The New York Jets announced two signings Tuesday afternoon, while parting ways with a 2024 draft pick.
In addition to confirming rumors that veteran defensive back Jalen Mills would join the practice squad, the Jets signed former Penn State linebacker Brandon Smith. In order to free up a roster spot for Smith, New York waived seventh-round rookie safety Jaylen Key, also known as “Mr. Irrelevant.”
Key joined the Jets from Alabama with the final pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He did not survive roster cuts day but was later added to the practice squad for the first three weeks of the season.
Interestingly, New York introduced Mills, a longtime cornerback, as a safety, which seemingly reduced the need to keep Key.
Meanwhile, Smith, 23, gives the Jets three P-Squad linebackers, joining Jackson Sirmon and Marcelino McCray-Ball. He has 14 career appearances under his belt, playing almost exclusively on special teams.
The Carolina Panthers used the 120th overall pick on Smith in 2022 and released him after just one season. One of Carolina’s injured reserves in 2023, Smith signed with the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad and subsequently appeared in two games. He began the 2024 campaign on Philadelphia’s P-Squad before being released on September 10.
Smith was a two-year starter for Penn State and entered the draft after his junior season. He was a semifinalist for the Dick Butkus Award in 2021.
The Jets have five linebackers on their active roster, not including Zaire Barnes on injured reserve. While his injury is not listed as serious, veteran starter C.J. Mosley is nursing a toe injury and missed the Week 3 win over the New England Patriots.
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