The New York Jets are cutting ties with adjacent ESPN royalty.
ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter shared on social media that the Jets are “waiving” defensive back Jordan Clark, the son of longtime ESPN NFL analyst Ryan Clark, ahead of the deadline.
Back in late April, Clark signed a multiyear deal with the Jets after going undrafted. It was a three-year deal for $2.98 million with $170,000 in total guarantees, per Spotrac.
Jets Have Plans to Bring Him Back
Clark, 24, played his collegiate ball at Arizona State and Notre Dame. He was in college for six seasons from 2019-24.
Since he is a rookie, Clark is subject to waivers. If any team claims him, he will automatically be added to that squad’s 53-man roster.
Schefter said if Clark goes unclaimed, he “is expected to be on the Jets‘ practice squad.
Ryan Clark, Jordan’s father, broke his silence on his son getting cut and likely ending up on the Jets‘ PS.
“What a blessing. Not the first Clark from our household to be in practice squad in NY. The start of the journey not the end. Congrats @Jclark21_,” Clark posted.
Ryan is referencing his own entry point into the NFL.
In 2002, Ryan went undrafted out of LSU. He joined the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent on a three-year deal for $906,000 and which included a $1,000 signing bonus.
Clark eventually transformed those humble beginnings into a profitable NFL career. He spent 13 years in the NFL between the Giants, Washington Commanders (two stints), and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Clark won a Super Bowl in Pittsburgh, was named a Pro Bowler in 2011, and then launched himself into a full-time post-playing career at ESPN.
Jets Dump Talented Rookie After Impressive Camp
Clark wasn’t the only roster casualty for the Jets.
ESPN’s Rich Cimini shared on social media that the team cut ties with another Clark, Dean Clark, an undrafted free agent out of Fresno State.
He is also a rookie, so he was waived. If he clears waivers, Cimini said he is a “definite possibility” to return to the team.
Clark was having a “good camp”, Cimini added.
Following the 2025 NFL draft, Clark was among the most coveted undrafted free agents. The Jets won his services by giving him a sizable $160,000 guarantee.
The Jets have more questions than answers at the safety position. Clark may start on the practice squad, but he could quickly have a path to a potential practice squad elevation opportunity in 2025.
Jets Cut Son of ESPN Analyst Months After Signing Multiyear Deal