Jets' ailing special teams has reinforcements on the horizon with rookie VJ Payne

The New York Jets' special teams have been a massive problem all season long, and it's due to a number of reasons. Chris Banjo's once-elite coaching has taken a step back, sure, but they're also missing some key players, like Marcelino McCrary-Ball and Kiko Mauigoa.

Well, they may be getting a boost in the form of rookie defensive back VJ Payne, who, according to ESPN's Rich Cimini, is having his 21-day practice window opened on Wednesday. The Jets selected Payne with the 228th overall pick in this past April's draft.

The former Kansas State product suffered a bone bruise in the early days of training camp, knocking him out for the entirety of the preseason and, of course, the first eight games of the 2026 regular season. We'll see how quickly he'll be able to make his way back to the active roster.

Largely considered one of the better steals of the 2026 NFL Draft, Payne will surely have a special teams role once he makes his return to the field. Defensively, it may be harder for him to work his way into the lineup.

What kind of role will VJ Payne have for the New York Jets?

The Jets' defense has had several problems over the last few weeks, but their safeties are not one of them. Minkah Fitzpatrick, Dane Belton, and even Andre Cisco have been playing good ball, leaving Payne on the outside looking in when healthy.

Where Payne could make an immediate impact is as a gunner on special teams. The Jets have faced several injuries there, and with his 4.40-second 40-yard dash time, he could be the kind of player New York needs to add some juice to their punt coverage.

Late in the season, when the Jets are really eliminated from postseason contention and they turn to player evaluation mode, Payne could finally see some snaps at safety.

New York Jets sign WR Joe Manjack to practice squad

In the same report from Cimini, the Jets also added a new wide receiver to the mix in former Denver Broncos undrafted free agent Joe Manjack.

The former Houston Cougars standout was not selected in this past April's draft, but stuck around with Denver through training camp and into the regular season. In three preseason games, he hauled in three catches for 40 yards.

Considering how much talent the Jets already have at wide receiver, Manjack is unlikely to get much burn this season. He may have a chance to contribute on special teams.

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