4 players who will make Jets 53-man roster decisions painfully difficult

The New York Jets are trying to figure out which of the players currently in training camp will make their 53-man roster to begin the 2026 season. While most of the spots seem one step below being guaranteed, there are a few curveballs that could change the calculus for Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey.

Considering some of the battles that are going on with regards to the back end of this roster and Mougey's apparent penchant for making trades right before the season starts to plug holes, anyone assuming there will not be any sort of drama with regards to the final depth chart is a bit naive.

Be it because of impressive play at training camp or equally concerning struggles, this quarter may impact the Jets' short-term roster building before Glenn's second season kicks off. There is a chance one of these decisions ends up being the difference between a win and a loss this season.

4 New York Jets who will make 53-man roster decisions hard

4. IOL Xavier Newman

The Jets' biggest offensive line question is the lack of a true backup center behind Josh Myers, and that need has been amplified with Newman reportedly having some struggles snapping the ball at camp. If Mougey makes a late acquisition on offense, look for it to be in this area.

3. WR Arian Smith

Smith is just one year removed from being picked high in the fourth round in the 2025 NFL Draft, and now he is, at best, the No. 6 wide receiver on the team after Isaiah Williams has spent most of camp dominating as a pass-catcher. His value lies almost exclusively in special teams, and he could be a surprise cut if a UDFA shines.

2. TE Jelani Woods

The New York Jets are moving forward with a 1-2 punch of Mason Taylor and injured rookie Kenyon Sadiq as their tight end pairing for the foreseeable future, but Woods has taken advantage of Sadiq's injury. Jeremy Ruckert may have signed an extension, but Woods has been a major weapon in the passing game after overcoming years of injuries.

1. QB Cade Klubnik

Klubnik has had his usual rookie ups and downs, but he has also made some big throws that suggest that if he needs to come into a game, he can handle himself. The Jets may be dissuaded from adding a veteran quarterback if Klubnik keeps impressing in the way he has been.

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