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Five Fringe Jets Who’ve Earned a 53 Man Roster Spot

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The end of training camp has fans excited for the NFL regular season just around the corner. However, for players and general managers, it’s an excruciating time. Front offices across the league are challenged each year to cut their roster to 53 players. While some decisions are easier than others, it is still a strain across the organization, knowing certain people will be around only temporarily. This is a conundrum for head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey to evaluate. Fortunately, there are some talents too good to ignore and have to find a roster spot for. Even on the practice squad, retaining players for depth is key. Here are five fringe New York Jets players who can hopefully stick around the Jets roster this fall.

Aug 9, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; New York Jets defensive tackle Jay Tufele (78) celebrates scoring a safety on a recovered fumble during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images

Five Fringe Jets Who’ve Earned a 53 Man Roster Spot

Jamaal Pritchett, wide receiver/punt returner

When looking at the Jets roster, some noticeable weaknesses come in the wide receiver room. While the team will be primarily running the ball, the Jets roster would benefit from playmakers in the wide receiver room behind Garrett Wilson. Behind Allen Lazard, Arian Smith, and Tyler Johnson, one standout on the Jets roster could be Jamaal Pritchett. After a standout senior season at South Alabama with 1,127 yards and nine touchdowns, Pritchett was invited to the Senior Bowl in January. While Pritchett’s speed is exceptional, his limited frame at 5’8″ and 175lbs makes it question his ability to absorb contact.

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Entering Jets rookie camp after going undrafted, Pritchett has managed to impress the Jets coaching staff. Through his elusiveness on punt returns and ability to create separation on routes, Pritchett’s speed would be a welcome boost for the Jets roster. With a need for a competent punt returner for quality field position, Pritchett can step in early and help. At the very least, Pritchett would provide the Jets roster with another jetsweep option.

Quentin Skinner, wide receiver

Across three years at the University of Kansas, Quentin Skinner was a reliable contributor in the wide receiver room. Thus far, it’s been more of the same during his first NFL training camp. Through his towering 6’5″ frame, Skinner has contributed in every preseason game. With at least one 20+ yard reception in all three games, Skinner averaged 14.3 yards per catch, among the leaders on the Jets roster. It was the 15th best in the NFL during the preseason. While he’ll need to add some size at only 196 lbs, Skinner’s height makes him an appealing talent to gamble on as a 50/50 ball target.

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Jay Tufele, defensive tackle

With the Jets in need of more explosiveness on the interior, the team acquired veteran defensive lineman Harrison Phillips from the Minnesota Vikings. Phillips’ arrival pushes expected starter Byron Cowart as a backup defensive tackle, and New York will have to thin out the position group. No matter what, veteran Jay Tufele has earned himself a Jets roster spot. The former USC Trojan was buried in the depth chart with the Cincinnati Bengals, but can become a valuable rotation piece on the Jets roster. Tufele made waves with a great first half vs. the Green Bay Packers, including 1.5 sacks & a fumble recovered for a touchdown. At 26 years old, Tufele still has flashes of the run stopper who impressed fans at USC.

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Jarrick Bernard-Converse, cornerback

One of the greatest strengths on the Jets roster is their secondary. Especially its depth. Among them is third-year veteran Jarrick Bernard-Converse. For the third year in a row, Bernard-Converse finished the preseason among the highest graded corners on the team in coverage. While seeing regular season action the past two seasons, Bernard-Converse hasn’t made the impact has hoped. But, with new starters and youth around him outside of Sauce Gardner, Michael Carter II, and Tony Adams, this could be Jarrick’s best shot.

Brady Cook, quarterback

Entering the season, some may question why the Jets roster should have three quarterbacks on it with a healthy Tyrod Taylor. However, the Jets roster can invest in the future by keeping Brady Cook around. While some may not be impressed with the box score, SEC fans (and 7th overall pick Armand Membou) know what the former Missouri quarterback is capable of. Cook’s athleticism was a highlight in every Missouri Tigers game. With 20 touchdown runs in college & a 4.59 40-yard time, Cook can run. But it’s the growth within the pocket that impressed the most. Cook displayed poise and made some great anticipation throws, trusting his targets. In fact, Brady Cook has even earned the praise of Pro Football Hall of Famers like JJ Watt.

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Ideally, Cook is on the roster, not seeing the field this season. For the Jets roster, having him learn behind Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor will benefit general manager Darren Mougey. With Tyrod Taylor a free agent after the season, Cook will be a cheap young backup to develop who is already familiar with the offense. It’d give the Jets roster more freedom to explore upgrading from Justin Fields next year, should he struggle.

Main photo: [Vincent Carchietta] – Imagn Images

The post Five Fringe Jets Who’ve Earned a 53 Man Roster Spot appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.