Recent first-round draft bust predicted to be released by Jets this summer

The New York Jets have done a great job overhauling their defensive line this offseason, adding both young and experienced talent to a position that was fairly thin throughout the 2025 season.

After trading away Quinnen Williams, New York relied heavily on Harrison Phillips and Jowon Briggs. Both were solid players, but they needed a heavier rotation.

So, the Jets went out and traded for former second-round pick T'Vondre Sweat, signed former Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle David Onyemata in free agency, and drafted Florida State's Darrell Jackson Jr. in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

The interior defensive line is now a strength of the Jets roster, but all the additions may have made one young defender expendable.

Former Cowboys DT Mazi Smith predicted to be cut by Jets

Bleacher Report's Moe Moton named the best player on every NFL roster in jeopardy of getting cut this offseason, and for the Jets, he named former first-round pick Mazi Smith as the most likely casualty.

Smith was a throw-in from the Dallas Cowboys in the trade deadline deal that landed them Williams, and he only ended up appearing in three games for New York.

"After the trade, Smith only played 54 defensive snaps in three games. The Jets signed David Onyemata, traded for T'Vondre Sweat and drafted Darrell Jackson Jr. in the fourth round, pushing the former Cowboy further to the back of the depth chart."

Moe Moton

It seems fairly obvious that Smith doesn't have a future with the Jets. They declined to pick up his fifth-year option, deciding not to pay him $13.9 million in 2027. It was a fairly obvious choice, considering the former Michigan standout is unlikely to even be on the roster by Week 1.

The Jets can cut Smith for no loss this offseason, saving $2.56 million and incurring a $2.56 million dead cap hit.

Considering the number of players who figure to have a rotational role on the Jets' defensive line, it just makes the most sense. If there's anyone who will be playing as a reserve, it's likely to be the rookie, Jackson.

ESPN's Rich Cimini expects the fourth-round draft pick to "redshirt" his first season in the pros.

Once the Jets start to whittle down their roster, expect Smith to be one of the first casualties. He'll have to hope he can continue his NFL career with another franchise.

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