Jets sign rookie minicamp tryout to roster, waive veteran LB

The New York Jets are shaking up their linebacker room a bit, signing former Virginia Tech linebacker and rookie minicamp tryout Jaden Keller to their 90-man roster. Keller is the second tryout signed to the roster, joining former New Orleans Saints offensive lineman Landon Young.

In a corresponding move, the Jets waived veteran linebacker Ochaun Mathis, a sixth-round pick by the Los Angeles Rams in 2023.

According to the team website, Mathis signed a reserve/future contract in January after spending time on both the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns practice squads this past season.

Unfortunately, he's lost his spot to the undrafted free agent, Keller, after a successful stint in rookie minicamp.

Jets add LB Jaden Keller, waive veteran LB Ochaun Mathis

In five years at Virginia Tech, Keller appeared in 52 possible games, recording 181 combined tackles, 1.5 sacks, 7.5 tackles for loss, and breaking up two passes.

It remains unclear what kind of role Keller will play with the Jets in 2026, but a reserve linebacker/special teams mainstay is the most likely outcome, especially if he makes the 53-man roster.

The Jet Press's Justin Fried noted that Keller scored a 9.70 on the Relative Athletic Score (RAS), meaning he has the athleticism you need to chase down opposing players on punt and kick returns.

He'll likely be competing with Marcelino McCrary-Ball and Mykal Walker this summer as the Jets' primary depth at linebacker.

Despite their handful of additions at the linebacker position this summer, New York could still use another experienced linebacker.

With Demario Davis and Jamien Sherwood pegged as the starting linebackers, the depth behind them is fairly young and inexperienced, and an injury could sink the position.

Davis is 37, and although he is historically a healthy player, it's not inconceivable that he could get banged up in his 15th season in the NFL.

Former New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke and Buffalo Bills linebacker Matt Milano are still available on the free agent market, and at this point in the offseason are only getting cheaper.

Despite making moves on the fringes to upgrade their linebacker depth, New York needs an established backup option as well, and hopefully is a move they make in the coming months.

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