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Jets Claim DB Ryan Cooper, cut Punter Kai Kroeger

Originally posted on JetNation.com | By Glenn Naughton | Last updated Jul 28, 2025 10:29 AM ET

The Jets have added another defensive back by claiming former Miami Dolphin Ryan Cooper off waivers. To make room for Cooper, the team parted ways with punter Kai Kroeger.

The @nyjets have waived punter Kai Kroger and added DB Ryan Cooper.

The @BeaverFootball product will likely get a look as a slot corner under Aaron Glenn. Plenty aggressive but does have more missed tackles then you'd like. pic.twitter.com/PZXTetp6ev

— (@JNRadio_Glenn) July 28, 2025

Kroger was added on the same day that the team punted Thomas Morstead with an eye on having him compete for the starting job. That lasted all of four practices as Kroeger struggled early and was let go.

In Cooper the Jets get a former Oregon State defensive back who split time between playing the nickel and the boundary for the Beavers. He’s not afraid to come downhill to make a tackle but sometimes plays too aggressive and comes up empty. Over the course of his two years in college, he missed a total of 24 tackles with fifteen of those coming last season.

Letting go of Kroeger leaves the Jets with only Austin McNamara on their 90-man roster. He has never kicked in an NFL game and averaged 45.9 yards per punt for Texas Tech.

This article first appeared on JetNation.com and was syndicated with permission.

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