New York Jets make surprise move by waiving Greg Dortch

After claiming Braxton Berrios off waivers, the New York Jets decided to waive rookie wide receiver Greg Dortch. Here’s what it means for the team.

The New York Jets shocked its fanbase on Sunday afternoon by waiving wide receiver Greg Dortch. He was waived to make room for newly acquired Braxton Berrios. This move came as a surprise to many for several reasons.

After going undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft, Dortch was quickly picked up by the Jets and immediately became a fan favorite. He had a very strong training camp and preseason as a punt returner. After making the initial 53-man roster, it seemed he would be the teams punt returner heading into the season.

Once the Jets claimed Berrios on waivers, they saw him as a better option than Dortch as a punt returner. Dortch is still a raw talent as a receiver, so the Jets decided to waive him. If he clears waivers, it’s likely that he’ll have a spot on the Jets’ practice squad.

Berrios now steps in as the starting punt returner and backup slot receiver to Jamison Crowder. Berrios didn’t see the field in 2018 with the New England Patriots and was released by New England prior to Saturday’s roster deadline. The Jets swooped in and claimed him off the waiver wire a day later.

Berrios was a good punt returner during his tenure with the University of Miami. With Dortch off the roster, he likely steps in as the return man for Gang Green. He led the ACC in yards per punt return in his senior year in 2017.

Braxton Berrios' kick/punt return stats from college. Guessing the #Jets see him returning punts in place of Dortch pic.twitter.com/pctodQP4M4

— James Cunningham (@JCunninghamNFL) September 1, 2019

Dortch was a great story and an unfortunate cut the Jets had to make. After being looked at as too small and weak, he worked his way onto the Jets’ 53-man roster as a potential key playmaker on special teams. Jets fans loved him and were upset to see him go. Dortch was fired up on Twitter after making the roster on Saturday as well, and Jets Nation showed tons of love.

The Jets still have room on their practice squad, and one of those will likely belong to Dortch if he clears waivers. It is possible that a returner-needy team looks at him on the wire, but his size will likely shy teams away. Dortch will be a practice squad player with the possibility of being called up whenever necessary, similar to Deontay Burnett in 2018.