that Hayes was going to develop into something more. Pole has the physical attributes to potentially develop into something in the NFL.

It just might be good to not get carried away with expectations here. You’d rather a player have a strong preseason than a weak preseason, but one full game and change worth of reps against backups in the preseason doesn’t tell us a whole lot about a player’s potential. Recent Jets history alone is full of preseason stars the Jets fanbase claimed the team would regret cutting. Few of these players had any NFL career of note.

The waiver claim on Pole was a logical move. We just shouldn’t be under any illusions that Pole is vastly more likely to pan out than any other developmental UDFA lineman.

Source: https://www.ganggreennation.com/new...s-expect-from-their-recent-waiver-wire-claims

 

[New York Jets]

The statistical tradeoffs of man coverage and zone coverage

Much was said about the glory of man coverage of defense when Rex Ryan was the head coach of the New York Jets.

Years later, Robert Saleh took over as the head coach of the New York Jets and suddenly the virtues of zone coverage were extolled.

Nowadays, we have Aaron Glenn, whose defense ran a very high man coverage rate, but still ran it less than 50% of the time. We can think of him as somewhat of a hybrid of the two former head coaches in this regard.

So what’s the deal? Which coverage scheme is better and why?

Well, like most things in the world the answer is “it depends.” In this case, “it depends” on what outcome you’re prioritizing.

think about this graph all the time: if you want to widen your distribution of outcomes, play more man coverage. if you want to keep it relatively more narrow play more zone coverage pic.twitter.com/8ipzxgjPGo

— Tej Seth (@tejfbanalytics) August 23, 2025

As broken down by Tej Seth, man coverage is more likely to yield a negative estimated points added for the offense, but comes with a greater likelihood of a chunk play that yields a relatively great deal of estimated points added. Zone coverage, by comparison, is more likely to allow for some offensive progress but is less likely to facilitate a chunk play for the offense or defense.

What this means from a practical sense is that the situation that a defense needs is really what dictates the decision between man and zone. Need a stop on short yardage? Probably going to need to run man. Operating from third and long? Zone it up.

What this also means for the Jets is that we’ll probably see more impact plays on that side rather than the bend and don’t break mentality that in many ways defined the defense under Robert Saleh. From a watchability standpoint, I consider this a welcome change, but what do you think about the pros and cons to this scheme change?

Source: https://www.ganggreennation.com/new...l-tradeoffs-of-man-coverage-and-zone-coverage

 

[New York Jets]

Ex-Jets Progress Report: Part 1 – Offense

Now that the offseason is over, it’s time to update you on former Jets players and how they’ve been faring with their current teams. We will cover this in three parts, looking at offense today, then defense and finally special teams over the next few days.

As ever, this list is intended to be exhaustive, but if we missed anyone, let us know in the comments.

Giants:

Guard Greg Van Roten was re-signed and ended up as a starter again by default after Evan Neal’s conversion to guard didn’t go as well as planned. Neal was initially working with the first team but fell off once the pads went on.

Also: Running back Jonathan Ward was picked up and rushed for 47 yards on 13 carries in preseason but wasn’t retained.

Commanders:

Two ex-Jets made the active roster as offensive lineman George Fant was a late addition and quarterback Josh Johnson held the number two role throughout camp. He completed 28 of 44 passes for 279 yards and a touchdown in preseason but with three interceptions.

Also: Tight end Lawrence Cager caught five passes for 54 yards in preseason to earn a practice squad spot and running back Donovan Edwards also got added to the practice squad. Guard Nate Herbig retired though.

Cowboys:

The only ex-Jet offensive player on the Dallas roster this offseason has been offensive lineman Dakoda Shepley but he wasn’t retained.

Eagles:

Tight end EJ Jenkins caught five passes for 41 yards in preseason and was retained on the practice squad.

Packers:

Green Bay retained two offensive players that used to be Jets on their practice squad in running back Israel Abanikanda and wide receiver Mecole Hardman. Abanikanda led the NFL in preseason with 267 kickoff return yards on 10 attempts. He also carried 24 times for 71 yards and a touchdown.

Vikings:

Running back Xazavian Valladay ended up on the practice squad after rushing for 39 yards on eight carries in preseason.

Also: Quarterback Brett Rypien and offensive lineman Zack Bailey were not retained.

Bears:

Offensive lineman Chris Glaser was on the practice squad last year and signed a futures deal but was not retained.

Lions:

Wide receiver Kalif Raymond remains on the roster for a fifth season with Detroit. He is joined by offensive lineman Trystan Colon on the practice squad and tight end Kenny Yeboah on injured reserve.

Bucs:

Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater came out of retirement to reunite with Todd Bowles and won the number two role after completing six of 11 passes for 85 yards and two touchdowns in preseason.

Saints:

The Saints also had Valladay on their roster earlier on in the offseason but they released him in June.

Panthers:

Wide receiver TJ Luther was not retained despite catching three passes for 49 yards in preseason.

Falcons:

Atlanta didn’t have any ex-Jets on offense in camp, but they added offensive tackle Carter Warren to their practice squad after the Jets released him.

Rams:

The Rams acquired wide receiver Davante Adams during the offseason and he’s expected to have a big year in Los Angeles.

Seahawks: Seattle shipped out one former Jets bust and replaced him with another when they traded Geno Smith to Las Vegas and then signed Sam Darnold. Darnold completed all four passes he attempted in preseason, for 34 yards.

Also: They had Fant on their roster but released him back in March.

Cardinals:

Offensive tackle Kelvin Beachum and wide receiver Greg Dortch were both re-signed and once again made the roster for 2025. They will be joined by Bam Knight who won a roster spot when he rushed for 138 yards on 12 carries in preseason. That included a 68-yard touchdown.

Knight beat out Michael Carter for the role as Carter was held to 77 yards on 20 carries in preseason but they did retain him on the practice squad.

49ers:

The 49ers have two ex-Jets on their practice squad; quarterback Adrian Martinez and wide receiver Robbie Chosen. It’s a surprising return for Chosen, who had 92 yards on five catches in the first preseason game and four more catches in the other two.

Also: Abanikanda was on the roster during the offseason but was released right at the start of camp.

Bills:

Running back Ty Johnson was re-signed by the Bills after a solid 2024 campaign. He had 26 yards on three carries in preseason.

Wide receiver Elijah Moore made the roster after signing for them in free agency and offensive lineman Dan Feeney will be on the practice squad.

Also: Quarterback Mike White only completed 12 of 24 passes in preseason but for 166 yards and two touchdowns. That wasn’t enough for him to retain a spot.

Dolphins:

The Dolphins were obviously impressed by quarterback Zach Wilson and his ability to pass to ball to players in a Miami jersey over the past few seasons. He won their backup role after going 29 for 45 for 327 yards and a touchdown in preseason.

Also: Offensive linemen Obinna Eze and Yodny Cajuste ended up on injured reserve and wide receiver Tarik Black was not retained after camp. Running back Raheem Mostert was a cap casualty back in February.

Patriots:

Offensive lineman Morgan Moses was signed in free agency and will start for New England at right tackle.

Also: New England also brought in another offensive lineman, Alec Lindstrom, for their practice squad.

Steelers:

Offensive lineman Calvin Anderson made the Steelers roster and is currently listed as their second team left tackle.

Pittsburgh also signed some guy called Aaron Rodgers. He did not play in preseason.

Also: Tight end Kevin Foelsch and wide receiver Lance McCutcheon were not retained, despite McCutcheon catching five passes for 66 yards and a touchdown in preseason. In addition, Ward was cut earlier on in the offseason.

Browns:

Quarterback Joe Flacco is back in Cleveland and won their starting role after completing 9 of 10 passes for 71 yards and a touchdown in preseason.

Tight end Brenden Bates and wide receiver Malachi Corley were added to the practice squad.

Also: Offensive lineman Brady Latham was not retained.

Bengals:

Rypien was added to the Bengals’ practice squad after the Vikings opted not to retain him. He had completed 15 of 29 passes for 151 yards with an interception in preseason with Minnesota.

Ravens:

The Ravens haven’t had any offensive players who were ex-Jets on their roster this offseason.

Titans:

Offensive lineman Blake Hance is currently listed as the Titans’ second team right guard after making the roster out of training camp.

Quarterback Trevor Siemian and offensive lineman Corey Levin were both retained on the practice squad.

Also: Siemian replaced Tim Boyle in preseason after Boyle was 4 for 13 for 24 yards with two interceptions. Siemian ended up going 8 for 13 for 65 yards.

Colts:

Wide receiver DJ Montgomery was on the Colts’ roster but he ended up on injured reserve.

Jaguars:

Offensive lineman Chuma Edoga signed a two-year deal in free agency and is expected to back up at guard for the Jaguars.

Also: Quarterback John Wolford was not retained

Texans:

Guard Laken Tomlinson and wide receiver Braxton Berrios are both on Houston’s active roster. Tomlinson will start after a good preseason and Berrios will come off the bench on offense but is listed as the starting punt returner.

Also: Offensive lineman Austin Deculus was traded to the Chargers and fellow offensive lineman Conor McDermott was not retained after both struggled in preseason.

Chiefs:

Wide receiver Jason Brownlee made the final roster after a preseason which included a touchdown catch from Patrick Mahomes.

Also: Foelsch was released in June, just 10 days after signing a one-year deal. Another tight end, Anthony Firkser, was not retained.

Raiders:

The Raiders traded for Geno Smith and he will start for them after going 9 for 14 for 96 yards and a touchdown in preseason. Las Vegas also added running back Raheem Mostert, who spent less than a week on the Jets’ practice squad several years ago.

Chargers:

After an outstanding year with the Eagles, Mekhi Becton remains at guard and will start for the Chargers. He’ll reunite with tight end Tyler Conklin who will also start for them.

They also added tackle Austin Deculus via trade from Houston.

Broncos:

Finally, Denver is another team that has had no ex-Jets on offense during the offseason.

Source: https://www.ganggreennation.com/general/86276/ex-jets-progress-report-part-1-offense

 

[New York Jets]

Ex-Jets Progress Report: Part 2 – Defense

Now that the offseason is over, it’s time to update you on former Jets players and how they’ve been faring with their current teams. We are covering this in three parts and will be looking at defense today having already covered the offense. We’ll move onto special teams within a day or two.

As ever, this list is intended to be exhaustive, but if we missed anyone, let us know in the comments.

Commanders:

Linebacker Frankie Luvu is coming off a season where he was named as a second team all-pro and will be joined in the Commanders’ front seven by Jacob Martin who was signed in the offseason.

Linebacker Nick Bellore also returns, although he will primarily play on special teams as usual.

Also: Defensive lineman Jalyn Holmes was retained on the practice squad.

Giants:

The Giants haven’t had any defensive players who are former Jets on their team all offseason.

Cowboys:

Dallas retained two defensive linemen on their active roster – Solomon Thomas and Perrion Winfrey – each of whom would have been coached by Dallas defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton while they were with the Jets. It remains to be seen how Micah Parsons’ departure and Kenny Clark’s arrival will affect those two players.

Also: Cornerback Luq Barcoo and linebacker Nick Vigil were not retained.

Eagles:

Having traded away defensive end Bryce Huff following a disappointing first year with the Eagles, the only ex-Jet remaining on the Eagles’ defense was cornerback Parry Nickerson, who had an interception against the Jets in preseason. He was signed to the practice squad.

Bears:

The Bears are another team who haven’t had any ex-Jets on their defense this year.

Packers:

The Packers retained defensive end Deslin Alexandre and safety Jaylin Simpson on their practice squad. Alexandre had a couple of sacks in preseason.

Also: Rookie linebacker Jared Bartlett and cornerbacks Corey Ballentine and Isaiah Dunn were not retained.

Vikings:

Linebacker Blake Cashman had a huge year in 2024 and will return as a starter to the Vikings this season.

Lions:

The Lions signed Jets’ starting cornerback DJ Reed during the offseason and he will start for them in 2025.

Also: The Lions picked up Barcoo after Dallas cut him but he was not retained.

Bucs:

Edge defender Haason Reddick is being touted as a bounceback candidate after his awful 2024 season with the Jets. He’ll play a big role for the Bucs this year.

Also: Cornerback Bryce Hall was retained on the practice squad but the Bucs declined an option in February to make safety Jordan Whitehead a free agent and he has been without a team ever since.

Falcons:

Cornerback Lamar Jackson was cut after a rough preseason that saw him give up 147 yards on seven catches, including a 68-yarder. He also had two penalties. Linebacker Caleb Johnson was also not retained.

Saints:

All-pro linebacker Demario Davis and defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd were full-time starters for the Saints last year and will play the same roles in 2025.

Panthers:

Claud Cherelus was a useful rotational linebacker and special teamer last year and he returns to the Panthers’ active roster.

Also: Cornerback Tre Swilling was not retained but his fellow cornerback Shemar Bartholomew made it to the practice squad despite giving up three touchdowns in preseason.

49ers:

As you’d expect, Robert Saleh’s return to the 49ers’ staff saw him bring over plenty of ex-Jets defenders. The two that made the active roster were defensive end Bryce Huff, who was acquired via trade, and safety Jason Pinnock.

Also: Linebacker Chazz Surratt and defensive linemen Bruce Hector, Michael Dwumfour and Bradlee Anae were not retained.

Rams:

The Rams were another team with no defensive ex-Jets on their roster at any point this offseason.

Seahawks:

Defensive lineman Leonard Williams had a huge second half of 2024 and returns to the Seahawks starting line-up in 2025.

Also: Surratt was added to the practice squad after the 49ers released him.

Cardinals:

Linebacker Milo Eifler was released by the Cardinals back in May and hasn’t been with a team since then.

Bills:

Cornerback Brandon Codrington returns primarily for his return abilities. He returned kicks and punts in preseason.

Also: Linebacker Jimmy Ciarlo gave up seven catches for 49 yards and missed three tackles in preseason but his three special teams tackles helped him earn a practice squad spot.

Dolphins:

Defensive back Elijah Campbell returns to Miami’s secondary where he usually plays a rotational role along with contributing on special teams. Safety Ashtyn Davis will bring similar qualities. Davis has been projected to start, although an ankle injury may limit him early on in the season.

Patriots:

New England added Ballentine to their practice squad after his release from the Packers.

Browns:

Defensive tackle Shelby Harris remains a key rotational linemen for the Browns but looks set to come off the bench this year.

He’s joined on defense by defensive back Jarrick Bernard-Converse who they claimed on waivers.

Also: Edge Elerson Smith retired during the offseason and safety Trey Dean was cut and not retained.

Steelers:

The Steelers have two ex-Jets in their secondary as they brought in cornerback Brandin Echols and safety Chuck Clark.

Also: Defensive lineman Domenique Davis ended up on injured reserve.

Bengals:

Defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins was a starter last year but missed the second half of the season and was cut in February. Safety and “Mr. Irrelevant” Jaylen Key was also not retained.

Ravens:

Defensive back Art Maulet was released in March after two years with the Ravens.

Titans:

Cornerback and special teamer Justin Hardee re-signed in April but was then released again less than three weeks later and hasn’t been signed since.

Colts:

Ballentine was also in Indianapolis briefly, before he re-joined the Packers.

Texans:

At defensive tackle Folorunso Fatukasi is reunited with Sheldon Rankins after the pair played together in 2021. Right now, it looks like Rankins might start with Fatukasi coming off the bench.

Also: Defensive backs Jalen Mills and Art Maulet were not retained after being with the team in preseason. Mills had one interception.

Jaguars:

The Jaguars are the final AFC team that didn’t have any ex-Jets on defense this offseason.

Broncos:

John Franklin-Myers returns to the Broncos’ defensive line after an excellent 2024 season.

Also: Dwumfour also signed for Denver during preseason but only lasted five days.

Raiders:

Defensive tackle Leki Fotu is hoping for a bounce-back year after he was hurt for most of 2024 in his only year as a Jet. Joining him on the active roster is Jamal Adams who is also hoping for a bounce-back, having moved to linebacker.

Also: Linebacker Brandon Smith, not to be confused with the current Jets wide receiver with the same name, was not retained.

Chiefs:

Defensive tackle Mike Pennel had a poor preseason, which may have been behind the Chiefs’ decision to bring back Derrick Nnadi via trade. Pennel was not retained on the practice squad.

Chargers:

Finally, the Chargers signed Del’Shawn Phillips back in March and he should contribute for them as a rotational linebacker and special teamer.

Also: Defensive back Nehemiah Shelton was not retained.

Source: https://www.ganggreennation.com/general/86295/ex-jets-progress-report-part-2-defense

 

[New York Jets]

New York Jets Flight Connections 08/31/25

Happy Sunday, Jets fans! Below are your Jets links for today. No matter where you are spending your long weekend, I hope you are safe and healthy.

Robby Sabo – Malachi Moore’s instincts and versatility | NY Jets film session

Michael Nania – The duel of first-round talents that will determine Jets-Steelers

Michael Nania – 3 free agent edge rushers the NY Jets should look to sign

Al Iannazzone – Jets could get added bonus with Buckeye buddies Garrett Wilson, Justin Fields reunited

Brian Costello – The Week 1 ways Jets can show fans they’re heading in right direction

Steve Serby – Braelon Allen has ‘a lot left to prove’, details why Jets are buying into Aaron Glenn’s leadership

Justin Melo – Micah Parsons trade makes ex-Jets GM Joe Douglas look even smarter

Justin Melo – Jets’ Darren Mougey has high expectations for QB Justin Fields in 2025

Justin Melo – Jets will see Micah Parsons-less Cowboys in during 2025 NFL season

Nick Wojton – WATCH: Jets’ Sauce Gardner appears on episode of ‘Hot Ones’

Patrick McAvoy – New York Jets Lose LB Zaire Barnes To New York Giants

Patrick McAvoy – New York Jets Beat Out AFC Contender For Jowon Briggs: Reports

Patrick McAvoy – Jets Have Fantasy Football League Winner, Per PFF

Derek Tate – Jets QB Justin Fields is a ‘Risky’ Fantasy Football Pick in 2025

Evan Cormier – Jets Rushers Need To Take Advantage Of Steelers’ Young Tackles

Jordan Foote – Jets GM Darren Mougey Sounds Off on State of WR Room Entering Season

Paul Edsen – Patriots Stole Big Armed QB Away From the Jets: Report

Derek Praschak – PFF just confirmed what Jets fans already knew about Sauce Gardner

Justin Fried – Jets and Giants suddenly locked in practice squad war after roster cuts

Justin Fried – Jets fans surprised by glaring omission from 2025 team captains

Zach Presnell – Unexpected Star Predicted To Lead Jets Loaded RB Room

Zach Presnell – Jets Urged To Reunite With Fan Favorite Veteran QB After Release

Here are your missed connections from yesterday.

Source: https://www.ganggreennation.com/general/86299/new-york-jets-flight-connections-08-31-25

 

[New York Jets]

Darren Mougey provides evaluation of Justin Fields

The New York Jets had a very quiet offseason with one exception: the signing of dynamic (but to date statistically mediocre) Justin Fields.

Weeks of practice clips on X later, the opinions of Fields’ play among Jets fans vary. For some, the upside remains tantalizing. For others, the inaccurate passes are a non-starter. In the coming weeks everyone will get to find out who was right.

In the interim, the opinions of Jets decision makers are really all that matter for the team. Recently, General Manager Darren Mougey provided some thoughts on how he thinks Fields has improved since joining the team.

GM Darren Mougey says the biggest improvement from Justin Fields has been his operation and command pic.twitter.com/5qpBs5ZKcr

— New York Jets (@nyjets) August 28, 2025

By no means is anything that he’s saying here all that groundbreaking. One would hope that months of practice would allow Fields a better grasp of the offense, which seems to be what Mougey is getting at here. Regardless, it seems like Mougey is at least a little bit encouraged by what he’s seeing. Fingers crossed that yields some better offensive play than the team has seen in recent years.

Source: https://www.ganggreennation.com/new...vides-evaluation-of-quarterback-justin-fields

 

[New York Jets]

New York Jets Flight Connections 09/01/25

Good morning Gang Green Nation!

Today is Labor Day in the United States. That means the unofficial end of summer and the unofficial beginning of autumn, a few weeks before the actual autumnal equinox. With September come cool, crisp mornings, the start of school, and of course, NFL football. The 2025 NFL regular season gets underway this Thursday night when the Dallas Cowboys visit the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. The Jets season gets started on Sunday at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers. We finally get to see what this new Jets regime is all about, starting this week. Should be interesting.

Here are your links to your New York Jets this glorious Monday in September:

Suraj Kodali – Two Trades Fully Revamped the Jets Defensive Line

Rich Cimini – Does Jets QB Fields have enough help at WR to be successful?

Sharif Phillips-Keaton – New York Jets’ Breece Hall could look for his next deal to be fairly large

Justin Melo – Jets will see Micah Parsons-less Cowboys in during 2025 NFL season

Justin Melo – New York Jets’ Justin Fields ranked as 4th-tier QB

Craig Moffett – Previewing the New York Jets’ divisional rivals ahead of 2025 NFL season: Buffalo Bills

Billy Heyen – Why Quinnen Williams is biggest fan of Jets trade for Harrison Phillips

Billy Heyen – Jets linked to Jakobi Meyers trade with key connection

Billy Heyen – Jets reveal plans for fast rookie WR Arian Smith

Jason Kandel – Malachi Corley’s disastrous Jets tenure somehow looks even worse now

Justin Fried – Jets fans pushing to tank for Arch Manning just got a reality check

Evan Dammarell – Insider keeping eye on Jets-Raiders Jakobi Meyers trade

Here are your missed connections from yesterday.

Source: https://www.ganggreennation.com/new-york-jets-news/86311/new-york-jets-flight-connections-09-01-25

 

[New York Jets]

The Jets showed the formula to slow down TJ Watt. Will the new coaching staff use it?

Last year’s Week 6 game in Pittsburgh was an ugly one for the New York Jets. A 15-6 lead late in the first half turned into 37-15 defeat in which the Jets fell apart in practically every way. There were not many positive takeaways from that evening.

One exception was the way the Jets handled TJ Watt. The superstar defender was held to a single tackle.

That night a deservingly maligned Jets coaching staff decided that Watt was not going to beat them. You likely heard during the broadcast the phrase “four hands on every play.” The Jets provided right tackle Morgan Moses help on almost every snap whether it was in the form of a chip or a true double team.

It’s easy to say, “Just double team a great pass rusher.” It’s typically much more difficult to do in reality. Watt’s role in the Steelers defense, however, makes him more susceptible to this strategy than your typical defender of his caliber.

Most of the elite pass rushers move around. Sometimes they go left. Sometimes they go right. On a passing down, they might line up across from a guard or center to feast on less athletic linemen.

Watt is a throwback. Last year he almost always lined up on the left side of the defensive formation and the right side of the offensive formation. In fact, the Steelers defenders lined up in the same spots more than any other defense in the league in 2024.

Watt himself has suggested that he prefers lining up on the left side of the defense. It’s tough to argue with the comfort level of player that productive. Still, it does make the Steelers defense easier to scheme against than your typical unit.

This is the type of thing the Jets must consider entering their Week 1 game against Pittsburgh. Watt’s alignment on the left side of the defense means he will be lining up across from Armand Membou. It’s a big assignment for a rookie in his first NFL game. Membou has plenty of potential, but his uneven preseason play suggests that he will be in for some growing pains early in his career (as many rookie tackles have). I think it’s fair to say dealing with Watt is one of the few areas where the new Jets coaching staff should take its cues from the old coaching staff. If Membou ever has to block Watt one on one in this game it’s likely to turn ugly for the Jets.

Obviously, a nonstop double team does have an effect on the offense. On a true double team, the Jets will only be able to send four receivers out on patterns. Even with a chip, one receiver will be releasing late and be limited in the routes he can run.

This also likely limits the help the Jets can provide Olu Fashanu against Alex Highsmith, a talented pass rusher in his own right. Normally this would be the type of matchup where you would want to assist a second year tackle. Membou is the higher priority, though.

The Steelers have made a bit of noise about moving Watt around the formation more frequently in 2025. I’m a skeptic of coaching staffs declaring changes like this before I see them. It also seems pretty logical that Pittsburgh would hunt for the Watt vs. Membou matchup anyway.

The bottom line is that the Jets should be giving Membou plenty of help in this game. It could make a big difference.

Source: https://www.ganggreennation.com/gen...wn-tj-watt-will-the-new-coaching-staff-use-it

 

[New York Jets]

Reports: Alijah Vera-Tucker suffers “potentially significant” injury

Multiple NFL insiders are reporting that Jets guard Alijah Vera-Tucker could miss “significant time” after suffering an apparent upper body injury.

Jets guard Alijah Vera-Tucker has suffered a potentially serious injury and could miss significant time, source says.

New York’s offensive line takes a hit ahead of its Week 1 game against the Steelers. Vera-Tucker was just named a captain for Aaron Glenn. pic.twitter.com/HZYx0DCF8z

— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) September 3, 2025

Jets guard Alijah Vera-Tucker suffered a significant injury, as @DMRussini reported.

It is an arm injury, he is getting a second opinion and Vera-Tucker might now need surgery, per sources. pic.twitter.com/AJYzoQVAx8

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 3, 2025

These reports of course leave a lot of unanswered questions about the specific nature of the injury and the definition of “significant time.” Still we can probably surmise that the sources inside the building who leaked the news to the reporters have reason to believe this injury is no small matter

Unfortunately for Vera-Tucker, missing time is nothing new. He has missed 25 of a possible 68 games during his career due to injuries. It’s unfortunate since he has been a quality offensive lineman across four positions when on the field.

If you are searching for some sort of silver lining it’s that interior offensive line is one of the few spots on the field where the Jets have the depth on paper to absorb an injury. Projected top backup Josh Myers has 56 games of starting experience at center. The hypothetical position battle between Myers and Joe Tippmann will likely be rendered moot as Tippmann will slide over to right guard replacing Vera-Tucker. Of course if your depth can only withstand a single injury to a position, it’s best to not use up that injury before the first regular season game is even played.

A serious injury could not come at a worse time for Vera-Tucker who is entering the final year of his contract. Looking at a third season with substantial missed time in five years could quite possibly impact the second contract he will receive.

Source: https://www.ganggreennation.com/new...tucker-suffers-potentially-significant-injury