NY Jets news: Jets sign rookie minicamp standout, Javelin Guidry returns

The NY Jets invited over 60 players to their rookie minicamp earlier this month, the vast majority of whom were in attendance on a tryout basis. Of the 38 tryout players at Jets rookie minicamp, only one earned an official contract from the team.

The Jets announced the signing of former Middle Tennessee State wide receiver Izaiah Gathings on Monday. At 6-foot-4, 222 pounds, Gathings is listed as a tight end and will be making the position switch at the NFL level.

Gathings began his collegiate career at Gardner-Webb before transferring to MTSU in 2021. In 12 games in 2022, Gathings finished second on his team with 60 catches for 559 yards and two touchdowns.

The 22-year-old Gathings faces an uphill battle in a crowded tight end room this summer, but he's already proven that he can overcome the odds. Don't be surprised to see Gathings stick around on the practice squad this year.

Other NY Jets news

Jets claim Javelin Guidry off waivers

The Jets were reunited with a familiar face on Tuesday as they claimed cornerback Javelin Guidry off waivers from the Atlanta Falcons. Guidry appeared in 28 games for the Jets from 2020 to 2021 after signing as an undrafted free agent following the 2020 NFL Draft.

The speedy Utah product spent last summer with the Jets but was released as part of final roster cuts. Guidry bounced around between a number of teams last season and went on to appear in four games for the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Jets' cornerback room is already loaded, but Guidry helps provide some extra depth in the slot behind Michael Carter II. His experience with the coaching staff and on special teams gives him a shot to stick around either on the active roster or the practice squad.

Jets paid top dollar for undrafted free agents

The Jets signed a total of 13 undrafted free agents in the days following the 2023 NFL Draft, and they paid a premium to do so. In fact, only the Kansas City Chiefs handed out more guaranteed money to undrafted rookies this year.

The Jets paid their undrafted free-agent class $1.0455 million in guaranteed salaries, with the highest figure going to Southern Miss wide receiver Jason Brownlee. Brownlee's $246,000 in guarantees were the third-highest of any undrafted free agent signed after the draft.

Other notable UDFA contracts include Stephen F. Austin wide receiver Xavier Gipson ($165,000), Georgia Tech tight end E.J. Jenkins ($110,000), Texas Tech safety Marquis Waters ($100,000), and Florida safety Trey Dean III ($100,000).

The Jets made a hefty investment into their 2023 undrafted class, and the hope is that at least a few of these players carve out roles in the future.