Joe Douglas’ tenure as general manager of the New York Jets was a long one, and it didn’t yield much success for the franchise.
Despite being billed as a top-notch talent evaluator, someone who learned under the likes of Howie Roseman and Ozzie Newsome, Douglas’ draft classes typically left a lot to be desired, outside of his 2022 draft class, which yielded several starters.
Another one of Douglas’ draft picks was unable to carve out a role for himself: 2023 sixth-round pick Jarrick Bernard-Converse, and the New York Giants decided to cut ties with the former Jet on Friday evening, per ESPN’s Jordan Raanan.
“The Giants waived CB Jarrick Bernard-Converse with an injury designation, per the transaction wire. He had been dealing with a knee injury and hadn’t practiced in several days,” wrote Raanan in a post on X.
With just weeks to go until the start of the regular season, Bernard-Converse will hope to find a new home; otherwise, he may find himself on the outside of the NFL looking in this upcoming season.
Jarrick Bernard-Converse Path Through the NFL
The former New York Jets draft pick spent four years at Oklahoma State to start his collegiate career, before transferring to LSU for his fifth and final season in the college ranks.
After being made the 204th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Bernard-Converse’s rookie year wouldn’t get started until late October, as he started the season on the reserve/physically unable to perform list.
Bernard-Converse didn’t appear much defensively for the Jets over his two years with the team. He played a combined total of 10 snaps in 2023 and 2024.
Where he saw the most usage was on special teams. Bernard-Converse played 45% and 60% of snaps in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
Ahead of the 2025 season, Bernard-Converse was unable to crack the Jets’ final 53-man roster, and he was waived by New York and its new regime.
He caught on with the Cleveland Browns shortly thereafter and would appear in five games for the franchise, again mostly on special teams.
Bernard-Converse was waived by the Browns in late October and found his next home with the New York Giants.
The former LSU standout would appear in five games and play 31% of special teams snaps in those games.
Clearly, the Giants felt they could use that roster spot elsewhere, as they announced they signed center Brenden Jaimes shortly after the Bernard-Converse news.
Could the Jets Reunite With Jarrick Bernard-Converse?
While Bernard-Converse is currently looking for a new home, a reunion with the New York Jets, the team that drafted him, doesn’t seem to be in the cards.
The Jets already have several defensive backs who figure to contribute on special teams, and may not have space for another.
Qwan’tez Stiggers looked good last season as the Jets gunner on special teams, and they have some other young players who will need a role that isn’t on the defensive side of the ball.
2026 seventh-round draft pick VJ Payne is unlikely to see the field much in his rookie season, unless he’s on punt coverage.
Bernard-Converse will likely have to look elsewhere for his next team.
Giants Cut Ties With Former Joe Douglas Jets Draft Pick