Jets position change gives forgotten DB one more chance to stick

Jarius Monroe is set to enter his third season with the New York Jets this summer, although it remains to be seen what position he will actually play once the team takes the field for training camp.

The Jets signed Monroe as an undrafted cornerback in 2024, kept him around on the practice squad, and gave him five game appearances at safety as a rookie. Aaron Glenn’s staff arrived the following offseason and moved him back to cornerback, the position he played throughout college.

Monroe impressed during the 2025 preseason and appeared to be making a legitimate push for one of the final roster spots before an undisclosed injury in the preseason finale unfortunately ended his bid.

The Jets eventually brought him back, and Monroe will now receive another opportunity to stick this summer. His chances will likely depend on how much he can contribute on special teams.

Day 59 of your 2026 Jets Camp Countdown belongs to the Bayou Ball Hawk, the Preseason Playmaker, and the Monroe Doctrine himself...it’s Jarius Monroe.

1. Where Jarius Monroe stands entering Jets training camp
2. Special teams will likely determine Jarius Monroe’s Jets future
3. What would make 2026 a success for Jarius Monroe
4. Recent 2026 Camp Countdown Breakdowns

Where Jarius Monroe stands entering Jets training camp

Monroe spent three years as a starting cornerback at FCS-level Nicholls State before transferring to Tulane for his final two college seasons. He earned first-team All-AAC honors in both years with the Green Wave and intercepted six passes during that span.

Those ball skills and his NFL-caliber size are partially what helped him make it to the league, but his subpar athleticism made his projection a bit more complicated.

Monroe ran a 4.64-second 40-yard dash at his pro day and recorded a miserable 2.94 Relative Athletic Score. His agility numbers were also poor, and his stiff hips raised obvious questions about whether he could hold up at cornerback against NFL receivers.

The previous Jets coaching staff believed his size, instincts, and physical style would translate better to safety. He spent most of his rookie year on the practice squad before, as previously mentioned, appearing in five games late in the season.

Glenn and his staff saw him differently, however. They quietly returned Monroe to cornerback last summer and gave him enough preseason opportunities to work his way into the roster conversation.

Unfortunately, an injury in the preseason finale ended his chances of making the 53-man roster. The Jets would ultimately place Monroe on injured reserve, waive him with an injury settlement, and then bring him back to the practice squad in November.

He appeared in four games after returning, including each of the final three weeks, but played only three total defensive snaps.

Special teams will likely determine Jarius Monroe’s Jets future

Monroe did, however, play 77 special teams snaps after rejoining the Jets last season. That usage offers a pretty clear indication of how he can earn another year with the organization.

The Louisiana native has the size and physicality to help in that phase of the game. He also showed a willingness to play up in run support during the 2025 preseason, missing zero of his nine tackle attempts and recording a stellar 81.5 Pro Football Focus tackle grade.

It's hard to see Monroe making much of an impact on defense, though. The Jets have Brandon Stephens, Nahshon Wright, Azareye’h Thomas, D’Angelo Ponds, Jarvis Brownlee, and likely Qwan'tez Stiggers ahead of him at cornerback.

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They also have five safeties who all appear to be in the team's 2026 plans, including Minkah Fitzpatrick, Dane Belton, Malachi Moore, Andre Cisco, and VJ Payne.

Monroe's familiarity with Glenn’s defense helps. So does the fact that this staff brought him back after his injury and promoted him late in the season. Monroe has survived long enough to show the Jets still see some value in his development.

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

What would make 2026 a success for Jarius Monroe

Monroe’s most realistic goal entering training camp is likely earning another practice squad spot. That's far from a guarantee, but this staff does clearly seem to value him to some degree.

He can strengthen his case by staying healthy, showing progress during his second summer back at cornerback (if that's where the Jets keep him), and becoming a dependable special teams contributor.

A strong preseason could push him into the competition for a final spot in the secondary, although the Jets’ improved depth makes the 53-man roster a long shot.

Monroe has already lasted two years as an undrafted player while changing positions and adjusting to a new coaching staff. He needs another productive summer to make it three.

Recent 2026 Camp Countdown Breakdowns

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