Robert Saleh said there was plenty of lobbying, tapes reviewed and discussions leading up to the last roster cuts and finalization of the 53-man roster, but the Jets head coach wanted to put the spotlight on the organization’s two undrafted free agents signed in May.
Running back Zonovan “Bam” Knight and safety Tony Adams survived the slew of roster cuts, which included some unexpected names such as safeties Will Parks and Jason Pinnock. Saleh said he would’ve been sick if the Jets lost Adams, who is now in line for the third safety spot behind Jordan Whitehead and Ashtyn Davis. Since running back Tevin Coleman was cut as well, Knight will now compete with Ty Johnson for the third RB spot.
“It’s hard to make it as an undrafted free agent,” Saleh said Tuesday before practice in Florham Park. “That’s why T.A. and [Knight], really cool to see those two seize their opportunity and make the most of it. Again, [Knight is] another young man, just has a really good running style, matches what we look for from a running style. And then from a special teams standpoint, being the fourth running back, having great value in that respect.
Jets safety Tony Adams takes down Davis Webb during the preseason finale on Aug. 28, 2022. Noah K. Murray“To him and T.A., both did a really good job this offseason, just constantly taking the steps they needed to.”
Pinnock had worked with the second-stringers all summer, but he ran with the first-team defense whenever Lamarcus Joyner didn’t. It made it seem like he was a shoo-in for the third safety spot, but now he’ll likely be back on the practice squad if he clears waivers.
Chris Streveler led the team in rushing yards this summer in wake of starting quarterback Zach Wilson suffering a bone bruise and meniscus tear in his right knee.
“Strev is awesome,” Saleh said. “Had a great conversation with him, hoping we get him back, too. But it’s overall body of work, too. He definitely performed, I don’t want to take that away from him. … But when you look at Mike White from a year ago, OTAs, training camp, he had two rough games but he had a really nice game against the Giants.
“Mike has just an overall body of work, really understands exactly what we’re trying to get done.”
Other notable releases include tackle Chuma Edoga, a third-round pick in 2019, defensive lineman Bradlee Anae, tight end Kenny Yeboah and running back La’Mical Perine, who was Gang Green’s 2020 fourth-round selection. Trevon Wesco was also a surprise considering he had been the Jets’ best blocking tight end. After playing in all 17 games last season with three starts, defensive back Javelin Guidry was also waived.
The Jets placed Nick Bawden on IR and the fullback is expected to be out for the year. … Wilson, who Saleh said still has “no timetable” to return to practice, was spotted walking rather normally on the sidelines during practice. … G Nate Herbig was on the exercise bike during practice, along with other injured players. … DE Vinny Curry (hamstring) did not participate.
