The New York Jets open the 2022 NFL regular season against the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 11 at MetLife Stadium.
A perennial doormat in the AFC East -- five last-place finishes in the last six years -- the Jets face plenty of tough roster decisions. That's a positive; it suggests the talent base has improved.
The final cuts are a referendum on general manager Joe Douglas' first draft (2020), which includes a handful of players on the bubble. The biggest name is wide receiver Denzel Mims, a second-round pick who has requested a trade because he's unhappy with his role as a backup. Mims wasn't drafted by this coaching staff, setting the stage for a potential organizational debate on his roster worthiness. Douglas could probably get a late-round draft pick if he decides to cut bait via trade.
Other 2020 draft picks in danger are safety Ashtyn Davis (third round), defensive end Jabari Zuniga (third) and running back La'Mical Perine (fourth).
The Jets have a surplus of defensive linemen, which creates the possibility of a trade. They have 17 linemen on the roster, most of whom are roster worthy. One name who would attract interest is pass-rusher Bryce Huff, one of six defensive ends on our initial 53. Some of the castoffs should attract interest on the waiver wire.
The roster will be cut to 53 players by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday. Here is a projection:
QUARTERBACK (3): Zach Wilson, Joe Flacco, Mike White
The Jets were leaning toward three quarterbacks before Wilson's knee injury; now it's an absolute must. The 37-year-old Flacco will start until Wilson is ready to return, which probably won't be until two or three weeks into the regular season. They're taking an ultra-cautious approach with Wilson, who underwent arthroscopic surgery on Aug. 16. White, who achieved folk-hero status last season, ended the preseason with a strong performance after a lackluster camp. Journeyman Chris Streveler has gone from afterthought to practice-squad candidate.