5 NY Jets players who might've secured a roster spot against the Giants

The NY Jets completed their fourth and final preseason game on Saturday with a 32-24 victory over the New York Giants. In a game that was highlighted by the unofficial debut of Aaron Rodgers, it was the Jets' backups who solidified a victory for Gang Green.

With final roster cuts just a few days away, this was the last opportunity for a number of players on the team to make a case and push for a roster spot. Some players absolutely helped their case.

The following five players all helped secure their place on the Jets' 53-man roster (or, in one player's case, a starting job) with their performances on Saturday night.

Let's take a look at five Jets players who made a strong final impression in Saturday's preseason game.

5. Mekhi Becton, OT, NY Jets

Okay, this one is admittedly cheating. Mekhi Becton didn't secure a roster spot on Saturday — that was most certainly not in question. Instead, Becton solidified himself as the team's Week 1 starting right tackle.

The former first-round pick held up well in his first start at right tackle, showing no signs of rust or discomfort. The Jets removed him from the game along with the rest of the starting offensive line — a direct indication that he's earned the starting job.

While Billy Turner and Max Mitchell ran with the first-team offense for most of the summer, a late push from Becton has seemingly allowed him to earn a starting role.

Becton needed to prove that his promotion into the starting lineup on Saturday was justified. He did just that. Jets head coach Robert Saleh confirmed it after the game.

4. Alex Erickson, WR, NY Jets

The surprise retirement of Corey Davis this week leaves a pretty sizable hole in the Jets' wide receiver room. While the team could explore external options to fill that hole, a few receivers on the roster made a case on Saturday.

One of those players was veteran Alex Erickson. Erickson popped up on a number of occasions in the second half, finishing the game with five catches for 38 yards. He hauled in both Tim Boyle touchdown passes in the fourth quarter.

Erickson is an eight-year NFL veteran who has ample experience as a depth receiver and returner. He's hauled in 96 career catches and made a career out of his special-teams versatility.

Of the players on this list, Erickson is still the least likely to make the final 53-man roster, but he did his best to make a strong final impression on Saturday. Don't be shocked if he makes the team.

3. Zaire Barnes, LB, NY Jets

Zaire Barnes' roster spot wasn't really in jeopardy entering Saturday's game, but even if it was, he did more than enough to solidify his place on the team.

Barnes finished with a team-leading eight tackles and was one of the most active players on defense for the Jets. He likely won't be relied upon as a starter, but Barnes is probably the team's top backup linebacker entering the 2023 season.

His strong performance coincided with the return of veteran linebacker Chazz Surratt, who also made a few plays on both defense and special teams. If both players were fighting for one roster spot, Barnes likely has the edge.

2. Tim Boyle, QB, NY Jets

Tim Boyle is going to be with the Jets' organization in some capacity. Even if the Jets opt not to carry three quarterbacks on their 53-man roster, Boyle is essentially a lock to stick around as the de facto QB3 on the practice squad.

Saturday's game was more about Boyle proving that he deserves a place on the active roster. I'd say he did a pretty good job of proving that.

Boyle was the most efficient quarterback of the night, finishing 9-of-11 for 107 yards and two touchdowns. The veteran backup made quick decisions and controlled the game well in his lone quarter of action.

The Jets' decision to carry three quarterbacks or not will likely come down to a numbers game at other positions, but Boyle did everything he could to prove his worth on Saturday.

1. Xavier Gipson, WR, NY Jets

No player on the Jets' roster helped themselves more on Saturday than Xavier Gipson. Gipson dropped a tight-window throw from Zach Wilson early in the second quarter, but he rallied back with his most impressive performance of the preseason.

Gipson led the team with seven catches for 79 yards — the most by any Jets receiver this preseason. He also served as the team's top kick and punt returner, returning one punt for 20 yards.

With Malik Taylor sidelined due to an injury, Gipson took full advantage of the additional reps and made a strong case for a spot on the 53-man roster. He was the Jets' best wide receiver in this game — outside of Garrett Wilson, of course.

If the Jets trust Gipson as their primary return man, his roster status is all but secured. Saturday's performance was the final push he needed to solidify his roster spot.