The New York Jets‘ 53-man roster seemed set, at least initially. As is always the case in the NFL, though, another move or two (or three) is always right around the corner.
August 27 served as more proof of that. Just a day removed from revealing their starting group, New York is shaking things up with an unexpected transaction at wide receiver.
First reported by Rich Cimini of ESPN, the Jets released wideout Tyler Johnson. That’s since been confirmed by the NFL’s daily personnel notice.
Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic further confirmed the news, adding commentary on the decision.
Johnson is a surprise, though he is a vested vet so certainly possible he gets brought back either on the roster or PS. Jets only have Garrett Wilson, Allen Lazard, Josh Reynolds,
Jets Make Shocking Move to Part Ways With Receiver Tyler Johnson
Rosenblatt, as Jets fans likely will, finds the move surprising.
“Johnson is a surprise, though he is a vested vet so certainly possible he gets brought back either on the roster or PS,” Rosenblatt wrote.
Immediately following the transaction, Cimini wondered whether general manager Darren Mougey “needs to trade for a receiver.” He also pointed out that Johnson’s full base salary doesn’t have to be guaranteed if brought back after Week 1. In a separate tweet, Nick Faria of Jets X-Factor hypothesized about a bigger role for rookie Arian Smith.
Update: Johnson has since been “added to the practice squad,” per Cimini. The rest of the original story, in its entirety, continues below.
Whatever the justification is, it’s got to mean something else is coming. One of those avenues, and perhaps the most straightforward one, is to re-sign Johnson. Given his number of accrued seasons, he isn’t subject to the waiver system. He’s free to join whichever team he chooses once he hits the open market.
The Jets previously parted ways with 2024 third-round pick Malachi Corley, who has since joined the Cleveland Browns. Someone like Kendrick Bourne could make sense for them, especially after his release from the New England Patriots.
New York carries five receivers on the roster post-Johnson release: Garrett Wilson, Josh Reynolds, Allen Lazard, Xavier Gipson and Smith.
Jets Also Cut Marquis Hayes & Zaire Barnes
The other two Jets roster decisions in the Johnson bunch are logical. They correspond directly to the additions the club made earlier in the day. There’s a case to be made that cutting Johnson does, too, but he doesn’t play the same position as newcomer tight end Jelani Woods.
Parting ways with offensive lineman Marquis Hayes hurts New York, no doubt. The former seventh-round pick by the Arizona Cardinals strung together a stellar preseason. In three outings, he posted a Pro Football Focus overall grade of 78.8 and thrived with an 88.7 pass blocking mark. The Jets are allowing talented prospect and Wednesday waiver claim Esa Pole to take his spot, but it’s still a significant loss.
The departure of Zaire Barnes is also one to note. A sixth-round pick by New York just two years ago, he found his way into four regular-season games as a rookie. After playing a minor special teams role in 2023, he missed all of last year with an injury. He responded with a strong preseason, amassing 15 tackles in three games, but it wasn’t enough to keep him around. Taking his spot is former Kansas City Chiefs special teams ace Cam Jones, another linebacker. Pole is also a Chiefs product.
That’s the NFL life cycle for you.
Jets Make ‘Surprise’ WR Move Amid Roster Turnover Ahead of Week 1