Its that time of year again. Cut week is upon us, which means each team must cut players until they are down to 53 on their active roster. As the day goes on, players around the NFL are being brought into their head coach’s office, having their playbooks taken and being sent on their merry way.
Some will be brought back on their team’s practice squad, but many will not. Numerous players have already been cut, such as New England Patriots Quarterback and former MVP, Cam Newton. Players like Tim Tebow and Breshad Perriman have also been released. It happens every year, yet some moves always surprise. Here is the initial 53 man roster for the New York Jets.
Zach Wilson warms up before his game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Josh Johnson was cut on Monday, after only a few weeks. He played well in the Jets’ final preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles, but at age 35, he likely doesn’t provide enough upside to justify keeping around. James Morgan was also released, but look for them to possibly bring him back to the Practice Squad.
Josh Adams was released on yesterday, likely because of the depth the team feels they have at the Runningback position.
This final group was somewhat predictable, as Vyncint Smith and Lawrence Cager were the odd men out in the room.
Joe Douglas provided fans with another reason for why they should love him. The Jets traded Chris Herndon and a 2022 6th round pick to the Minnesota Vikings for a 2022 4th round pick. While it looks like they fleeced the Vikings, it leaves them with one true tight end on the roster in Tyler Kroft. Look for them to make another move this week to shore up the position, maybe Zach Ertz?
The Jets are very thin at offensive tackle, so don’t be surprised to see them active in the waiver wire, scouring for players at the position.
Much like their situation at tackle, the Jets need to make some moves to shore up the depth at every interior offensive line position.
The Jets are also thin at defensive end after Carl Lawson went down for the season, but they have enough depth at defensive tackle to make up for the potential lack of pressure on the edge. They also recently traded for Shaq Lawson, who comes in as an immediate starter over the likes of Jabari Zuniga, who, to the surprise of many, made the active roster.
The defensive interior is easily the strongest and deepest group on the roster, and with so many talented players, look for some of them to kick outside if needed.
The linebacker group is admittedly thin with the injury Jarrad Davis suffered in the Jets second preseason game against the Green Bay Packers, and the team will be relying heavily on a couple of rookies in Jamien Sherwood and Hamsah Nasirildeen.
The cornerback group for the Jets is perhaps the most interesting group on the roster, as basically all of the players are very young and/or unproven. Expect a somewhat rough season.
Marcus Maye has been a great piece for the Jets since he was drafted in 2017.
The safety position for the Jets has a lot of talent, but not much depth to go with it. Marcus Maye is one of the most underrated safeties in the league, and Lamarcus Joyner has had a solid NFL career. Ashtyn Davis has shown flashes, but missed some time last year due to injury.
Kicker – Matt Ammendola
Punter – Braden Mann
LS – Thomas Hennessey
Others – Justin Hardee
Matt Ammendola is the only kicker left on the roster. Braden Mann had a rough rookie year, Thomas Hennessey is consistent, and Justin Hardee should excel after a successful stint with the New Orleans Saints.
The Jets roster has a lot of potential, but there are some groups that need to add some depth. Injuries have been a consistent problem for this team, and they will need some backups to come in throughout the season. Look for Joe Douglas to go out and make moves, specifically at any of the offensive line positions, Tight End, and possibly Linebacker. This has been your updated initial 53-man roster for the New York Jets.
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