3 cut candidates on Jets roster ahead of NFL training camp
The Jets enter the 2024 training camp with a much more somber outlook than they had last year. In 2023, they acquired Aaron Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers. Expectations were through the roof and they were being considered as one of the dark horses for the Super Bowl. Hard Knocks came knocking and featured them prior to the season.
But amidst all the hype, they forgot to beef up the offensive line as much as they should have and Aaron Rodgers was injured on the first drive of the 2023 season. He missed the rest of it and all the optimism from training camp had dissipated.
That's why the Jets seem to be approaching this year with renewed caution. They have recruited well and have a stronger offensive line than last year. They have also added some depth to the weapons that their returning quarterback has available. Tyrod Taylor is expected to be an upgrade on Zach Wilson, who they have traded to the Broncos.
Now, in training camp, it will be time to run over all prospective candidates and trim it down to the final 53. In that exercise, here are some players that might get cut.
3 cut candidates on Jets roster ahead of NFL training camp
Candidate 1 - Israel Abanikanda: RB
The clearest candidate for getting cut after the training camp is Israel Abanikanda. He was supposed to be the guy who stepped into second place on the depth chart behind Breece Hall, but that has not worked out. He finished with just 70 yards in the past season and was suspect in pass-blocking schemes. He struggled to shine even as Dalvin Cook and Michael Carter failed to make an impact.
The Jets sought to rectify the situation by selecting Braelon Allen in the fourth round and Isaiah Davis in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. They also gave Tarik Cohen a one-year deal. That leaves Israel Abanikanda on the outside looking in and a prime candidate to be cut after the training camp's conclusion.
Candidate 2 - Irvin Charles: WR
The lack of receiving options beyond Garrett Wilson last year was embarrassing for the Jets. If they could, they would probably get rid of Allen Lazard, but his four-year, $44 million contract and his rapport with Aaron Rodgers make it unlikely that he will get cut.
Considering that the Jets have also added Mike Williams to address this situation, drafted Malachi Corley, and retained the likes of Xavier Gipson, that might put Irvin Charles in a spot of trouble. He is tumbling down the depth chart and Gipson or Corley might be preferred on special teams. That leaves him competing with Jason Brownlee for one of the final wide receiver spots and he might not make it unless he has a phenomenal training camp.
Candidate 3 - Zaire Barnes: LB
When the Jets drafted Zaire Barnes in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the hope was that he would contribute on defensive special teams and eventually emerge as a player who could challenge the regular starters. But he was mostly inactive last year and only made it to the field when others were unavailable. Chazz Surratt looks more established ahead of him, even in the special teams role.
Throw in other players who will compete like Jamien Sherwood, Sam Eguavoen, and Marcelino McCrary-Ball, it is tough to see Zaire Barnes making the roster. This training camp could be a make-or-break situation for him as it pertains to his future in the NFL, and not just in New York.