The New York Jets’ 53-man roster is complete after making 37 cuts between Monday and Tuesday to trim the squad down from 90.
Things remain fluid as major moving parts are still in play before Gang Green’s opening kick-off on Monday, Sept. 9 in Santa Clara against the San Francisco 49ers, but this is what the core of a team that should challenge for a playoff spot looks like:
2024 Jets 53-man roster
- Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers, Tyrod Taylor
- Running back: Israel Abanikanda, Braelon Allen, Isaiah Davis, Breece Hall
- Wide receiver: Jason Brownlee, Irvin Charles, Malachi Corley, Xavier Gipson, Allen Lazard, Mike Williams, Garrett Wilson
- Tight end: Tyler Conklin, Jeremy Ruckert
- Offensive line: Olu Fashanu, Max Mitchell, Morgan Moses, Xavier Newman, Wes Schweitzer, Jordan Simpson, Tyron Smith, Joe Tippmann, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Carter Warren
- Defensive line: Michael Clemons, Javon Kinlaw, Takk McKinley, Leonard Taylor III, Solomon Thomas, Eric Watts, Quinnen Williams
- EDGE: Will McDonald IV, Braiden McGregor
- Linebacker: Zaire Barnes, Jermaine Johnson, CJ Mosley, Jamien Sherwood, Chazz Surratt, Quincy Williams
- Cornerback: Jarrick Bernard-Converse, Michael Carter II, Brandin Echols, Sauce Gardner, Isaiah Oliver, DJ Reed, Qwan’tez Stiggers
- Safety: Tony Adams, Chuck Clark, Ashtyn Davis
- Special teams: Greg Zuerlein, Thomas Hennessy, Thomas Morstead
3 big takeaways
Defensive line by committee: The Jets have retained 10 players who can play on the defensive line, including three undrafted free agents in Eric Watts (UConn), Leonard Taylor III (Miami), and Braiden McGregor (Michigan). Depth is clearly the name of the game for Robert Saleh in order to surround Quinnen Williams with as many options as possible.
All the while, the Jets have Leki Fotu on injured reserve and Haason Reddick — the second-best defensive lineman behind Williams — holding out. Saleh still hopes that Reddick will be available for Week 1, but the situation remains tricky. For now, it’s on Michael Clemons and Will McDonald to hold things down until there is a resolution.
4 running backs?: It is clear that when the Jets see promise, they are not going to let it fall by the wayside even if the position is established.
Breece Hall is the undisputed focal point of the backfield and he is poised for his first-ever 1,000-yard season. Braelon Allen is expected to be a No. 2, short-yardage option. But behind Isaiah Davis, the inclusion of Isreal Abanikanda creates a crowded running-backs room.
He earned himself a spot on the Week 1 roster, however, with a strong preseason despite not being seen much in practice. He averaged 6.2 yards per carry on 21 attempts, including a 45-yard touchdown against the Giants.
This is the most well-rounded Jets roster in ages: Perhaps even ever. Aaron Rodgers, the future Hall of Famer, put in extra work this preseason and showed that at 40, he still has it after ripping the Giants apart during joint practice.
Breece Hall is going to flirt with the Pro Bowl this season, Garrett Wilson is one of the best young wide receivers in the league and now has a legitimate No. 2 in Mike Williams. Sauce Gardner is an elite cornerback and Quinnen Williams is just as highly regarded on the line among a Jets defense that will be one of the best units in football.
There is no reason why this team should not make the playoffs.
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