Paschal Ekeji Signed to Practice Squad by the New York Jets

As the New York Jets navigate the final stretch of the NFL season and prepare for potential playoff contention, the team has made a strategic addition to its practice squad: signing defensive lineman Paschal Ekeji. This move, announced by the Jets’ front office on a Tuesday afternoon, comes as the team looks to bolster depth along the defensive line—an area that has seen increased wear due to injuries and the physical demands of a 17-game season. Ekeji, a 6-foot-4, 285-pound defensive tackle with experience in both 4-3 and 3-4 schemes, brings a mix of raw athleticism and developmental potential to the Jets’ practice squad. For NFL teams, practice squads serve as critical pipelines for talent—providing players with reps, coaching, and game-day preparation experience while giving the active roster flexibility. Paschal Ekeji Signed to Practice Squad by the New York Jets explores Ekeji’s background, why the Jets targeted him, how he fits into their defensive strategy, and what this signing means for both the player and the team’s playoff push.

Paschal Ekeji’s journey to the Jets’ practice squad is one of resilience and adaptability, traits that likely caught the attention of New York’s scouting department. A product of Georgia Southern University, Ekeji was a standout for the Eagles, recording 12 sacks, 25 tackles for loss, and 89 total tackles over four seasons. His senior year was particularly impressive: 5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble, which earned him All-Sun Belt Conference Honorable Mention honors. Despite his college success, Ekeji went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, signing with the Cleveland Browns as a free agent. He spent training camp with the Browns, impressing coaches with his strength (he bench-pressed 225 pounds 28 times at his pro day) and ability to clog running lanes, but was ultimately waived during final roster cuts. Ekeji then spent a month on the Browns’ practice squad before being released in October. Since then, he has worked out for several teams, including the Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions, but remained unsigned until the Jets came calling. “Paschal is a player we’ve had our eye on since the draft,” said a Jets scouting assistant, speaking on condition of anonymity. “He has the size and motor to contribute on the interior, and we think he can develop into a reliable depth piece.” Paschal Ekeji Signed to Practice Squad by the New York Jets emphasizes that Ekeji’s college production and pre-draft testing numbers suggest untapped potential—something the Jets are looking to unlock with their coaching staff.

The Jets’ decision to sign Ekeji to the practice squad is also a direct response to current needs along their defensive line. Entering Week 17, the Jets have three defensive linemen dealing with minor injuries: Quinnen Williams (elbow soreness), Solomon Thomas (knee bruise), and Carl Lawson (ankle sprain). While none of these injuries are considered long-term, the team wants to avoid overworking its key players down the stretch, especially with a potential wild-card game on the horizon. Practice squad players like Ekeji can step in during practice to simulate opponents’ offensive linemen, allowing injured starters to rest while still keeping the team’s defense sharp. Additionally, if any of the Jets’ active defensive linemen suffer a setback, Ekeji can be elevated to the active roster on short notice—a flexibility that is crucial in the NFL’s injury-prone environment. “Depth is everything this time of year,” said Jets defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. “Having guys like Paschal on the practice squad means we don’t have to rush injured players back, and it keeps our practice reps competitive. He’ll be working with our defensive line coaches every day, learning our scheme and getting better.” Ekeji’s ability to play both defensive tackle and defensive end in certain packages also adds value, as it lets the Jets use him in multiple roles during practice. Paschal Ekeji Signed to Practice Squad by the New York Jets highlights that this signing isn’t just about adding a body—it’s about addressing a specific need for depth and flexibility, while also investing in a player with long-term potential.

The New York Jets’ practice squad system is designed to maximize player development, and Ekeji will have access to top-tier resources to improve his game. The Jets employ position-specific coaches for every defensive line spot, along with a strength and conditioning staff that tailors workouts to interior linemen. Ekeji will also have the opportunity to study film with veterans like Williams and Thomas, who can share insights on reading offensive schemes, shedding blockers, and staying disciplined in gap assignments. Practice squad players typically participate in all team meetings and walkthroughs, giving Ekeji a front-row seat to how the Jets’ defense operates at the NFL level. “Our practice squad isn’t just a place to hold players—it’s a development program,” said Jets head coach Robert Saleh. “We bring in guys we believe in, and we give them every tool they need to succeed. Paschal will get reps against our starting offensive line every day, which is the best way to learn in this league.” The New York Jets have a history of developing practice squad players into contributors: last season, defensive back Javelin Guidry was elevated from the practice squad and went on to record 2 interceptions and 15 tackles in 10 games. This track record likely played a role in Ekeji’s decision to sign with the Jets, as he sees a clear path to earning an active roster spot. Paschal Ekeji Signed to Practice Squad by the New York Jets shows that the New York Jets are using their practice squad as a strategic tool to build talent, not just fill out a roster—and Ekeji stands to benefit greatly from this approach.

Another key aspect of the New York Jets’ signing of Ekeji is the team’s long-term vision for the defensive line. While Williams and Thomas are under contract through 2025 and 2024, respectively, the Jets need to plan for the future—especially with Lawson set to become a free agent in 2024. By signing Ekeji now, the Jets can evaluate his progress over the remainder of the season and into the off-season, potentially offering him a reserve/future contract if he impresses. This approach lets the team avoid overpaying for free-agent depth in the off-season and build continuity within the defensive line room. “We’re always thinking two or three years ahead,” said Jets general manager Joe Douglas. “Signing Paschal gives us a chance to see what he can do in our system, and if he develops, he could be part of our plans down the road. It’s a low-risk, high-reward move for us.” The New York Jets also value Ekeji’s character and work ethic—traits that are emphasized in Saleh’s team culture. According to his college coaches, Ekeji was a “gym rat” who often stayed late to work on his technique, and he was a team captain during his senior year at Georgia Southern. These intangibles align with the Jets’ focus on building a locker room of hardworking, team-first players. Paschal Ekeji Signed to Practice Squad by the New York Jets underscores that the New York Jets’ signing of Ekeji is about more than just the 2023 season—it’s about investing in a player who fits the team’s culture and could contribute for years to come.

As Ekeji begins his tenure with the New York Jets, he joins a practice squad that includes other developmental talents, such as rookie quarterback Zach Wilson (who was demoted to the practice squad earlier in the season) and wide receiver Denzel Mims. This group forms a support system for each other, as they all work toward earning a spot on the active roster. For Ekeji, the immediate goal is to learn the Jets’ defense, impress coaches in practice, and be ready if called upon to play in a game. Long-term, he hopes to follow in the footsteps of other practice squad success stories and become a regular contributor on the Jets’ defense. “I’m just grateful for the opportunity,” Ekeji said in a brief interview after signing. “The Jets have a great defense, and I’m going to work my tail off every day to get better. If they need me to play, I’ll be ready.” For the New York Jets, the signing of Ekeji is a low-risk move that could pay dividends in both the short and long term—providing much-needed depth now and potentially uncovering a future contributor later. Paschal Ekeji Signed to Practice Squad by the New York Jets concludes that this signing is a prime example of how NFL teams use practice squads to address immediate needs while building for the future. By targeting a player with potential, aligning him with a strong development system, and focusing on long-term fit, the New York Jets have made a strategic move that could help them both in their 2023 playoff push and beyond.