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New York Jets News & Rumors

Jets To Release QB Tim Boyle

August 29th, 2023 at 1:28pm CST by Adam La Rose

With the top two spots on their quarterback depth chart accounted for, the Jets will at least temporarily move on from Tim Boyle. New York is releasing the veteran signal-caller, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

Boyle has four years of regular season play to his name, all of which has come within the NFC North. He was with the Packers in 2019 and ’20, and his time there was followed up by one-year stints with the Lions and Bears. Boyle signed with the Jets in April, as the team sorted through its efforts to land a high-end veteran starter.

That goal was achieved with the Aaron Rodgers trade later that month, a move which moved the latter into the starting role. New York still has former No. 2 pick Zach Wilson in place, and he will reside as the team’s backup during Rodgers’ time in the Big Apple – something which is likely to last for at least the 2023 and ’24 campaigns. With those two in the intermediate-term plans, Boyle will be left on the outside of the roster bubble.

Fowler does note that Boyle will likely be a practice squad candidate if he no other teams show much interest in him while sorting out their own roster decisions. That would allow the 28-year-old to remain in New York as the team begins what is expected to be a window of Super Bowl contention. Boyle, who has started three of his 17 appearances, would represent relatively experienced depth if needed as a fill-in for Rogers or Wilson.

A number of quarterbacks similar to Boyle have found themselves on the waiver wire or free agency recently, however, so a number of teams around the league could be in the market for depth additions under center. Clubs willing to carry three passers on their initial 53-man rosters could be interested in players like Boyle, which would give him an opportunity to avoid a taxi squad situation.

Jets OL Trystan Colon Drawing Trade Interest

August 28th, 2023 at 10:21pm CST by Sam Robinson

While the Jets’ tackle situation has generated scrutiny for months, teams have recognized the increasingly relevant team’s stronger interior offensive line setup. On that note, one of Gang Green’s options inside has drawn trade interest.

Teams have called the Jets on backup offensive lineman Trystan Colon, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com tweets, noting several clubs have reached out to the team on the veteran reserve. The Jets have Connor McGovern, Wes Schweitzer and Joe Tippmann as center options, with Schweitzer having worked at guard during training camp as well.

The Jets may be able to pick up a late-round pick for Colon, who spent his first three NFL seasons with the Ravens. Baltimore nontendered Colon as a restricted free agent in March. Shortly after that move, the Jets added the fourth-year vet on a one-year, $1.41MM deal that came with $250K guaranteed.

A Mizzou alum like McGovern, Colon-Castillo started four games for the Ravens during his first three seasons. The 25-year-old blocker has mostly worked as a reserve during his short NFL career. Teams are often scanning for O-lineman, especially at this point in the year. A team with a low waiver position would stand to be more willing to send over a late-round pick or complete a pick-swap deal with the Jets.

McGovern, whose second Jets contract (one year, $1.92MM) barely eclipses Colon’s, is expected to retain his role as the Jets’ starting center. Schweitzer has extensive guard experience and profiles as a solid swingman. Tippmann remains the heir apparent here, with McGovern signed for just one season. But the veteran is expected to begin the Aaron Rodgers era as the all-time great’s snapper.

Minor NFL Transactions: 8/28/23

August 28th, 2023 at 8:27pm CST by Sam Robinson

We are less than 24 hours from the deadline for NFL teams to trim their rosters to 53 players. Here are the latest moves teams have made as they pare their squads down toward the in-season limit:

Baltimore Ravens

Chicago Bears

Cleveland Browns

Dallas Cowboys

Denver Broncos

Detroit Lions

Indianapolis Colts

Jacksonville Jaguars

Los Angeles Chargers

Los Angeles Rams

Miami Dolphins

  • Released from IR via injury settlement: DB Tino Ellis

Minnesota Vikings

New England Patriots

New Orleans Saints

New York Giants

New York Jets

Pittsburgh Steelers

Seattle Seahawks

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tennessee Titans

Jets To Cut RB Zonovan Knight

August 28th, 2023 at 1:38pm CST by Adam La Rose

The logjam in the Jets’ backfield has been cleared. New York is moving on from running back Zonovan Knight, reports NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

New York’s situation at the running back position was clouded by the Dalvin Cook signing. His addition, along with 2022 second-rounder Breece Hall, left the team with a highly-regarded tandem at the top of the depth chart. With those two in place, however, it seemed inevitable that only one of Knight or 2021 fourth-round pick Michael Carter would make the roster.

The latter, who has two years remaining on his rookie contract, will remain in the fold. The same is likely to hold true of fifth-round rookie Israel Abanikanda. That would come as little surprise, though Rapoport notes that Knight drew some interest on the trade front. It will therefore be interesting to see how many teams show a willingness to claim him on waivers. If that does not take place, he will be eligible to remain with the Jets via the practice squad.

Knight, 22, started last season on the taxi squad before Hall’s ACL tear opened the door to playing time. The former UDFA started four of his seven games, recording 300 rushing yards and one touchdown on 85 carries (good for an average of 3.5 yards per attempt). He showcased an ability to produce in the passing game as well, though, recording 100 yards on 13 receptions.

The NC State alum is one of many young backs who could find themselves in a new situation (one which could provide an increase in playing time) in the near future. Unless that happens, the Jets will presumably have a keen interest in again stashing him on the practice squad to begin the campaign.

Minor NFL Transactions: 8/27/23

August 27th, 2023 at 10:01pm CST by Ely Allen

With the preseason over for 30 of the NFL’s 32 teams, many have begun the process of working their rosters down to the eventual 53-man rosters they will open the season with:

Indianapolis Colts

  • Waived: WR Tyler Adams, WR Kody Case, G Emil Ekiyor, TE Nick Eubanks, K Lucas Havrisik, TE Michael Jacobson, T Matthew Vanderslice
  • Released: CB Teez Tabor

Las Vegas Raiders

Los Angeles Chargers

Minnesota Vikings

New England Patriots

New York Jets

Pittsburgh Steelers

San Francisco 49ers

Seattle Seahawks

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Although never quite reaching the heights of his tenure with the Bengals, Vigil has a history as a strong contributor and potential starter at linebacker. Coming off a season that saw him only play in four games for the Cardinals before getting put on injured reserve, Vigil failed to stick in New York and will need to find his next opportunity elsewhere.

Vallejo’s tenure in Minnesota lasted a short two weeks. The special teams specialist will have to keep searching for his 2023 home.

Mekhi Becton Wins Jets’ RT Job

August 27th, 2023 at 7:43am CST by Sam Robinson

AUGUST 27: Becton has indeed won the starting RT job. Saleh made the announcement to reporters, including Connor Hughes of SNY.tv, following the Jets’ preseason victory over the Giants last night.

“He’s doing all of the right stuff,” Saleh said of Becton (via Eric Edholm of NFL.com). “He has a lot of energy. He’s speaking the right language. He has a lot of positive self-talk. He’s in the training room every day working on that knee and making sure that it’s always fresh and ready to roll. He just has to stay on it and he can’t get complacent with where he’s at now. He has a lot to play for. He has gotten better every single day. He has gotten more confident in his knee.”

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers also spoke positively of Becton’s performance in the game itself (via Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network).

September 11, the date of the Jets’ Week 1 matchup with the Bills, will be almost two years to the day since Becton last appeared in a regular season game.

AUGUST 22: Mekhi Becton‘s gradual return to first-string duty will lead to a preseason start. The former first-round pick has spent most of the Jets’ training camp as a backup, but Robert Saleh said (via ESPN.com’s Rich Cimini) he will start at right tackle in the team’s preseason finale.

While teams often sit starters in their final preseason tilts, Aaron Rodgers will make his Jets debut in this one. Becton being summoned for a start points to the Jets giving serious consideration to the fourth-year veteran making a long-delayed return to the starting lineup.

Duane Brown remains on track — tentatively, at least — to reprise his role as the Jets’ left tackle. Brown is visiting a specialist in Houston on Tuesday, and The Athletic’s Dianna Russini notes the expectation is the 16th-year blocker could be activated off the active/PUP list as soon as today (Twitter link). Brown, 37, is in the final stages of his recovery from offseason shoulder surgery. While Brown taking this long to return from an early-offseason procedure probably should set off alarm bells, the Jets have shown faith in the former Pro Bowler, who is tied to a two-year deal worth $20MM.

Brown only came to New York after Becton’s second major knee injury. Becton said his move to right tackle — to accommodate George Fant ahead of Gang Green’s 2022 training camp — played a significant role in the reinjury, placing blame on the Jets’ coaching staff for moving him from his natural left tackle position. But Becton has warmed up to the idea of returning to the right side. And the Jets have been proceeding cautiously with Becton during camp.

He only practiced at the position for the first time Thursday; that work preceded a 25-snap cameo against the Buccaneers last weekend. Becton’s agent told Cimini the Jets have limited Becton’s reps and workout time as he ramps back up from his second season-ending injury. This protocol included a delay in playing right tackle, which places more stress on Becton’s surgically repaired right knee. Doctors advised Becton to avoid right tackle early in camp, per Cimini, for this reason. But Becton’s agent said his client has been cleared to play this position again.

Becton has certainly not been a low-maintenance player since the Jets drafted him, and questions abound regarding his ability to hold up at either tackle post once the regular season begins. This has led to frequent concerns about the Jets’ batch of tackles, a group that also includes free agent pickup Billy Turner and 2022 fourth-round pick Max Mitchell. Neither player seizing the RT job opens the door for Becton to play opposite Brown in Week 1. At this point, Becton should probably be considered the favorite for the gig, SI.com’s Albert Breer adds. That said, Becton has not played right tackle in a regular-season game.

Elsewhere on the Jets’ offensive front, Connor McGovern still has the lead for the starting center role. The recently re-signed blocker, who manned this spot from 2020-22, will likely keep the job for Week 1, per Breer. The Jets drafted Joe Tippmann and gave interior O-lineman Wes Schweitzer more money than McGovern this offseason. But Schweitzer has played both center and guard during camp, potentially being groomed for a swing backup role. The Jets being open to moving Alijah Vera-Tucker back to right tackle — in the event the risky Brown-Becton plan does not hold up — could also open up a guard spot for Schweitzer.

NFC Rumors: Bucs, Lions, Panthers, Packers

August 25th, 2023 at 11:01pm CST by Ely Allen

The Buccaneers may be considered as a rebuilding squad, but that doesn’t matter much to the players fighting for roster spots in the late preseason. As the regular season inches nearer and nearer, two starting positions are starting to come into focus, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times.

On offense, center Ryan Jensen has not returned to practice as he continues to recover from three knee ligament tears that he opted not to have surgery on. In his absence, Robert Hainsey and Nick Leverett have been competing for the starting job. Hainsey likely has a bit of an edge after playing the position in college and starting all 17 games last season for Tampa Bay, but Leverett has meshed well in new offensive coordinator Dave Canales‘ new zone-blocking scheme. Even if Hainsey can’t hold onto the job, Leverett may keep the position competitive.

On defense, Dee Delaney has really stepped up at nickelback after the team opted to move Antoine Winfield Jr. back to free safety full-time. Delaney, who spent four years at The Citadel before transferring to Miami (FL) and going undrafted, has stuck in Tampa Bay, playing 32 games over the past two seasons while starting three of them. Delaney has had a great camp as reflected in a stellar performance in last week’s preseason game against the Jets. Undrafted rookie Christian Izien has also impressed with physical play throughout the preseason, while rookie sixth-round pick Josh Hayes has fallen a bit behind in the position battle.

Here are a few more roster battles to watch heading into the final weekend of preseason games this season:

  • Nate Sudfeld was viewed as a solid backup option at quarterback for the Lions last season. Coming into 2023, though, he may be struggling to retain a roster spot, according to Justin Rogers of The Detroit News. Obviously, Jared Goff has the starting job locked up, but recently signed veteran Teddy Bridgewater has made a strong case for the QB2 role behind him. Sudfeld still has value to the team, but head coach Dan Campbell made it clear that his roster status depends on if he adds more value to the team than depth at other positions on the roster. If CB5 or CB6 end up adding more value than Sudfeld as QB3, he may find himself missing out on the initial 53-man roster.
  • As starting guard Austin Corbett waits to be cleared following ACL surgery, the Panthers‘ situation at guard is feeling a bit precarious. A tweet from Joseph Person of The Athletic tells that a decision on the starting right guard job in Corbett’s absence has been delayed until the returns from injury of rookie fourth-round pick Chandler Zavala and undrafted rookie Nash Jensen. Head coach Frank Reich wanted both rookies to have a chance for the spot before making the decision. Zavala was recently activated from the physically unable to perform list and hasn’t seen much action. Jensen was impressing early in the offseason before a back injury slowed his progress. They’ll compete with Cade Mays and Justin McCray for the position, but Person believes that Carolina may pursue some added competition at roster cutdowns.
  • Last week, the Packers‘ seventh-round pick from last year, Rasheed Walker, got the starting call at left tackle ahead of usual backup Yosh Nijman, according to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. Nijman has been the usual go-to at tackle when starter David Bakhtiari isn’t available, but Schneidman thinks that Walker may have worked his way past Nijman on the depth chart as of late.

AFC Notes: Raiders, Pats, Jets, Bengals

August 25th, 2023 at 9:48pm CST by Ely Allen

As we inch closer to the start of the regular season, the Raiders‘ eventual 53-man roster is starting to come into focus. Two players in particular appear to be securing their positions for the team’s lineup come Week 1, according to Tashan Reed of The Athletic.

Wide receiver DeAndre Carter has definitely taken advantage of his opportunities throughout camp this preseason. In the team’s second preseason game, Carter started in the slot in place of Hunter Renfrow, who sat out for the game. He didn’t put up notable stats from the position, but he really shined in a special teams role. He had a strong opening kick return and was inches away from a punt return for a touchdown, as well. The coaches’ faith in him to start in place of Renfrow combined with his return ability has virtually cemented his spot on the roster, according to Reed.

Another player on the rise is veteran guard Greg Van Roten, who seems to have surpassed Alex Bars for the starting job at right guard. Van Roten started the team’s most recent preseason game at right guard for a single series before being replaced by Bars, signifying the changing of the guard, pun not intended. Bars, who started most of last season for the team at right guard, may be in danger of failing to make the 53-man roster if he keeps sliding down the depth chart.

Here are a few more roster rumors from around the league as the preseason begins its close:

  • The Patriots have struggled as of late with drafting wide receivers. They’re looking to buck that trend this season. In a room that was originally looking weak when the team missed out on free agent De’Andre Hopkins, New England is newly flushed with possibilities. The team lacks elite top end talent, but behind JuJu Smith-Schuster and DeVante Parker, the Patriots have a surprising number of options. Kendrick Bourne has seemingly secured a role as the team’s third wideout with a great camp, according to Ben Volin of The Boston Globe, and behind Bourne, rookie sixth-round picks Demario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte have made strong cases for roster spots themselves with impressive camps. Even undrafted rookie quarterback Malik Cunningham has reportedly shown enough versatility and promise on offense and special teams to make a case for a roster spot.
  • With the recent acquisition of free agent Dalvin Cook, the Jets top-two running backs are clear as day, but in the process, the extra body has made things a bit crowded in the position room. Brian Costello of the New York Post believes that rookie fifth-round pick Israel Abanikanda is likely safe, leading to a battle for the likely last roster spot between Michael Carter and Zonovan Knight. Seemingly, Carter is safe. He’s got more starting experience on the team than Knight and didn’t suit up for the Jets’ most recent preseason game, a likely indication that the coaches have seen what they need to see. Knight played last week and fumbled. He’s had good moments throughout training camp, but his future may lie on the practice squad this season.
  • The Bengals have a clear TE1 and a likely TE2 coming into the end of the preseason in Irv Smith Jr. and Drew Sample, but there’s a chance that TE3 isn’t on the roster, according to The Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr. Last season’s TE3 Mitchell Wilcox has a decent shot at a roster spot, as does the undersized Tanner Hudson, who has impressed with some nice hands throughout camp. Devin Asiasi, Nick Bowers, and Christian Trahan remain as options, as well, but don’t have the strongest chances at a roster spot. Dehner predicts that Cincinnati may take to the open market after cut day, aiming to pull in any of several experienced tight ends that may find themselves on the roster bubble.

Jets Release S Dane Cruikshank

August 25th, 2023 at 2:14pm CST by Adam La Rose

Dane Cruikshank‘s time with the Jets will not last into the start of the regular season. The team announced on Friday that they have released the depth safety.

New York originally planned to use Chuck Clark as a starter on the backend, having acquired him via trade from the Ravens. That plan will not come to fruition this season, however, with the former sixth-rounder having suffered a torn ACL. Clark will spend the year on injured reserve, something which opened the door to Cruikshank joining the team in the wake of the former’s unfortunate injury development.

Cruikshank signed in July in a bid to find a depth role in on the backend. The former firth-rounder has primarily been used on special teams during his career, which began in Tennessee. He spent his first four years with the Titans, and in 2021 he saw extended usage on defense. Cruikshank made four starts and 14 appearances that year, and totaled 43 tackles.

That production earned him a deal with the Bears last March, but not a continuation of his defensive playtime. Cruikshank logged a 60% snap share on special teams in Chicago, and was on the field for only one defensive play during the campaign. He suffered a hamstring injury in November and landed on IR as a result. The ailment hurt his value on the open market, and his performances with the Jets in training camp and the preseason have not been sufficient to ensure a roster spot.

In Cruikshank’s absence, New York’s safety room now consists of starter Jordan Whitehead, along with free agent signing Adrian Amos and 2020 third-rounder Ashtyn Davis. The group also has former UDFA Tony Adams, whom ESPN’s Rich Cimini notes has impressed this summer (Twitter link). The Jets still have a slew of roster decisions to make before next week’s deadline for teams to confirm their 53-man squads, but one with implications for their special teams has already been made.

Jets’ Corey Davis To Step Away From Football

August 23rd, 2023 at 2:12pm CST by Sam Robinson

Finishing his third training camp as a Jet, Corey Davis is not planning to go into another regular season with the team. The former top-five pick informed the Jets he plans to leave the game. Davis announced his intentions via Instagram. The Jets have since placed Davis on the reserve/retired list.

Davis, 28, had resided as a potential cut candidate for months. A summer report indicated a potential pay cut was coming. After it looked like the Jets would instead carry his $11.17MM salary on their roster, a more surprising conclusion will transpire for the veteran wide receiver.

“For some time now I’ve been contemplating stepping away from the sport of football,” Davis said. “This decision has not been easy. Although I am a deep person, I am a man of few words. I’ve been searching my heart for what to do and I feel that stepping away from the game is the best path for me at this time. I have more blessings than I could have ever imagined — I have an amazing family, a beautiful wife and two healthy children that I look forward to spending more time with.

“I am truly grateful for all the opportunities I have had and will continue to have on my journey. Thank you to my family and friends and the Jets organization for supporting me through this process.”

This decision may not necessarily be a retirement, with NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport indicating Davis will not be with the Jets to begin the season. But the Western Michigan alum’s statement does not point to a near-future return. Robert Saleh said the door is open for Davis to rejoin the Jets, and SNY’s Connor Hughes notes the receiver informed teammates of his decision Tuesday (Twitter links). The Jets’ website is calling this a retirement. Davis had informed certain teammates he was considering retirement before camp, ESPN’s Rich Cimini tweets.

After four seasons with the Titans, Davis joined the Jets on a three-year, $37.5MM deal in 2021. While he totaled 1,028 receiving yards and six touchdowns as a Jet, injuries have impacted the 6-foot-3 wideout’s New York stay. Davis missed 12 games during his first two Jets campaigns, and the team made several updates to its receiver room this offseason. As they zeroed in on Aaron Rodgers, the Jets signed Allen Lazard and Mecole Hardman. After completing the trade, the Jets added Randall Cobb.

These moves — and the team’s Odell Beckham Jr. pursuit — invited speculation on Davis’ status, with the team being able to save $10.5MM in cap space by cutting him. But both Saleh and Joe Douglas praised Davis and insisted he remained in the team’s plans. The prospect of a pay cut never led to one — at least, it hadn’t yet — and Davis was set to play a backup role on this year’s Rodgers-led squad. After two seasons on Zach Wilson-centered Jet teams, Davis is out of the picture now.

The first wideout chosen in 2017, Davis enjoyed an inconsistent Titans tenure. But he did make key contributions for two playoff-bound Tennessee teams to close out his rookie contract. Davis’ 984 receiving yards helped the 2020 Titans win the AFC South. This showing came two years after Davis totaled 891 yards for Mike Vrabel‘s first Tennessee team. The Titans let Davis and A.J. Brown go in consecutive offseasons, trading the latter last year.

Lazard and Hardman are expected to start alongside 2022 Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson for Rodgers’ first Jets team. Cobb operating as a WR4 would make sense, but given the Jets’ aggressiveness at the skill positions this offseason, it would not surprise to see them pursue an upgrade — potentially via trade — in light of the Davis news.

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