Checking in on the status of ex-Jets offensive players around the NFL
Now that preseason is over, it’s time to update you on former Jets players and whether they made the roster or the practice squad for their 2024 team. We’ll look at offensive players today and defensive players in a day or two. Then we’ll be moving on to look at special teamers.
As ever, this list is intended to be exhaustive, but if we missed anyone, let us know in the comments.
Guard Greg Van Roten was a late addition, but he made the New York Giants roster. He is currently listed as second-string behind Aaron Stinnie, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him start games for New York this year.
Tight end Lawrence Cager looked to be in line for a roster spot and a place in the main rotation, but then he got hurt in preseason and ended up on the practice squad.
Also: Offensive lineman Yodny Cajuste is on injured reserve.
Wide receiver Jamison Crowder was re-signed after registering 16 catches in the 2023 season and made the final roster.
Offensive lineman Chuma Edoga was re-signed after having started six games for Dallas last season. He’ll start off the season on injured reserve but has been designated for return.
Dallas also signed running back Dalvin Cook a few days ago.
Also: Offensive lineman Dakoda Shepley is on the practice squad, but wide receiver Deontay Burnett was released.
While the starting lineup hasn’t been announced yet and he’s listed as on the second unit according to the depth chart on the team’s official website, many believe Mekhi Becton has earned the starting right guard role over Tyler Steen after moving inside with his new team.
The Eagles also retained tight end EJ Jenkins on their practice squad.
Also: The Eagles released tight ends CJ Uzomah and Kevin Foelsch and offensive lineman Jason Poe.
Green Bay didn’t have any former Jets on offense this offseason but they just signed running back La’Mical Perine to their practice squad.
Quarterback Sam Darnold is going to be the starter this year after rookie JJ McCarthy was ruled out for the season. He’ll be backed up by another ex-Jet, Brett Rypien, who they signed this week.
Offensive lineman Dan Feeney also made Minnesota’s roster, but he will come off the bench in 2024.
Also: The Vikings released tight end Neal Johnson and did not retain him on the practice squad.
In preseason, Rypien completed 24 of 34 passes for 335 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions for the Bears. However, he did not make the final roster and is now with Minnesota as noted above.
The Bears also signed offensive lineman Chris Glaser to their practice squad.
Wide receiver Kalif Raymond is back with the Lions despite his slight drop in production last season as he had 35 catches.
Running back Zonovan Knight averaged just 3.1 yards per carry in preseason and was not retained.
Quarterback John Wolford went 19 for 32 for 183 yards in preseason, with no touchdowns. He was not retained.
Atlanta are another team that didn’t have any offensive players who have been with the Jets on their roster this offseason.
Running back James Robinson had 91 yards on 19 touches in preseason, but did fumble once and wasn’t retained. Offensive lineman Jesse Davis was also released.
The Saints did sign offensive tackle Austin Deculus to their practice squad, though.
The Panthers are another team that went through the offseason without any offensive players who were former Jets on their roster.
The 49ers brought wide receiver Robbie Chosen into camp, but he didn’t record a catch in preseason and wasn’t retained. He ended up with Miami.
The Rams had initially kept offensive lineman Conor McDermott on their active roster after final cuts but then placed him on injured reserve the next day. He should be eligible to return.
Quarterback Geno Smith returns to the Seahawks looking for a third consecutive pro bowl appearance.
Seattle also has two former Jets in their offensive line room; tackle George Fant and guard Laken Tomlinson. Both are currently listed as starters on the team’s unofficial depth chart.
Also: Seattle released fullback Nick Bellore earlier on in the offseason.
Offensive linemen Kelvin Beachum and Trystan Colon both made the Cardinals roster, although neither is going to be a starter.
Wide receiver Greg Dortch also made the team again after catching 24 passes last season, mostly in the second half of the year.
Running back Michael Carter had a good preseason with 65 yards and a touchdown on 10 touches, but was surprisingly released, although he did re-sign to the practice squad.
Also: Wide receiver Jeff Smith was released.
Running back Ty Johnson was re-signed and made the Bills’ final roster despite only carrying once for six yards in preseason.
Also: Quarterback Mike White, having been cut by Miami, was signed to the practice squad.
Running back Raheem Mostert returns to Miami after having made his first pro bowl last season.
Wide receiver Braxton Berrios also made the team despite not catching a pass in preseason.
Also: Miami released White as noted above and added Chosen and quarterback Tim Boyle to their practice squad.
Offensive Lineman Calvin Anderson looked set to make the final roster but was added to injured reserve this week and then released with an injury settlement on Friday.
Also: New England released McDermott before he ended up with the Rams, and wide receiver TJ Luther.
Offensive lineman Nate Herbig looked set to win the Steelers starting center role but ended up on injured reserve.
Pittsburgh released several other ex-Jets; Perine, wide receiver Denzel Mims, running back Jonathan Ward, tight end Izaiah Gathings, wide receiver TJ Luther and wide receiver Tarik Black. Of these, Ward was the only one retained on the practice squad so far.
Wide receiver Elijah Moore quietly caught 59 passes last year and will be back with the Browns for 2024.
The Bengals also haven’t had any offensive players who were former Jets this offseason.
Quarterback Josh Johnson, who was the number three quarterback for the Ravens last year, is currently on the roster as the number two. In preseason, he had one game where he went 11-for-11 for 120 yards and a touchdown.
Offensive lineman Corey Levin didn’t make the Titans’ final roster but was re-signed to the practice squad.
The Colts signed Joe Flacco during the offseason and he is currently listed as the backup to Anthony Richardson.
Wide receiver DJ Montgomery and tight end Eric Tomlinson were both released in final cuts by the Colts. Montgomery signed to the practice squad.
Quarterback Tim Boyle and fullback Nick Bawden were both released and neither was retained on the practice squad.
Versatile offensive lineman Blake Hance was released in final cuts and signed to the practice squad.
Jacksonville also picked up Denzel Mims after the Steelers cut him but he was released in final cuts and not retained.
Wide receiver Mecole Hardman returns to the Chiefs after scoring the winning touchdown in the Super Bowl at the end of last season.
Also: Perine and Gathings were both released by the Chiefs earlier on in the offseason.
Wide receiver Keelan Doss was with the Raiders earlier on in the offseason but was released with an injury settlement.
Offensive lineman Brent Laing failed to make the final roster and wasn’t retained on the practice squad. However, the Chargers did sign tight end Eric Tomlinson to their practice squad.
Zach Wilson was acquired in a trade during the offseason but ended up in third place in the Broncos’ battle to be their starting quarterback. Nevertheless, Broncos coaches and front office staff were complimentary of Wilson, who posted a 115.4 quarterback rating in preseason and was retained on the 53-man roster.
We’ll be back with a look at defensive players soon.
