4 NY Jets players who may not survive training camp

The recent retirement of running back Tarik Cohen illustrated one of the cold, hard truths of NY Jets training camp. Be it voluntary or involuntary, almost half of the players fighting for a role on the 2024 squad are not going to be around after the preseason ends.

The Jets are going all-in on a championship push this season, which cuts into the time they can spend developing some of their younger players. The oncoming roster crunch will be tough, as many youngsters who could have a future in this league will need to be discarded.

If the training camp vibes continue, it will be very difficult to see a future in which these four players end up surviving. let's hope they didn't put in a down payment on any property in New York, as they may need to overcome long odds to stick on the roster.

4 NY Jets players who may not survive training camp

4. TE Zack Kuntz

Zack Kuntz had the best tight end testing numbers of all time, but it seems unlikely he will play a role in the 2024 offense. Tyler Conklin and Jeremy Ruckert have two spots locked down, meaning the third tight end role is essentially a coin flip between him and Kenny Yeboah.

Given Yeboah's special teams value, Kuntz might face an uphill battle. New addition Anthony Firkser, a fullback/tight end hybrid, is also in the mix.

3. SAF Jaylen Key

Like so many other Mr. Irrelevants out there, Jaylen Key faces long odds of making the final roster. Four safety spots are locked up (Chuck Clark, Ashtyn Davis, Tony Adams, Isaiah Oliver), and hybrid corner/safety Jarrick Bernard-Converse could be out in front of Key if he is fully recovered from his injuries last year.

Key has versatility on his side, but lacks great speed and man-to-man coverage skills. He's likely more of a practice squad candidate.

2. WR Jason Brownlee

The Jets will likely carry six wide receivers on their final roster. Mike Williams and Garrett Wilson are locked-in starters, while Allen Lazard, Xavier Gipson, and Malachi Corley will play roles as secondary targets.

Jason Brownlee lacks the speed of Malik Taylor and special teams value Irvin Charles can bring to the table, which leaves him on the outside looking in among a crowded field.

1. RB Israel Abanikanda

Even without Cohen in the mix, the writing has been on the wall for quite some time. Breece Hall is the starter, Braelon Allen has been one of the most impressive players in camp so far, and rookie Isaiah Davis brings some between-the-tackles power that Israel Abanikanda lacks.

After an unimpressive showing in 2023, Abanikanda needs a dominant preseason to save his skin.