The New York Jets have addressed a need on their offensive line by agreeing to a trade for backup center/guard Jordan Meredith from the Las Vegas Raiders. The team also cut its roster down to 52 players Sunday, leaving one open spot that will be filled by the finalized trade on Monday.
The Jets sent a 2027 sixth-round pick to the Raiders in exchange for Meredith and a 2029 seventh-round pick. This move aims to bolster the team's interior offensive line, which has been a point of concern throughout training camp. Meredith, 28, is expected to serve as a backup for center Josh Myers and guards Joe Tippmann and Dylan Parham.
In the transactions, the Jets waived quarterback Brady Cook, who had been the fourth-string quarterback during camp, and defensive end Nate Lynn, who recorded three sacks in two preseason games. Rookie offensive linemen VJ Payne and Anez Cooper were placed on injured reserve with designation to return, making them eligible to return as early as Week 5.
Meredith, who is in the final year of his contract and set to earn $3.5 million, previously played for the Raiders for two seasons, starting 11 games last year. He is familiar with Raiders quarterback Geno Smith, having played with him in Las Vegas last season. Meredith signed with the Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2021 before joining the Raiders in 2022, where he played in 45 games with 20 starts.
Two significant roster questions remain for the Jets: kicker and backup quarterback. Kicker Jason Sanders, who beat out Cade York in camp, has shown inconsistency, missing an extra point and a field goal in the preseason finale. Potential targets for the kicker position include Blake Grupe and Charlie Smyth, who were recently cut by other teams.
The backup quarterback situation also remains unsettled. Rookie Cade Klubnik has been the primary backup throughout camp, but his performance has not solidified his position. The team had limited options as many teams kept four quarterbacks on their initial rosters. Former starter Will Levis, along with veterans Josh Johnson and Jake Browning, were among those released by other teams.
In other roster news affecting early-season opponents, the Green Bay Packers placed edge rusher Micah Parsons on the physically unable to perform list, meaning he will miss the first four games, including the Jets' Week 2 matchup. Running back Josh Jacobs was also placed on the commissioner's exempt list. The Detroit Lions placed safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph on PUP, impacting their availability for Week 3.