The preseason is officially over as the New York Jets roster now consists of 53 players. There are still some moves to be made as waiver claims are soon to be processed, but this initial 53 gives us a good look at who we should expect to see on Sunday, September 13 when the Jets take on the Tennessee Titans in Nashville.

When you have a young and overall inexperienced team like the Jets, everyone has a chance to make the team. Especially when considering their 3-14 record in 2025. It was a tall task for HC Aaron Glenn and GM Darren Mougey to get this roster from 90 to 53, but they made it happen.

Let’s take a look at the initial 53.

Offense (26)

Quarterbacks (2)

Starter: Geno Smith
Backup: Cade Klubnik
OUT: Brady Cook, Bailey Zappe

Bailey Zappe’s rough preseason didn’t help him as he was certainly climbing uphill to make this team. The release of Brady Cook was a surprise to me given his youth and experience of playing in five games last year (although he struggled mightily). This is a very good sign for Cade Klubnik though, as he is for sure QB2.

Running backs (4)

Starter: Breece Hall
Backups: Braelon Allen, Isaiah Davis, Keke Nwangwu
OUT/IR: Dominic Richardson, Chip Trayanum (injured, reserve)

No surprise for the four backs that were kept as Nwangwu is still set to be featured in the return game on special teams. Keep an eye on Chip Trayanum who suffered a neck injury in the preseason finale against the Giants.

Fullbacks (1)

IN: Andrew Beck
OUT: none

Major props to Beck who finds himself of use in Frank Reich’s system.

Wide Receivers (6)

Starters: Garrett Wilson, Adonai Mitchell, Isaiah Williams
Backups: Arian Smith, Omar Cooper Jr., Tim Patrick
OUT: Junior Bergen, Cam Camper, Malik McClain, Jamaal Pritchett, Quincy Skinner

In hindsight it’s not shocking to see the Jets roll with six in this position. Especially when considering the special teams value of Isaiah Williams and Arian Smith in the return game.

Tight Ends (4)

Starter: Mason Taylor
Backups: Kenyon Sadiq, Jeremy Ruckert, Jelani Woods
OUT: Chase Curtis, Conner Hulstein

Big props to Jelani Woods for making this team, although I’m not sure how long he will stick around. The biggest thing to note in this group is the health of Rookie Kenyon Sadiq who has been recovering from hernia surgery. If healthy, he could be the starter very soon.

Offensive Line (9)

Starters (from left to right): Olu Fashanu, Dylan Parham, Josh Myers, Joe Tippmann, Armand Membou
Backups: Max Mitchell, Kohl Levao, Jordan Meredith (traded for), Chukwuma Okorafor
OUT/IR: Anez Cooper (IR), Landon Young, Xavier Newman-Johnson, Xavier Hill, Marquis Hayes, Liam Fornadel, Courtland Ford

Rookie Anez Cooper will miss at least the first four games of 2026 after suffering a shoulder injury in the preseason finale. The Jets traded for Raiders OL Jordan Meredith yesterday to bolster the room (gave up a 2027 6th-round pick for a 2029 7th).

Defense (24)

Interior Defensive Line (5)

Starters: David Onyemata, T’Vondre Sweat, Harrison Phillips,
Backups: Jowon Briggs, Darrell Jackson Jr.,
OUT: Anthony Dunn Jr., Jack Heflin, Nate Lynn, Payton Page, Mazi Smith, Junior Tafuna

Very surprised to see Nate Lynn not make this team after having 3.0 sacks in preseason.

Edge Rushers (5)

Starters: David Bailey, Will Mcdonald IV
Backups: Joseph Ossai, Kingsley Enagbare, Braiden McGregor
OUT/IR: Tyler Baron and Kingsley Jonathan (both IR)

Personally would have kept Lynn over McGregor but props to him for making the team.

Linebackers (4)

Starters: Jamien Sherwood, Demario Davis

Backups: Marcelino McCrary-Ball, Kiko Mauigoa
OUT/IR: Chase Wilson, Jaden Keller, Paschal Ekeji, Mykal Walker (IR)

Nothing of note here.

Defensive Backs (10)

Starters: Jarvis Brownlee Jr., Azareye’h Thomas, Brandon Stephens, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Dane Belton
Backups: Naishon Wright, Malachi Moore, Andre Cisco, D’Angelo Ponds, Qwan’tez Stiggers
OUT/IR: Mory Bamba, Jordan Clark, VJ Payne (IR), Tre Brown (IR), Keenan Garber, Jarius Monroe, Tanner Wall

Really wish Bamba could have made it. This group will have a lot of competition in it early in the season as roles could shake up quickly.

Specialists (3)

IN: K Jason Sanders, P Austin McNamara, LS Thomas Hennessy
OUT: Cade York (waived Aug. 25)

Sanders beat out York for the only competition in this unit. If he fails to perform early, look for the Jets to go another route at kicker.

And with that, you have your 2026 New York Jets initial 53-man roster.