The cruel yet critical New York Jets roster reminder for fans

Over the next two days, the New York Jets must determine which players deserve a 53-man roster spot. Six players have already been released, whereas one has been traded.

Thirty more individuals are impatiently playing the waiting game.

“This is one of the toughest times of the year, because you have 90 guys on the roster,” Jets head coach Aaron Glenn said, anticipating Tuesday’s cutdown deadline. “I told the guys this week that their job in this game was to make it [the evaluation process] as hard on me, [and/or] to put something on tape to make somebody else’s team. I’m not afraid to say that to a player; that’s what this league is about. Anything I can do to help those guys, I’m definitely going to (do to) help them.”

Before everyone gets caught up in the next few days, fans need to understand one key thing heading into cutdown day.

It’s the same thing everyone seems to forget at this time each year.

Important Jets cutdown distinction

Just because the Jets “keep” a player after Tuesday’s deadline does not mean they will be available to suit up for Week 1’s contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Fans need to remember that this is a very important distinction.

In 2024, UDFA receiver Jason Brownlee was a fan favorite during camp. The Southern Mississippi product seemed to make the team on Aug. 27, only to be released by the organization and placed on the practice squad a day later.

It’s the cruel part of the NFL business model. Athletes celebrate potentially making their dreams come true of playing in the league, only to find out a day later that those dreams will have to wait.

The Jets are not the only team that does this. Every NFL team goes through this awkward phase over the next few days.

The cruel reminder

It is, however, a reminder to Jets fans who may have become attached to certain stars of the preseason.

Players like receiver Jamaal Pritchett or Brandon Smith could potentially make the team on Tuesday, only to be released a day later. On the other side, fan favorites could initially be cut, only to play for the team in Week 1.

This is also the time of year when trades can sometimes be made for teams with clear roster holes. New York has already acquired Lowon Briggs and Harrison Phillips, two defensive tackles from the NFC North.

The deals for Briggs and Phillips meant that two roster spots were already taken from players who had been with the team all camp.

Only a select group of National Football League players qualify as safe. Those who are battling for a livelihood are never assured a spot—not even if they appear to make the team on Tuesday.