The New York Jets have outlined their projected 53-man roster for the 2025 NFL season, highlighting key decisions under new head coach Aaron Glenn as they prepare for the regular season opener. This projection comes after preseason Week 3, where performances like Joe Milton III’s rebound with two touchdowns for the Dallas Cowboys were noted, though the Jets’ focus is on their own roster cuts and depth challenges.
The Jets, led by first-year coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey, are finalizing their team composition after the third week of preseason games. The roster must be reduced to 53 players by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, August 27, 2025, with the regular season starting against the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 7 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. This process is critical for setting the team’s foundation for the year.
Key players include quarterback Justin Fields, who is set to start, and backup Tyrod Taylor, who is recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery but expected to be ready for Week 1. The running back group features Breece Hall and Braelon Allen, with depth concerns addressed through potential short-term injured reserve placements for players like Isaiah Davis. Wide receiver is a weak spot, with Garrett Wilson leading but limited by replacement-level players like Josh Reynolds and Allen Lazard, who lack special teams contributions.
On defense, the line is anchored by Quinnen Williams and Jermaine Johnson, but depth is uncertain, prompting possible veteran acquisitions. Linebackers face health dependencies on Jamien Sherwood and Quincy Williams, while the secondary relies on Sauce Gardner and Brandon Stephens, with rookies adding unpredictability. Specialists include veteran kicker Nick Folk, though his age raises questions about longevity.
The impact of these decisions is significant for the Jets’ competitiveness in the AFC East, as they aim to improve from past seasons with a younger roster. Roster cuts and waiver wire activity could lead to last-minute changes, especially given their seventh position in waiver order, allowing them to claim players released by other teams.
Looking ahead, the Jets will monitor Taylor’s recovery and possibly keep a third quarterback if needed. Post-cut deadline, they may explore trades for depth, particularly at wide receiver and defensive line. The season opener against the Steelers will test this roster’s readiness, with expectations set on growth under Glenn’s leadership rather than immediate playoff contention.