NY Jets 53-Man Roster Cut Tracker 2024: Live updates and analysis

The NY Jets will be forced to make some very difficult roster decisions over the next 24-48 hours. General manager Joe Douglas has managed to put together one of the deepest and most talented Jets rosters in recent memory, which means there are fewer spots up for grabs.

The Jets saw their impressive depth on display firsthand this preseason. Players like Takk McKinley, Braiden McGregor, and Leonard Taylor showcased just how deep this defensive line room is. The same can be said about the bevy of defensive backs the Jets have at their disposal.

Unfortunately, not every player can make the team. There are only 53 roster spots and 16 practice squad spots to go around, so even though plenty of players might deserve an opportunity, it doesn't mean they're going to get it.

The Jets will be forced to trim their roster from 90 players down to 53 by Tuesday at 4 pm ET. Of course, the initial 53-man roster is rarely the 53-man roster the Jets roll into Week 1 with. Changes will be made after the initial round of cuts. That's always important to keep in mind.

This tracker will be used to keep fans up to date with every roster cut the Jets make. Brief analysis will also be provided for each move, just for the sake of context.

Below is a list of all the roster moves the Jets have reportedly made to this point. This list will be regularly updated, so be sure to check back frequently to keep up to date with every move the Jets make over the next couple of days.

RELATED: NY Jets reveal 53-man roster: Full list of every player who made the cut

*Last Updated: Aug. 27, 2024 at 9:47 pm ET*

NY Jets Roster Cuts Tracker:

NY Jets Roster Cut News and Analysis:

• SAF Al Blades Jr. - SOURCE

The first Jets roster cut to be announced is that of safety Al Blades Jr., who is headed to the waiver wire. Blades was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Duke this past May following the 2024 NFL Draft.

A converted cornerback, Blades has extensive ties to the NFL, as his father (Al Blades Sr.), uncle (Brian Blades), and cousin (H.B. Blades) all played professionally. Blades is a long and toolsy defensive back whose lack of long speed prompted the Jets to transition him to safety.

Blades was Pro Football Focus's lowest-graded Jets defender in the preseason, but reports suggest he could still be a candidate for the practice squad.

• RB Xazavian Valladay - SOURCE

Xazavian Valladay spent the 2023 summer with the Texans and Steelers before joining the Jets' practice squad following roster cuts. Valladay would spend his entire rookie season on the practice squad, only being elevated for the team's regular-season finale in Week 18.

The speedy Arizona State product had a chance to push Israel Abanikanda for the RB4 job but was ultimately outplayed. There's a chance he could stick around on the practice squad, especially if Abanikanda makes the 53-man roster.

• DL Jaylen Twyman - SOURCE

A sixth-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings in the 2021 NFL Draft, Jaylen Twyman signed with the Jets last week after the team placed Malik Taylor on injured reserve.

Twyman spent this past year with the San Antonio Brahmas, making him yet another UFL standout to find a temporary home in Florham Park. Still at just 25 years old, the 285-pound defensive end/tackle hybrid is a candidate for the practice squad, but the Jets probably have other defensive linemen they'll prioritize.

• CB Tre Swilling - SOURCE

The son of former NFL Defensive Player of the Year Pat Swilling, Tre Swilling signed with the Jets in early August and was quietly one of the team's best players in the preseason.

Swilling finished with a stellar 85.6 Pro Football Focus coverage grade, allowing just one catch for three yards on five targets. He also forced a fumble on the opening kickoff in Saturday's preseason finale against the Giants.

Swilling never had a real chance to make the 53-man roster in a loaded cornerback room, but the former Georgia Tech standout has earned a place on the practice squad. He had an excellent summer.

• SAF Jaylen Key - SOURCE

This year's Mr. Irrelevant pick, Jaylen Key was always fighting an uphill battle to make the Jets' roster in a crowded defensive back room. Key showed some flashes this summer and feels like a safe bet to return to the practice squad.

• WR Brandon Smith - SOURCE

Based on merit alone, Brandon Smith probably deserved a spot on the Jets’ 53-man roster. Smith hauled in all five of his targets this preseason, four of which were contested catches.

The former UFL standout was the only player in the NFL this summer to haul in 100 percent of his contested-catch opportunities (min. 4 targets). Smith should be re-signed to the practice squad as a developmental X receiver if he clears waivers.

• CB/KR Brandon Codrington (traded) - SOURCE

The Jets have traded undrafted rookie cornerback/return specialist Brandon Codrington to the Buffalo Bills in a swap of late-round 2026 picks. The Jets likely knew Codrington wouldn't clear waivers, so this is their way of getting something for him.

Codrington starred at NC Central as a standout kick returner, which is what helped him get his foot in the door following a successful tryout at Jets rookie minicamp in May.

The HBCU product was one of the most dynamic return specialists in the preseason this year and it's no surprise to see him find his way onto another NFL roster. The Jets deserve some credit for recouping an asset from a player they signed as a rookie minicamp tryout.

• OG Kohl Levao - SOURCE

The Jets signed former UFL standout Kohl Levao to the largest contract in league history at the time. Levao rewarded the Jets with an excellent preseason, earning a 77.7 PFF grade in three games.

Levao was one of the Jets’ most impressive offensive linemen this summer and is expected to re-sign with the Jets practice squad if he clears waivers, per source.

*Every cut listed below was released in an official statement by the Jets*

• CB Shemar Bartholomew

Perhaps the most under-the-radar standout from the Jets’ preseason, undrafted rookie Shemar Bartholomew did everything to prove he deserves a roster spot. Unfortunately, he was never going to crack the 53 in such a crowded cornerback room.

Bartholomew was PFF’s eighth-highest-graded cornerback in the preseason, allowing just two catches for a total of zero yards on nine targets. The Georgia Southern product also added four run stops to go along with his stellar 87.0 PFF grade.

The Jets might have something in Bartholomew and he should be a practice squad priority if he passes through waivers unclaimed, which isn’t a guarantee.

• OT Austin Deculus

The Jets claimed Austin Deculus off waivers from the Houston Texans in November of last year, although he didn’t appear in a game for the team.

Deculus offers intriguing upside as a developmental swing tackle and was at Jets practice on Tuesday. That’s a strong indication the team is hoping to re-sign him to their practice squad if he passes through waivers unclaimed.

• LB Sam Eguavoen

Sam Eguavoen signed with the Jets in August of 2023 and would soon become a regular fixture on special teams, appearing in 15 games and playing 70 percent of special-teams snaps.

Eguavoen is one of the notable roster bubble players to miss out on the 53-man roster, but he’s a favorite of special teams coordinator Brant Boyer and should stick around in some capacity.

It’s also important to note that he’s a vested veteran and is not subject to waivers. There’s a good chance the Jets re-sign him to their practice squad or even the active roster in the near future.

• OT Obinna Eze

The Jets signed Obinna Eze to their practice squad late last year and made him their designated International Pathway Program (IPP) player this offseason.

That gives Eze a good chance to return to the practice squad, as starting in 2024, every NFL team is given one extra spot for an IPP player. A native of Nigeria, Eze has an impressive physical frame at 6-foot-8, 325 pounds.

• TE Anthony Firkser

Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Jets way back in 2017, Anthony Fisher has put together a very respectable NFL career, appearing in 71 career games, mostly with the Tennessee Titans.

The New Jersey native has experience as a tight end, fullback, H-back, and even a wide receiver, which gives him a chance to stick around on the practice squad as a veteran. He’s also someone who could be re-signed to the active roster in the future. 

• OL Chris Glaser

Chris Glaser has been with the Jets for the better part of the last two years, even starting a game at right guard last season. Glaser split time between guard and center this summer and had an outside chance at sticking around as a backup interior lineman.

The Virginia product worked a lot with the second-team offense this summer and seems like a safe bet to return to the Jets’ practice squad again. His versatility is valuable.

• OL Jake Hanson

Jake Hanson seemed like a strong candidate to make the 53-man roster entering the summer, but an injury kept him sidelined for the first two preseason games and he fell behind on the depth chart.

Hanson quietly impressed in limited opportunities last season and should be a priority addition to the practice squad. With guard and center versatility, it wouldn’t be a surprise if we see him on the active roster this season if he clears waivers.

• WR Tyler Harrell

One of the most unique players on the Jets’ roster, Tyler Harrell signed with the team as an undrafted free agent following the 2024 NFL Draft. Harrell amassed just 26 catches in 32 games across stints at Louisville, Alabama, and Miami in college.

However, he earned an NFL opportunity for one reason: speed. Harrell ran a blazing 4.25 40-yard dash at his pro day, which was enough to earn him a contract despite his very limited college production and extensive injury history.

Harrell didn’t do much to stand out in camp this summer, but the Jets could keep him around on the practice squad as a developmental piece.

• DT Bruce Hector

The well-traveled Bruce Hector was in the midst of his third stint with the Jets this summer before his expected release. Hector has had a few stints on the Jets’ practice squad and even appeared in two regular-season games last year.

At 29 years old, Hector doesn’t offer the same upside that other young defensive linemen on the roster do, but the Jets’ coaching staff seems to love him, so there’s a chance he’s kept as one of the veterans on the practice squad.

• LB Anthony Hines

A former top linebacker recruit (ESPN’s No. 1 recruit in 2017), Anthony Hines signed with the Jets a couple of weeks ago after a standout season in the UFL this past spring.

Injuries and a COVID opt-out derailed Hines’s college career, but he offers an appealing athletic upside and was impressive in limited snaps this past Saturday. He could be a fun practice squad addition despite only joining the team recently.

• DL Jalyn Holmes

Jalyn Holmes was one of the more under-the-radar standouts in a deep and talented Jets defensive line room this summer, and he genuinely made a strong push for a roster spot.

Holmes has an intriguing tweener build and appeared in five games for the Jets last season, even recording his second career sack. He turns 29 in January, but it wouldn’t be a surprise at all to see the Jets use one of their veteran practice squad spots on the former Vikings fourth-round pick

• RB Deon Jackson

The Jets signed veteran running back Deon Jackson earlier this month after Tarik Cohen’s surprise retirement. Jackson has some NFL experience, but he was always likely to be a camp body.

It would be a surprise if the Jets re-signed Jackson to their practice squad, but with nearly 30 career NFL games under his belt, he could garner some interest.

• TE Zack Kuntz

A seventh-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Zack Kuntz has failed to make the Jets’ roster for the second consecutive season. Kuntz is an athletic freak whose physical upside is intriguing, but he hasn’t developed as quickly as the Jets would’ve liked.

It’s possible the Jets attempt to re-sign him to their practice squad as a developmental project. After spending his rookie season on the Jets’ practice squad, he could be headed back there.

• SAF Jarius Monroe

Another undrafted rookie, Jarius Monroe transferred to Tulane in 2022 after impressing at FCS Nicholls State. The 6-foot-1, 201-pound Monroe converted from cornerback to safety with the Jets this summer.

Monroe quietly put together a strong preseason and was likely the team’s best backup safety this summer. He should stick around as a developmental piece on the practice squad.

• OL Brady Latham

Brady Lathan started 47 games over four years at Arkansas before signing with the Jets as an undrafted free agent this summer. Latham was projected by some to be a Day 3 pick and has the versatility to play either guard or center.

He seems like a prime candidate to return on the practice squad after practicing at center for much of the summer.

• QB Adrian Martinez

The inaugural and reigning UFL MVP, Adrian Martinez signed with the Jets in late July and flashed his upside in the preseason. Martinez was never going to make the 53-man roster, but he seemed to beat out fellow undrafted QB Andrew Peasley for the team’s temporary QB3 job.

Martinez is likely to be re-signed to the practice squad where he can continue his development if he clears waivers. The former Nebraska recruit has earned this NFL opportunity.

• LB Marcelino McCrary-Ball

The Jets signed Marcelino McCrary-Ball to their practice squad following final roster cuts last August, and he’d go on to appear in two games in 2023.

McCrary-Ball was a favorite of the 49ers’ coaching staff during his rookie season in 2022 and has some fans in Florham Park. I’d expect him to be re-signed to the practice squad if he clears waivers.

• WR Lance McCutcheon

Lance McCutcheon spent the majority of last season on the Jets’ practice squad and was an under-the-radar name to watch this summer. McCutcheon led the NFL in receiving yards in his first preseason with the Los Angeles Rams in 2022, but he couldn’t find that same success this year.

It’s possible the Jets bring McCutcheon back on their practice squad again, but other receivers impressed more this summer.

• QB Andrew Peasley

Andrew Peasley signed with the Jets following a successful tryout at rookie minicamp and was the team’s camp arm for most of the offseason. The former Wyoming standout was the presumptive favorite for the QB3 job but struggled in his final two preseason outings.

There’s still a chance Peasley will be brought back to the practice squad if Martinez is claimed by another team. Peasley had his moments this summer, but he was definitely outplayed by his position-mate.

• TE Lincoln Sefcik

The Jets signed Lincoln Sefcik as an undrafted free agent shortly following the 2024 NFL Draft. At 6-foot-2, 238 pounds, Sefcik showed some promise as a developmental tight end/H-back hybrid and could be re-signed to the practice squad.

• K Austin Seibert

Austin Seibert filled in admirably last season when Greg Zuerlein was forced to miss a game de to injury, connecting on his only field-goal and extra-point attempts.

Seibert looked good in the preseason in what was essentially a showcase for 31 other NFL teams, since he never had a chance to beat out Zuerlein. He probably deserves another opportunity on an NFL roster.

• CB Kendall Sheffield

A former five-star recruit and potential first-round pick at Ohio State, Kendall Sheffield never lived up to expectations in college and has bounced around the NFL since entering as a fourth-round pick in 2019.

Sheffield signed with the Jets last month and offers important depth at nickel cornerback, plus he has ties to defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich dating back to their days together in Atlanta.

Still, it might be tough to earn a practice squad spot given the other options the Jets have. A return to the practice squad is possible, but I wouldn’t count on it.

• CB Nehemiah Shelton

The Jets re-signed Nehemiah Shelton just a few days ago, beginning his third stint with the organization. Shelton spent last summer with the Jets and was briefly a member of the practice squad in the fall.

The Jets clearly see something in the former San Jose State product, so it’s possible he’s re-signed to the practice squad again as one of the final members.

LB Jackson Sirmon

Jackson Sirmon appeared in over 50 career games at Washington and California before signing with the Jets as an undrafted free agent this past May.

Sirmon didn’t stand out much this summer but could be brought back as a developmental practice squad player, especially if he impressed the coaching staff on special teams. He also has experience as a long snapper if the Jets are looking for an emergency backup.

• DT Tanzel Smart

Everyone’s favorite practice squad regular and “Hard Knocks” darling, Tanzel Smart was never a serious contender to make the Jets’ 53-man roster. But in typical Tanzel Smart fashion, he’s a candidate to return to the practice squad.

Smart has spent the majority of the last four seasons on the Jets’ practice squad, which is likely close to an NFL record. He’s hoping to make it five years in a row this season.

• OG Willie Tyler

A college left tackle, the Jets converted undrafted rookie Willie Tyler to guard this summer, and he played all three preseason games at right guard. Unfortunately, he didn’t fare too well.

Tyler was the Jets’ lowest-graded player by Pro Football Focus this summer, grading out especially poorly as a run blocker. There’s a chance he’s re-signed to the practice squad, but the Jets might have other priorities.

• WR Isaiah Winstead

The Jets signed Isaiah Winstead earlier this month, but the former Eastern Carolina star failed to stand out this summer. His most notable play was a dropped touchdown in the team’s second preseason game.

Winstead has a fun backstory and could return to the UFL if he doesn’t get signed to a practice squad somewhere. The Jets probably have other wide receivers ahead of him on their priority list.

• Jets place Leki Fotu, Kenny Yeboah on IR, Jordan Travis on NFI

The Jets made three injury moves to help trim their roster to 53 players. Jordan Travis has been transferred from the active/NFI list to the reserve/NFI list in an expected move. He will be sidelined for a minimum of four games and possibly longer.

The Jets also placed nose tackle Leki Fotu and tight end Kenny Yeboah on the injured reserve. Both players are eligible to be activated to the 53-man roster after four weeks.

Fotu's absence allows the Jets to keep three undrafted rookie defensive linemen (Braiden McGregor, Eric Watts, and Leonard Taylor) as well as Takk McKinley on the active roster.

Without Yeboah, the Jets are down to just two tight ends on their 53-man roster. Expect a move to be made here in the next 48 hours, possibly via the waiver wire.