The New York Jets announced their initial 53-man roster about 80 minutes after the NFL payroll cut deadline on Tuesday, and there weren't any surprises.
Though rumored to be in jeopardy, second-year running back Israel Abani-Kanda and second-year wide receiver Jason Brownlee avoided being cut.
A fifth-round pick in the 2023 draft, Abanikanda finished the preseason with some impressive performances, including leading all rushers in a win over the New York Giants. He will be one of four running backs on the roster, joining running back Breece Hall, mid-round rookie pick Braylon Allen and Isaiah Davis.
Coming into the game late in the summer, Brownlee was one of seven receivers who finished 53rd, along with special teams ace Irv Charles, who was undoubtedly helped by his special teams ability.
Last year, two undrafted receivers earned the position. This year, three undrafted rookie defensive linemen were named to the first roster. Miami's Leonard Taylor, Connecticut's Eric Watts and Michigan's Brayden McGregor all made the Jets' 53-man roster after impressive performances in training camp. Taylor recorded a half-sack on three consecutive defensive snaps against the Giants.
The Jets also continued their defensive line rebuild project with the addition of former first-round draft pick Takk McKinley to the position. After being unemployed all of last season, McKinley signed with the Jets in June and has been sensational since then.
New York released two previous draft picks, including reigning “Mr. Irrelevant” Jalen Key, and 2023 seventh-round tight end Zach Kuntz.
The Jets traded rookie return specialist Brandon Codrington to the Buffalo Bills this afternoon and placed veteran defensive tackle Leki Fotu and tight end Kenny Yeboah on injured reserve for the start of the season, with both expected to return in four weeks.
Meanwhile, fifth-round rookie quarterback Jordan Travis remains on the non-football injured list and is eligible to return later this season.
“His (Travis') rehab is obviously going to be longer than we anticipated,” head coach Robert Saleh said Tuesday. “Hopefully, we'll reevaluate him later this year.”
Release/Abandon
CB Shemar Bartholomew, S Al Blades Jr., OL Austin D'Cruz, LB Sam Eguavoyen, OL Obinna Eze, TE Anthony Firkser, OL Chris Glazer, OL Jake Hanson, WR Tyler Harrell, DL Bruce Hector, LB Anthony Hines, DL Jalyn Holmes, RB Deon Jackson, S Jalen Key, TE Zach Kuntz, OL Brady Latham, OL Cole Levao, QB Adrian Martinez, LB Marcelino McClary-Ball, WR Lance McCutcheon, S Jarius Monroe, QB Andrew Peaslee, TE Lincoln Sefcik, K Austin Seibert, CB Kendall Sheffield, LB Jackson Salmon, DL Tanzel Smart, WR Brandon Smith, CB Tre Swilling, DL Jalen Twyman, OL Willie Tyler III, RB Xavian Valaday, WR Isaiah Winstead
Traded
RS Brandon Codrington
