Paschal Ekeji Signed to Practice Squad by the New York Jets

As the New York Jets navigate the midseason stretch and look to shore up depth for both immediate flexibility and future evaluation, the team made a strategic addition to their practice squad this week: signing defensive end Paschal Ekeji. A former undrafted free agent with experience in both the NFL and XFL, Ekeji brings a combination of size, athleticism, and developmental upside that fits the Jets’ need to bolster their edge-rushing rotation—especially amid injuries to key defensive players. Paschal Ekeji Signed to Practice Squad by the New York Jets explores the motivation behind the signing, Ekeji’s football background, and how he could contribute to the Jets’ roster both in the short term (as a practice squad call-up) and long term (as a potential future contributor). For a Jets team balancing playoff aspirations with roster building, this move reflects a pragmatic approach to talent acquisition.

Paschal Ekeji Signed to Practice Squad by the New York Jets begins with Ekeji’s journey to the Jets, which has been marked by perseverance and opportunities to prove himself at every level. The 6’4”, 265-pound defensive end played college football at Temple University, where he emerged as a reliable pass-rusher during his senior season (2022), recording 5.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and 2 forced fumbles. Despite his productive final year, Ekeji went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft due to concerns about his size (he’s slightly undersized for a traditional defensive end) and consistency against the run. He signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as a priority undrafted free agent but was waived during final roster cuts, later joining the Eagles’ practice squad for the 2023 season. In 2024, Ekeji played for the XFL’s D.C. Defenders, where he rediscovered his form—leading the team with 8 sacks and earning All-XFL honors. “Paschal has always had the physical tools,” said Temple head coach Stan Drayton, who coached Ekeji in college. “He’s quick off the edge, he uses his hands well, and he’s a student of the game. The Jets are getting a guy who’s hungry to prove he belongs in the NFL.” The Jets worked out Ekeji earlier this month, and his performance in that session—along with his XFL success—convinced the team to add him to the practice squad.

A key factor in Paschal Ekeji Signed to Practice Squad by the New York Jets is the Jets’ current need for edge-rushing depth, which has become more pressing due to recent injuries. The Jets’ top defensive end, Carl Lawson, has been dealing with a nagging hamstring injury that has limited his reps in practice, while backup Bryce Huff suffered a knee sprain in Week 10 and is expected to miss 2-3 weeks. With Lawson and Huff sidelined, the Jets have been relying on rookie Will McDonald IV and veteran John Franklin-Myers to handle most of the edge-rushing duties—a workload that risks fatigue or further injury. By signing Ekeji, the Jets add a player who can step into practice reps immediately, simulating opposing pass-rushers in scout-team drills and providing insurance if another injury occurs. “Depth on the defensive line is critical this time of year,” Jets defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich said in a press conference. “We need guys who can come in, learn our scheme quickly, and contribute when called upon. Paschal showed us in his workout that he can do that—he’s got the speed to pressure quarterbacks and the effort to hold up against the run.” Ekeji’s ability to play both defensive end and defensive tackle in sub-packages also adds versatility, which Ulbrich noted is “a huge plus” for a defense that uses multiple fronts.

Paschal Ekeji Signed to Practice Squad by the New York Jets also outlines Ekeji’s immediate role on the practice squad and how the Jets plan to develop him. Practice squad players typically spend most of their time participating in team drills, studying film with coaches, and simulating opponents’ play styles to prepare the active roster. For Ekeji, this means working closely with Jets defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton to refine his technique—specifically, improving his hand placement and run-stopping leverage, areas the Jets identified as growth opportunities. Ekeji will also have the chance to learn from veterans like Franklin-Myers, who has taken on a mentorship role with young defensive linemen this season. “I’m just here to work,” Ekeji said in his first interview as a Jet. “I want to absorb as much as I can from the coaches and the veterans, get better every day, and be ready if the team needs me. This is a great opportunity, and I don’t want to waste it.” For the New York Jets, Ekeji’s role isn’t just about filling a practice squad spot—it’s about evaluating his potential for the future. If Ekeji impresses in practice, he could be elevated to the active roster for a game later this season, or he could be re-signed to a reserve/future contract in the offseason, giving the Jets a cost-effective option to compete for a roster spot next year.

Another layer of Paschal Ekeji Signed to Practice Squad by the New York Jets is how this signing fits into the Jets’ broader roster-building strategy, which prioritizes identifying under-the-radar talent with upside. The Jets have a history of finding success with practice squad additions—most notably, wide receiver Garrett Wilson, who spent a few weeks on the practice squad as a rookie in 2022 before emerging as a Pro Bowler. By signing Ekeji, the Jets are continuing that trend: targeting a player who may have been overlooked by other teams but has the tools to develop into a contributing player. “Our scouting department does a great job of identifying guys who can fit our system,” Jets general manager Joe Douglas said. “Paschal is a player who has shown he can produce at the professional level (in the XFL), and we believe with the right coaching, he can translate that success to the NFL. The practice squad is the perfect place to nurture that potential.” For the New York Jets, this approach is especially important given the team’s salary-cap constraints, which limit their ability to sign high-priced free agents. By developing practice squad players like Ekeji, the Jets can build depth without breaking the bank—freeing up resources to invest in key positions like quarterback or offensive line.

Looking ahead, Paschal Ekeji Signed to Practice Squad by the New York Jets sets up a critical stretch for Ekeji to prove his value to the team. Over the next month, the Jets face a series of opponents with strong offensive lines, including the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs—games where the Jets’ edge rushers will be tested. If Lawson or Huff suffers a setback, Ekeji could be elevated to the active roster to provide depth, giving him his first real NFL game action since 2023. Even if he doesn’t see game time this season, Ekeji’s performance in practice will be closely evaluated by the Jets’ coaching staff, who will decide whether to bring him back next offseason. “Every rep counts,” Whitecotton said. “Whether it’s in practice or in a game, we’re watching how Paschal adapts, how he learns, and how he competes. That’s how we determine if a player has what it takes to be a Jet long-term.” For the New York Jets, this signing is a low-risk, high-reward move: if Ekeji doesn’t pan out, the team loses little; if he does, they gain a young, cost-effective defensive lineman who can contribute for years to come.

Paschal Ekeji Signed to Practice Squad by the New York Jets is ultimately a story of opportunity—for Ekeji, to reignite his NFL career, and for the Jets, to add depth and evaluate a player with untapped potential. In the NFL, practice squads are often where hidden gems are discovered, and the Jets are betting that Ekeji could be one of them. With his work ethic, athleticism, and recent success in the XFL, Ekeji has the foundation to become a valuable contributor—whether that’s this season or in the future. For the Jets, this signing reflects the team’s commitment to building a competitive roster from the ground up, one practice squad addition at a time. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Ekeji to see if he can seize this opportunity—and on the Jets to see if their latest under-the-radar pickup pays off.