According to a report from ESPN’s Rich Cimini, New York Jets wide receiver Arian Smith “could be in danger” of losing his job this offseason.
For Smith, there’s a decent amount working against him right now.
For starters, he isn’t your typical second-year player. Smith will already be 25 years old for the majority of the upcoming season, which is significant considering he still profiles as a very raw developmental receiver. Normally teams are more patient with younger prospects, but Smith’s age makes
that timeline a little less forgiving.
As things currently stand, the Jets appear to have at least four fairly solidified roster spots at wide receiver. Garrett Wilson and Omar Cooper are obviously locks, while Adonai Mitchell also seems safely on the roster heading into camp as he currently profiles as their starting X. Isaiah Williams also should have a spot solidified due to the value he brings on special teams despite modest production at receiver.
That leaves Smith battling for one of the final spots in the room.
Veteran Tim Patrick will both be in the mix, while Jamaal Pritchett and several undrafted free agents including Caullin Lacy, Malik McClain, and DT Sheffield will also compete for depth spots.
At this point, it would not be shocking if the Jets ultimately preferred to take a chance on one of the younger, less developed players rather than a soon-to-be 25-year-old receiver who is still viewed as a work in progress.
That said, Smith still has a path to making the roster.
If he can show improvement as a route runner and continue carving out value on special teams, he could absolutely force his way onto the team. His speed alone gives him a trait that is difficult to replace and allows you to talk yourself into the upside.
Still, the fact this conversation is even happening is not exactly what you want to hear about a second-year player who was drafted in the fourth round just one year ago. We’ll see what ultimately happens, but the fact that it’s this much up in the air surely is disappointing.
