Getty Former New York Jets wide receiver Calvin Jackson Jr celebrating after making a game-winning touchdown versus the New York Giants.
One of the stars of the New York Jets preseason has found a new home in the NFL.
According to Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic, wide receiver, Calvin Jackson Jr is signing a deal to join the Miami Dolphins practice squad. That new gig will be official once Jackson passes his physical.
WR Calvin Jackson is signing with the Dolphins practice squad pending a physical, per source.
Had a standout training camp with the #Jets, was surprised he wasn’t picked up sooner. His dad played for the Dolphins too.
Calvin Jackson Jr Will Gets His Jets-Dolphins Revenge Game
Every summer Jets fans fall in love with a player on the 90-man roster who seemingly has long odds to make it but gives the fans someone to root for.
No player better fit that bill this offseason than undrafted free agent wide receiver Calvin Jackson Jr.
Following the 2022 NFL draft, the Jets held a mini-tryout featuring several UDFAs. Jackson did enough to impress and earned a spot on their roster heading into training camp.
Wow: #Jets WR Calvin Jackson Jr (@PrimetimeCeej) came down with a spectacular bobbling TD catch in the end-zone on a Mike White (@MikeWhiteQB) toss 👀: 🎥 @nyjets #TakeFlight #JetsCamp @WSUCougarFB
Throughout training camp, he dazzled with spectacular catches and had an affinity for making plays when called upon.
#Jets QB Mike White (@MikeWhiteQB) found WR Calvin Jackson Jr (@PrimetimeCeej) in the back of the endzone for a nice TD grab 👀: 🎥 @nyjets #TakeFlight #JetsCamp
That buzz he created didn’t just live and die during practice, but Action Jackson found a way to translate those playmaking abilities to the preseason.
Gang Green went 3-0 in the preseason and a big reason why was Jackson’s clutch catches.
He finished with only four catches for 19 yards, but he opted for a quality over a quantity approach. Half of those receptions ended up being game-winning plays versus the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants respectively.
Despite all the hoopla, he created among the fan base ultimately CJ was dumped by the Jets during final roster cuts.
As Rosenblatt noted in his initial tweet, he was a bit surprised that Jackson has been hanging out on the free-agent market for as long as he has. Regardless he has a new NFL home and he will get a chance to exact his revenge on the Jets in a Week 18 matchup in Miami at the end of the season.
Jets Wide Receiver Depth Is Being Tested Early
One of the problems for Jackson was being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The Jets over the years haven’t had many really talented receiving corps.
However this particular season, Gang Green is freaking loaded with a proven veteran, a first-round pick, a highly thought of youngster, a gizmo gadget player, and so many other pieces.
That combination made it nearly impossible for any wide receiver coming to the party late to crack the rotation or heck even make the roster.
However with Corey Davis getting banged up during the Denver Broncos game and the uncertainty regarding Elijah Moore, suddenly the wide receiving corps has a very different look heading into Week 8.
The Jets are going to be forced to rely upon a few new names like Denzel Mims, Jeff Smith, and other pieces on the offense. This might be a time to get the tight ends involved and change the dynamic of the offense from a philosophical perspective.
The Jets will hope that freshly traded veteran James Robinson can plug and play to replace Breece Hall, but that’ll be a tall task.