Two key questions remain after Jets cut down roster, trade for Raiders lineman
The Jets cut their initial roster to 52 players Sunday, leaving one open spot.That spot should be filled Monday, when a trade the Jets agreed to on Sunday is finalized.Jets general manager Darren Mougey agreed to a deal to acquire backup center/guard Jordan Meredith from the Raiders, addressing a glaring weakness on the team.
The Jets sent a 2027 sixth-round pick to the Raiders in exchange for Meredith and a 2029 seventh-round pick.Text with Brian Costello all season as he brings Sports+ subscribers the latest Jets intel from on the field and off.
The Jets needed a backup for center Josh Myers and guards Joe Tippmann and Dylan Parham.The backups on the interior offensive line have struggled throughout camp.
The Jets cut Xavier Newman, who had been the backup center.There were no real surprises among the cuts.They cut quarterback Brady Cook, who started four games for the team last year, but it was clear that was coming.
Cook had been the fourth quarterback all camp.Defensive end Nate Lynn, who had three sacks in two preseason games, was also waived.
Defensive end Braiden McGregor made the initial roster, which was a mild surprise.The team also kept four tight ends, with Jelani Woods making the team, and fullback Andrew Beck.Rookies VJ Payne and Anez Cooper were placed on injured reserve with a designation to return, meaning they could return as soon as Week 5.The Jets have to hope the addition of Meredith gives them a viable center if Myers is injured.
Meredith started 11 games for the Raiders last season.Las Vegas had one of the worst offensive lines in football, allowing a league-high 64 sacks.
The Jets now have two pieces of that offensive line.They signed Dylan Parham to be their starting left guard in the offseason.Meredith, 28, will be reunited with quarterback Geno Smith with the Jets.
Smith was the Raiders quarterback last year.Meredith is in the final year of his contract and is scheduled to make $3.5 million.Meredith went undrafted out of Weste...