Full Breakdown
Jets Reshape Roster with Two Signings and Two Waivers
8/6/2026, 7:40:15 AM
Roster Moves Overview
On Wednesday, the New York Jets announced a series of roster adjustments. The team signed tight end Connor Hulstein and defensive lineman Patrick Jenkins, while simultaneously waiving safety Keidron Smith and defensive lineman Eric Watts. Watts was released with an injury designation, meaning he will revert to the Jets’ injured-reserve list if he is not claimed by another club.
New Additions: Connor Hulstein and Patrick Jenkins
Connor Hulstein earned a spot on the Jets after a rookie-minicamp tryout earlier this spring. In his most recent season at Marist College, he posted 42 receptions for 599 yards and seven touchdowns. Patrick Jenkins arrives from the United Football League’s Columbus team, where he logged 22 tackles, six tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks across ten games. Jenkins’ collegiate career included stints at Texas Christian University and Tulane University.
Departures: Keidron Smith and Eric Watts
Safety Keidron Smith was waived without further comment. Defensive lineman Eric Watts, also released, carries an injury designation. Under NFL rules, a player waived with such a designation reverts to the releasing team’s injured-reserve roster if he clears waivers.
Implications for the Team
The signings add depth to the Jets’ tight-end and defensive-line units ahead of the upcoming season. Hulstein’s proven receiving production could provide a reliable short-to-intermediate target, while Jenkins offers a rotational defensive-line presence with recent experience generating tackles for loss. Conversely, the waivers free up roster spots for additional competition at safety and defensive line, though the injury designation on Watts preserves his rights should he clear waivers. These moves reflect the Jets’ ongoing effort to refine their 53-man roster as training camp progresses.
