NY Jets news: Jason Brownlee released, Brenden Bates waivers, 49ers missing stars

The Jets made a few tweaks to their 53-man roster on Wednesday, and after claiming tight end Brenden Bates off waivers (more on that in a moment), the team officially parted ways with wide receiver Jason Brownlee.

Brownlee originally signed with the Jets as an undrafted free agent following the 2023 NFL Draft and would go on to make the 53-man roster as a rookie. He played sparingly last season, appearing in seven games and hauling in five catches for 56 yards and a touchdown.

The Southern Miss product entered the summer competing for a roster spot once again and he appeared to have earned a spot following a strong finish to training camp.

The Jets will likely re-sign Brownlee to their practice squad if he clears waivers, but that's far from a guarantee. The good news is the odds of him going unclaimed are higher now that he was let go a day later since many teams have already finalized their 53-man rosters.

More NY Jets news:

Jets claim Brenden Bates off waivers

The player Brownlee was released for is the aforementioned Brenden Bates. Bates originally signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent this summer after spending six seasons at the University of Kentucky.

At 6-foot-4, 246 pounds, Bates never surpassed 100 yards in a single season at Kentucky. Instead, he became a regular offensive contributor as a stellar blocking tight end. He offers more upside than at first glance, however.

Bates actually finished second among all tight ends this preseason with 100 receiving yards on six catches. He also finished as Pro Football Focus's highest-graded rookie tight end, while ranking third in special-teams tackles with four.

Bates has experience working as both an in-line blocking tight end and as a fullback. His blocking pedigree gives him a solid foundation to build upon, but it's his untapped potential as a receiver that should have Jets fans excited about his future. He's someone to keep an eye on.

49ers could be without two stars in Week 1

The Jets are less than two weeks away from taking the field for their Week 1 matchup with the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football. Both teams could be without at least one star player due to contract disputes.

Jets fans know all about the ongoing saga regarding Haason Reddick, but the 49ers remain embroiled in two contentious holdouts with both star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams.

Aiyuk was once again absent from 49ers practice on Wednesday despite the team telling reporters mere hours earlier that he would be on the field. Meanwhile, Williams has barely been in contact with the 49ers since the start of the summer.

There's a very real chance the 49ers are without at least one — most likely Williams — of these two star players for Week 1. Aiyuk could still be traded before the regular season begins. These are situations worth monitoring closely over the next two weeks.