Getty Former Minnesota Vikings linebacker Chazz Surratt has signed to the New York Jets practice squad.
After yesterday’s final 53-man cutdown, the NFL shifted its attention to the waiver wire this morning and the New York Jets lost quite a few players.
Headlining the seven-man group of claims was safety Jason Pinnock, who was poached by the crosstown rival New York Giants. The Jets also waved goodbye to cornerbacks Javelin Guidry, Rachad Wildgoose and Isaiah Dunn, as well as tight end Trevon Wesco, offensive tackle Chuma Edoga, and linebacker Del’Shawn Phillips.
To make matters worse for fans, the Jets chose not to claim anyone despite owning the number four spot in the order. We do have some positive news, however, several favorites of the NYJ faithful were re-signed to the practice squad.
Streveler, Yeboah & Anae Return Among Others
The most notable names to return so far were probably quarterback Chris Streveler, tight end Kenny Yeboah, and defensive end Bradlee Anae.
The Athletic’s Zack Rosenblatt had a funny way of announcing the preseason “legend” was safe. “No NFL team claimed Chris Streveler, meaning nobody wants to win the Super Bowl this year,” he joked.
No NFL team claimed Chris Streveler, meaning nobody wants to win the Super Bowl this year.
NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero later confirmed that the fourth-string QB and his three comeback victories did agree to rejoin the Jets via the practice squad. As did rookie wide receiver, Irvin Charles, confirmed by Doug Kyed of Pro Football Focus.
Source: #Jets signing WR Irvin Charles to the practice squad.
Charles was an intriguing weapon this summer at 6-foot-4 but it was clear he needed a little more time to develop and chip in at other areas. He’ll be a fine addition to the practice squad.
Heavy’s own NFL insider Matt Lombardo revealed the next returnee, wide receiver Tarik Black. After spending a chunk of the 2021 campaign on the NYJ practice squad, Black will do so again in 2022.
WR Tarik Black is signing with the #Jets’ practice squad, per sources | @HeavyOnSports
Another quality re-signing was offensive lineman Grant Hermanns — per Will Parkinson of “Turn on the Jets” — who has the ability to play tackle and guard. The former Purdue co-captain is a potential swing tackle of the future for the Jets if he can continue to develop.
OL Grant Hermanns is signing with the Jets Practice Squad per source.
New York Post beat member Brian Costello also noted the return of Yeboah, the popular reserve tight end that was mentioned in the open.
TE Kenny Yeboah is coming back to the Jets on the practice squad, per source
The former undrafted prospect can do a little bit of everything (catch, run routes, block, play on special teams), but he doesn’t do anything spectacularly yet. Hopefully, he can change that with some more schooling on the practice squad.
Anae was the last reported re-signing (from uSTADIUM) before the Jets unveiled their press release, which included six more players. The preseason riser really impressed toward the end of camp with multiple sacks and QB pressures.
Source: Bradlee Anae is signing with the #Jets practice squad.
Have no fear, this NYJ press release also confirmed a few more notable prospects and returnees: DT Jonathan Marshall, LB Hamsah Nasirildeen, S Will Parks, LB DQ Thomas, DT Tanzel Smart, and OL Chris Glaser. The jury is still out on ex-third-rounder Jabari Zuniga as the Jets still have one open practice squad spot remaining (see below).
Report: Chazz Surratt Joins Practice Squad
One of those final four jobs reportedly went to ex-Minnesota Vikings linebacker Chazz Surratt. His agency SportsTrust Advisors announced the signing.
.@Chazz_Surratt12 joining @nyjets PS
New York Daily News beat reporter Antwan Staley detailed the newcomer’s unique background: “After switching over from quarterback to linebacker, Chaz Surratt recorded 206 tackles, 12.5 sacks and 22.5 tackles for loss at UNC in 2019-20. Not sure why didn’t work out with the Vikings but not a bad practice squad signing by the Jets.”
After switching over from quarterback to linebacker, Chaz Surratt recorded 206 tackles, 12.5 sacks and 22.5 tackles for loss at UNC in 2019-20. Not sure why didn’t work out with the Vikings but not a bad practice squad signing by the Jets.
Justin Fried of The Jet Press added: “This is an excellent pickup for the Jets. Chazz Surratt was a third-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings in last year’s draft who was surprisingly waived this summer as part of final roster cuts. Surratt is a former quarterback who brings an excellent blend of speed/size to the table. While he’s still a little rough around the edges, Surratt projects as an ideal developmental WILL linebacker who could thrive in this defensive system.”
UPDATE: Calvin Jackson Signs to Practice Squad
There was certainly some suspense but finally, at 4:42 p.m. EST, Rosenblatt tweeted that well-liked rookie WR Calvin Jackson Jr. will indeed be returning.
Delayed, but WR Calvin Jackson also signed to the #Jets practice squad.
The undrafted prospect out-snapped Denzel Mims most of training camp and battled him right down to the wire for the final roster spot at WR. In the end, the Jets never found a trade partner for Mims before electing to cut Jackson. This is a huge “keep” on the practice squad for Gang Green.
Defensive back and special teams ace Craig James will also be making his Green & White return. The Jets signed James back in July, raising questions of whether or not Justin Hardee’s roster status was secure. In the end, James didn’t last long with the active group but GM Joe Douglas will bring him back with the reserves.
One job left. We will continue to monitor for any final updates.