Jets' roster decisions and depth questions
The Jets got their roster down to 53 players by the 6 p.m. deadline and will keep Geno Smith as the starter with rookie Cade Klubnik serving as the backup.
New York’s receiving corps features Garrett Wilson and AD Mitchell among a group of young pass catchers that also includes Omar Cooper Jr., Isaiah Williams, Tim Patrick and recent draft pick Arian Smith, who remains on the roster despite a quiet preseason.
The running-back room lists Breece Hall and Isaiah Davis, both of whom are nursing injuries. Yardbarker projects the club will likely add another back — possibly to the practice squad — to help cover those absences.
Up front, the Jets carried eight offensive linemen led by Olu Fashanu, Dylan Parham, Josh Myers, Joe Tippmann, Armand Membou, Max Mitchell, Chukwuma Okorafor and Kohl Levao after making a move to add Jordan Meredith and keep Levao over Xavier Newman.
New York’s defensive line is one of the deepest groups on the roster, anchored by veterans and rising young players such as T’Vondre Sweat, David Onyemata, Will McDonald and rookie David Bailey, who enters the season as a player to watch among the defensive-rookie crop.
Concerns remain at linebacker and in the secondary. Yardbarker projects the linebacker group as thin with limited experienced depth behind the starters — a situation the outlet says could be a factor this season “given DeMario Davis’ advanced age and Jamien Sherwood’s struggles.” The cornerback room does not feature a proven elite talent but is described as solid from top to bottom.
One final roster note: Yardbarker suggests the Jets may add a more experienced veteran quarterback to sit behind Geno Smith and serve as a mentor for Klubnik, a move that would stabilize the depth chart behind the starter.
Texans finalize 53-man roster; roster shape highlighted by receiver and linebacker counts
The Houston Texans also announced their initial 53-man roster on Sunday, a group assembled after 40 moves on NRG Drive.
The Houston Texans announced their initial 53-man roster for the 2026 NFL season after 40 moves made on the afternoon.
Both teams head into the season with clear strengths and questions: the Jets with a deep, youthful defensive line but thin linebacker depth and injured backs, and the Texans with numerical depth at receiver and linebacker as they finalize personnel ahead of Week 1. Roster tweaks are still possible for each club as they address immediate depth needs.
