Malachi Corley and 5 Jets fighting for their NFL futures tonight

The New York Jets’ preseason matchup with the Giants may not count in the standings, but for a handful of players in green and white, it could mean everything. Jobs are on the line, and it's not hyperbolic to say that careers could be defined by what happens under the lights at MetLife Stadium tonight.

Among them is second-year wide receiver Malachi Corley, who headlines a group of players with plenty to prove. He’s not alone, as at least four other Jets will also be fighting for their NFL futures, each looking to make the kind of impression that ensures they’re still in the locker room when final cuts arrive.

Let's take a look at five Jets players who are genuinly fighting for their NFL futures in tonight's preseason game.

Jets players fighting for their NFL future in Giants preseason game

1. WR Malachi Corley

We can start with the obvious. The 65th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Malachi Corley finds himself clinging to a roster spot as the Jets enter their second preseason game. And as of the time of writing, he's almost certainly on the outside of the roster bubble, looking in.

Corley has worked almost exclusively with the second and third-team offenses this summer and has failed to distinguish himself in the way that other receivers on the roster have. It's hard to envision a scenario in which he makes the 53-man roster without a standout preseason performance.

There's still time for Corley to make an impression, but his opportunities are running out. Tonight is one of his final chances to prove to the new Jets regime that he's worth keeping around.

2. WR Xavier Gipson

Another Jets wideout trying to hold on to his spot is Xavier Gipson. The former undrafted free agent missed last week's preseason opener due to a shoulder injury but returned to practice this week and should suit up tonight.

Gipson is competing for one of the final wide receiver spots on the Jets' roster as well as the kick/punt return jobs. Unlike in previous years, however, he has stiff competition.

Former All-Pro Kene Nwangwu still looks like the favorite for the kick return job, while undrafted rookie Jamaal Pritchett has flashed more as a punt returner. Gipson will need to make his reps count tonight if he's to beat out Pritchett for a spot.

3. TE Jeremy Ruckert

Jeremy Ruckert may have entered the summer as the de facto TE1 on the Jets' depth chart, but he's far from guaranteed a roster spot. The Long Island native has offered little as a receiving threat in his career and was one of Pro Football Focus' lowest-graded blocking tight ends in football last season.

Ruckert hasn't done much to stand out this summer despite being reunited with his college quarterback, Justin Fields. Meanwhile, hybrid fullback Andrew Beck stole the show last week, while free-agent addition Stone Smartt flashed his receiving upside.

Ruckert may still have the inside track to a roster spot based solely on a lack of available alternatives, but if the Jets believe Beck and Smartt can replicate his role in the offense, he might find himself as part of final roster cuts. A strong preseason showing would do a lot to help his case.

4. DE Rashad Weaver

Rashad Weaver is one of the many reclamation projects fighting for a spot in the Jets' defense this summer. A former fourth-round pick of the Tennessee Titans, Weaver racked up 5.5 sacks as a rotational pass rusher in 2022 but hasn't recorded a sack since.

The Pittsburgh product spent most of last season bouncing between practice squads before the Jets curiously signed him early in free agency. He will have every opportunity to earn a spot in a thin defensive end group.

Still, nothing is guaranteed, and if Weaver is unable to make this Jets roster, it's worth wondering how many (if any) more opportunities he will be given in the future. Tonight is a massive game for the 27-year-old pass rusher.

5. DT Phidarian Mathis

Another reclamation project competing for a spot in the Jets' defensive line rotation is Phidarian Mathis. The former Washington Commanders top-50 pick was claimed off waivers by the Jets late last year, although he didn't appear in a game with his new team.

Mathis battled injuries and inconsistencies in Washington, but the old Jets regime (well, at least interim GM Phil Savage) saw enough untapped potential in the former Alabama star to take a chance on him.

The likes of Jay Tufele and Leonard Taylor III impressed in the Jets' preseason opener last weekend. Mathis is fighting an uphill battle to earn a spot, even in a weak defensive tackle room. Much like Weaver, he's running out of opportunities to carve out an NFL career.