Jets may be preparing to move on from their longest-tenured player

The New York Jets could be preparing to make a major special-teams shakeup this summer involving the longest-tenured player on their roster. The Thomas Hennessy era could be nearing its end in Florham Park.

For nearly a decade, Hennessy has been a constant on the Jets' roster. He's appeared in all 149 possible games since joining the team in 2017, providing stability at a position most fans rarely think about.

Hennessy has been as reliable as it gets, playing a key role in what was arguably the best special teams unit in franchise history last season. But for the first time, really in his entire Jets tenure, his job may not be so secure.

That's because the Jets signed an undrafted long snapper following the 2026 NFL Draft, agreeing to terms with former BYU standout Garrison Grimes. This marks the first time that the Jets have brought in legitimate competition for Hennessy during his time with the team.

And Grimes isn't just any long snapper. He's the most athletic long snapper in NFL history.

Thomas Hennessy's Jets future may be in doubt this summer

Grimes enters the NFL with a perfect 10.00 Relative Athletic Score, ranking first out of 275 long snappers in the RAS database dating back to 1987. His testing numbers include a 4.81 40-yard dash, nearly 100th percentile short-area splits, a 32.5-inch vertical, and 22 reps on the bench press.

He's a generational long snapper athlete, if such a concept really does exist.

And yes, athleticism does matter here. Long snappers aren't just responsible for delivering accurate snaps. They are also key contributors in punt coverage, often tasked with getting downfield quickly and making tackles. Athleticism at the position is a legitimate bonus, and the Jets know that firsthand.

Back in 2017, Hennessy himself was acquired via a trade with the Colts to replace longtime long snapper Tanner Purdum. One of the reasons for the change the coaching staff provided at the time was Hennessy’s superior athleticism and ability to contribute more in punt coverage.

It's totally possible that the Jets could apply that same logic this summer, only this time to replace Hennessy.

The Jets also signed BYU kicker Will Ferrin as a UDFA, who, of course, has familiarity with Grimes. Ferrin will compete with the likes of Cade York and Lenny Krieg for the starting kicker job, but if he's able to win it, that could give Grimes an edge in the long snapper battle.

Financially, the move wouldn't be very difficult, either. Hennessy still has two years remaining on his contract, but the Jets could move on with a minimal dead cap hit of just $175,000.

Of course, none of this guarantees a change is coming. Hennessy has earned the benefit of the doubt after years of consistent play, and it would not be surprising to see him retain his role.

But the presence of a historically athletic challenger, combined with the addition of a kicker from the same school, suggests this is a battle worth watching closely this summer.

It may not be the headline storyline of training camp, but it could end up being one of the most interesting. Thomas Hennessy has officially been put on watch.

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