The New York Jets activated rookie safety VJ Payne off of the injured reserve list ahead of their game against the Buffalo Bills this Sunday. In a corresponding move the Jets waived backup offensive lineman Kohl Levao to make room for Payne.
VJ Payne is a 22 year old, 6’ 3”, 205 pound safety drafted by the Jets with the 228th selection in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL draft. Payne suffered a bone bruise during training camp and missed the entire preseason. He was placed on the injured reserve
list prior to the start of the regular season with a designation to return. Payne returned to practice with the Jets on November 4. He is now eligible to make his NFL debut, possibly as early as Sunday against the Bills.
VJ Payne played four years in college, all with the Kansas State Wildcats. He appeared in 52 games for the Wildcats, starting 42 of those games. In his final year in college in 2025, Payne had 59 tackles, three tackles for loss, one interception, four passes defended and two forced fumbles. He was named to the All-Big 12 team as an Honorable Mention.
Kohl Levao is a 28 year old, 6’ 6”, 350 pound backup offensive lineman. He graduated from the University of Hawaii and spent time with the San Antonio Brahmas in the USFL prior to signing a futures contract with the Jets in 2025. Levao was signed to the Jets active roster on October 1, 2026 after spending time with the Jets practice squad. Levao made his NFL debut with the Jets this season, playing 15 snaps across four games, all on special teams.
