With rosters set, it’s a good time to keep track of where any former Jets have ended up and what their role will be in 2026.
We will cover this over three parts. Today is part two, where we will cover defensive players, and then we will deal with special teamers next week.
As ever, this list is intended to be exhaustive, but if we missed anyone, let us know in the comments.
Commanders:
Washington will be retaining linebacker Frankie Luvu and defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw – two of their four highest paid
defensive players – on the roster as expected.
They also added defensive tackle Byron Cowart and are retaining him on the practice squad.
Cowboys:
Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams will be one of the leaders in Dallas’ defense this season, and he’ll do so with a new three-year big money extension under his belt.
Eagles:
Defensive back Michael Carter II made the Eagles’ roster after taking a paycut to remain with the team. Another ex-Jets defensive back, Jaylen Mahoney, was not retained.
Giants:
The Giants’ defense is quite ex-Jet heavy as safety Jason Pinnock, linebacker Zaire Barnes, defensive lineman Shelby Harris and defensive back Elijah Campbell all made New York’s final roster. Of the four, Harris should have the biggest role because he’s currently listed as as a starter.
Two more defensive linemen – Leki Fotu and Ben Barten – were cut, although Barten was added back to the practice squad.
Defensive backs Korie Black and Jarrick Bernard-Converse ended up on injured reserve.
Packers:
The Packers had three ex-Jet defensive backs in camp – Trey Dean, Jaylin Simpson and Shemar Bartholomew – but none of the three were retained.
Vikings:
Linebacker Blake Cashman will be starting again for the Vikings, but Jamal Adams won’t be joining him after suffering a season-ending injury in preseason.
Bears:
The Bears haven’t had any ex-Jets on their defense this offseason.
Lions:
The Lions secondary will feature cornerback DJ Reed and safety Chuck Clark this season. Clark could have a key role early in the season – when one of their opponents is the Jets – due to injuries.
Defensive lineman Jay Tufele and cornerback Bump Cooper also spent time with the Lions but weren’t retained.
Bucs:
The Bucs are another team who have had no ex-Jets on their defense.
Saints:
Defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd returns for the Saints, where he has been listed as a starter.
Panthers:
Claud Cherelus returns for Carolina at linebacker, but he will be coming off the bench for the third year in a row.
Falcons:
Atlanta had claimed safety Keidron Smith when the Jets released him but he failed to make their roster or practice squad.
Rams:
The Rams were another team without any ex-Jets on their defense.
Seahawks:
Defensive tackle Leonard Williams was also a recipient of a lucrative three-year extension during the offseason and he’ll anchor the Seahawks’ defense once again following last year’s Super Bowl win.
Linebacker Chazz Surratt also made the roster but Ja’Markis Weston was not retained.
Cardinals:
Defensive back Isaiah Oliver failed to lock down a roster spot in Arizona and he wasn’t signed to their practice squad.
49ers:
Safety Ashtyn Davis is on the 49ers roster, albeit after initially being cut and then brought back the next day.
Cornerback Brandon Codrington was also added to the practice squad.
Bills:
The Bills opted not to retain linebacker Jimmy Ciarlo. Defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis is still with the organization though, albeit that he is suspended for the first three games.
Dolphins:
Although neither was on their team during preseason, Miami added defensive lineman Mazi Smith and defensive back Jaylin Simpson to their practice squad.
Someone who was in action for them in preseason, and reportedly played well, was defensive tackle Fatorma Mulbah, but Miami did not retain him.
Patriots:
Defensive tackle Leonard Taylor III made the Patriots’ final roster and will be in a backup role in 2026.
Bengals:
Defensive back Ja’Sir Taylor was with the Bengals in camp but he is now on injured reserve.
Browns:
Former Jets linebacker Quincy Williams will start for the Browns in 2026. Interestingly, their unofficial depth chart lists Williams as the starting Mike linebacker in a 4-3 system, which would represent a change of role for him, if accurate. Carson Schwesinger will wear the headset in any case.
Ravens:
Baltimore hasn’t had any ex-Jets on their defense this offseason.
Steelers:
Defensive back Brandin Echols should provide the Steelers with good depth in the secondary again, but linebacker Jamin Davis wasn’t retained.
Texans:
Defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins returned to the Texans and has won a starting role again. Houston also retained ex-Jets cornerback Bryce Hall on their practice squad, and also signed defensive tackle Junior Tafuna to their practice squad after the Jets opted not to retain him.
Codrington was also with the team before ending up with the 49ers.
Colts:
Cornerback Sauce Gardner and defensive lineman Micheal Clemons will be on the Colts’ roster this year, albeit with Clemons coming off the bench.
Another defensive lineman, Derrick Nnadi, was not retained.
Titans:
The Titans had six ex-Jets on their defensive line and four made the final roster: Jermaine Johnson, John Franklin-Myers, Jacob Martin and Solomon Thomas. Jalyn Holmes and Khalen Saunders didn’t make it but Holmes ended up on the practice squad.
Safety Tony Adams was the other ex-Jet to make the team but he’ll be coming off the bench. Bartholomew was also signed to the practice squad after not being retained by the Packers.
Cornerback Mario Goodrich wasn’t retained and linebacker Milo Eifler ended up on injured reserve.
Jaguars:
Defensive back Corey Ballentine was released and not signed to the practice squad, while linebacker Jared Bartlett ended up on injured reserve.
Broncos:
The Broncos went through the entire offseason without having any ex-Jets on their defense.
Chargers:
The Chargers retained linebacker Del’Shawn Phillips, and he’ll be a backup and special teamer with them.
Raiders:
The Raiders made a late move for defensive lineman Folorunso Fatukasi and he is on their roster to start the season.
Chiefs:
Finally, the Chiefs cut safety Tanner McCalister but then re-signed him to their practice squad.
