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One of the prized gems of the New York Jets’ undrafted free agent class has moved on to greener pastures.
According to the latest NFL transactions report, linebacker DQ Thomas has joined the Green Bay Packers on their practice squad.
The former Memphis product originally entered the league by signing a deal with Gang Green after not hearing his name called.
What Could Have Been for DQ Thomas in New York
On the surface, the Jets lacked depth and star power in their linebacking corps entering the offseason.
They had veteran CJ Mosley who was set to return and the staff was really high on Quincy Williams. Beyond that, though there weren’t many options that you felt great about.
That led to plenty of speculation that the Jets could consider either signing a sexy free agent option or even selecting a linebacker pretty high in the 2022 NFL draft.
The Jets actually decided to do neither of those things.
Instead, they patiently waited until the conclusion of the draft to make their big swing
Thomas was widely expected to hear his name called in April, but it never happened. That made him a very attractive option to a bevy of teams who were bidding for his services.
Ultimately the Jets were able to convince him to come to New York with a pitch built around a path to playing time and a large check.
Per Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, Gang Green doled out a UDFA contract that featured over $130,000.
While he came in with massive expectations, it didn’t work out in New York for Thomas.
One reason is the Jets surprisingly added veteran Kwon Alexander. Not only did he take a potential roster spot but he played so well that he worked into the starting rotation.
Thomas didn’t make the final 53-man roster but was brought back on the team’s practice squad for a week. Shortly thereafter he was released outright into the open free agent waters.
Now he will get a new opportunity in a different shade of green with the Packers.
Jets Kicking the Tires on Several Players
Ahead of the Jets’ Week 3 matchup versus the Cincinnati Bengals, they worked out a trio of players.
According to the NFL’s transaction report, Gang Green tried out three veterans:
- Michael Griffin, defensive back
- Adam Pankey, offensive guard
- Sam Schlueter, offensive tackle
Griffin is a rookie DB out of South Dakota State and considering all of the Jets’ recent issues on the backend it isn’t that surprising they’re evaluating other options.
Pankey is a more experienced player at 28 years of age. He has spent time on three different NFL ball clubs over the last three years (Miami Dolphins, Packers, and the Tennessee Titans).
Finally, Schlueter is another rookie the Jets are kicking the tires on. He is a Minnesota product and brings with him a treasure chest of accolades.
So far the Jets haven’t signed any of these players, but that is always possible at any point. At the very least the ones that impressed were added to the emergency list if and when the Jets need a body later this season.
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