Dean Clark has one advantage most Jets roster hopefuls don't

The New York Jets cycled through plenty of defensive backs over the final month of last season. Jets fans won't look back fondly on the Ja'Sir Taylor, Tre Brown, Samuel Womack days, but they were an important part of the team's miserable 2025 story.

Undrafted rookie safety Dean Clark was another name that joined that group. Many fans might remember Clark as one of the many unfamiliar faces who appeared during the team's injury-riddled finish to the season.

But the reality is that Clark had already carved out a semi-regular role on special teams before the Jets rolled out their late-season collection of "Who are you people?" defenders.

Day 56 of your 2026 Jets Camp Countdown belongs to The Dean's List, Clark Kent (see that one's funny because his name is Dean Clark...and he originally attended Kent State...so you know), and one of the Jets' most trusted special teams contributors...it's Dean Clark.

1. Where Dean Clark stands entering Jets training camp
2. Special teams keeps players like Dean Clark employed
3. What would make 2026 a success for Dean Clark
4. Recent 2026 Camp Countdown Breakdowns

Where Dean Clark stands entering Jets training camp

The Jets signed Clark as an undrafted free agent after the 2025 NFL Draft following a six-year college career split between Kent State and Fresno State.

Experience wasn't an issue, as the Ohio native appeared in nearly 60 college games, made 42 starts, and played almost 700 special teams snaps before reaching the NFL. That combination made him one of the more notable undrafted additions in the Jets' rookie class.

Clark spent much of his rookie season on the practice squad but still appeared in 12 games for the Jets. His opportunities on defense came late in the year, but he spent much of the season contributing on special teams whenever he was active.

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However, his path to a roster spot this summer is a bit more challenging. Minkah Fitzpatrick, Dane Belton, Malachi Moore, Andre Cisco, and seventh-round rookie VJ Payne all appear firmly ahead of Clark on the safety depth chart. Barring injuries, there likely isn't much room for him on the active roster.

But if Clark is going to stick around, it'll likely come through special teams.

Special teams keeps players like Dean Clark employed

NFL teams keep plenty of players around because they can play special teams, and it's safe to say that Clark fits that description.

His college resume featured nearly 700 special teams snaps, and the Jets wasted little time putting that experience to use. Clark played 172 special teams snaps as a rookie, logging seven tackles while earning a respectable 67.9 special teams grade from Pro Football Focus.

He played more than half of the Jets' special teams snaps in the games where he was active. Those numbers explain why Clark lasted all season despite starting the year on the team's practice squad.

The fact that he received some late-season defensive snaps shouldn't be ignored, but it also doesn't tell us much. By that point, the Jets had already turned to multiple replacement defensive backs just to get through the final few weeks of the season.

Clark's special teams work offers a much better explanation for why the organization kept bringing him back. Players like him rarely make headlines, but every NFL team needs dependable special teams contributors who can step into the lineup when injuries strike.

Camp Countdown: Your guide to every player on the 2026 Jets roster

What would make 2026 a success for Dean Clark

Clark obviously doesn't need to crack the starting lineup for 2026 to qualify as a successful season. Realistically, he should be considered a long shot to even make the 53-man roster.

Another year on the practice squad with sporadic elevations would be a pretty reasonable outcome for the Fresno State product. Earning a permanent spot on the 53-man roster at some point through his special teams play would be a best-case scenario.

The Jets knew exactly what they were getting when they signed Clark last year. He was an experienced safety with hundreds of special teams snaps already under his belt.

One year later, his path to a roster spot hasn't changed. If Dean Clark sticks around again, special teams will almost certainly be the reason why.

Recent 2026 Camp Countdown Breakdowns

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