Jets rule out Nahshon Wright in obvious cautionary decision ahead of trade deadline

Heading into their Week 9 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, the New York Jets have ruled out three players who carried a questionable designation after Friday's injury report.

Edge Joseph Ossai, safety VJ Payne, and cornerback Nahshon Wright will all not suit up in Kansas City, leaving the Jets rather short-handed on the defensive side of the ball.

However, two of these things are not like the other. Ossai has been injured practically all year long, only appearing in three of nine possible games after signing a three-year, $34.5 million contract in free agency. Payne, a rookie, just returned to practice this week, and likely isn't ready to see the field quite yet.

Wright, on the other hand, has been vocally frustrated about his lack of a role within the Jets' defense. If there's anybody on the roster who has a good chance of getting dealt ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline, it's probably him.

New York Jets' Nahshon Wright decision feels like a trade is coming

Now, it's not exactly a new development that Wright won't be active for the Jets in a regular-season game. He's only appeared in three games this season, despite being healthy for a good majority of the year.

In those three games, Wright exclusively played special teams and hasn't played a defensive snap for the Jets. That's not necessarily bad, because both Azareye’h Thomas and Brandon Stephens have been solid for New York all season long.

But as a player who signed a one-year, prove-it deal in free agency, Wright isn't going to be able to cash in another deal while riding the bench. Hence, a trade is incredibly likely.

Many have speculated that the Chicago Bears, who Wright was a Pro Bowler with in 2025, could circle back and pick up the cornerback they let walk in free agency. If the Jets could get a Day 3 pick back for his services, that would be a win.

Joseph Ossai and VJ Payne should be back for the New York Jets sooner rather than later

While Wright is likely being held out for precautionary reasons, both Ossai and Payne will be back in the lineup sooner rather than later.

Ossai has been rehabbing a foot injury dating back to the preseason. He'll likely get surgery at some point, either towards the end of the season or after it comes to an end, but for now, he's fighting through it and trying to get back on the field.

Payne, on the other hand, is a seventh-round rookie who missed nearly all of training camp and the entirety of the preseason. The Jets likely just want him to get some more practice time before making his NFL debut.

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