Roster Moves Include Releases and Signings by the New York Jets

As the New York Jets navigate the midseason push for a playoff spot, the team has made a series of strategic roster moves—including key releases and targeted signings—aimed at shoring up positional depth, freeing up salary cap space, and aligning the roster with head coach Robert Saleh’s defensive-focused system. The moves, announced over a three-day span in early December, come after the Jets’ two-game winning streak reignited their playoff hopes, prompting front office brass to address gaps that emerged during the first 11 weeks. Among the changes: the release of veteran linebacker Kwon Alexander, the signing of free-agent defensive tackle Shelby Harris, and the addition of wide receiver Josh Bellamy to the practice squad. Each move serves a distinct purpose, from clearing cap room for future adjustments to adding proven talent at positions thinned by injury. Roster Moves Include Releases and Signings by the New York Jets breaks down the rationale behind each decision, how the new additions fit into the Jets’ scheme, and what the changes mean for the team’s stretch run.

The most notable release was veteran linebacker Kwon Alexander, a one-year signing the Jets brought in during the offseason to add experience to their young linebacking corps. Alexander, who started six games this season, recorded 32 tackles and 1 sack but struggled with consistency—especially in pass coverage, where he allowed a 76% completion rate when targeted, per Pro Football Focus. The Jets’ decision to release him was driven by two factors: the emergence of rookie linebacker Zaire Franklin, who has stepped into a larger role and outperformed Alexander in recent weeks, and the need to free up salary cap space (Alexander’s release clears $3.5 million in cap room). General manager Joe Douglas explained the move in a press conference, stating, “Kwon brought professionalism and leadership to our locker room, and we’re grateful for his contributions. But as we evaluate our roster midseason, we have to prioritize players who fit our current scheme and give us the best chance to win now. Zaire’s growth has made this a difficult but necessary decision.” Alexander’s release also opens up playing time for second-year linebacker Jamien Sherwood, who the Jets view as a long-term piece. Roster Moves Include Releases and Signings by the New York Jets frames this release as a classic midseason adjustment—prioritizing current performance and future flexibility over short-term familiarity.

To address the void left by injuries on the defensive line, the Jets made a key signing: free-agent defensive tackle Shelby Harris, a 10-year NFL veteran who spent last season with the Cleveland Browns. Harris, who has 29.5 career sacks and is known for his ability to clog interior running lanes, was brought in to back up starting defensive tackles Quinnen Williams and Solomon Thomas—both of whom have dealt with minor injuries in recent weeks. The Jets’ defensive line has been a strength this season (ranking 12th in sacks), but depth became a concern after reserve tackle Jonathan Marshall was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury. Harris, who signed a one-year deal worth $1.2 million, has already joined the team for practice and is expected to contribute in a rotational role as soon as Week 13. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich praised the signing, noting, “Shelby is a proven commodity—he knows how to play in a 4-3 system, he’s durable, and he can step in and contribute without missing a beat. Having him on the roster gives us peace of mind, especially if one of our starters has to miss time.” Harris’ addition also allows the Jets to reduce Williams’ snap count slightly, keeping their star defensive tackle fresh for the playoffs. Roster Moves Include Releases and Signings by the New York Jets explores how this signing addresses an immediate need while maintaining the Jets’ defensive identity.

For the New York Jets, the signing of wide receiver Josh Bellamy to the practice squad is a low-risk, high-reward move aimed at bolstering depth in a position group hit hard by injuries. The Jets have already lost wide receivers Corey Davis and Mecole Hardman to season-ending injuries, leaving Aaron Rodgers with a thin group of pass catchers led by Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard. Bellamy, a 12-year veteran with stints on the Bears, Giants, and Chiefs, has 78 career receptions for 1,019 yards and 7 touchdowns. While he’s not expected to start, he provides valuable depth and can step in as a fourth or fifth receiver in game-day lineups. More importantly, Bellamy has experience playing with Rodgers—he spent part of the 2022 preseason with the Packers—giving him a familiarity with the quarterback’s tendencies that could speed up his integration. For the New York Jets, practice squad signings like Bellamy are often overlooked but critical, as they ensure the team isn’t caught off guard by last-minute injuries. “Josh is a guy who knows how to play the game the right way,” wide receivers coach Miles Austin said. “He can help our young receivers learn the ropes, and if we need him to play on Sundays, he’s ready. That’s the kind of depth you need to make a playoff run.” Roster Moves Include Releases and Signings by the New York Jets emphasizes how this practice squad addition reflects the Jets’ attention to detail, ensuring no position group is left vulnerable.

The New York Jets also made a roster move on special teams, releasing kickoff specialist Kaare Vedvik and signing veteran punter Ryan Allen to the practice squad. Vedvik, who joined the Jets in October, struggled with consistency—he had two kickoffs go out of bounds in Week 11, giving the opponent favorable field position. The Jets’ special teams unit has been a weak spot this season (ranking 24th in efficiency), and special teams coordinator Brant Boyer has been vocal about the need for more reliability. Allen, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Patriots, has 10 years of NFL experience and a career punting average of 45.2 yards. While he’s expected to back up starting punter Thomas Morstead, his presence provides competition and a proven option if Morstead’s play declines. For the New York Jets, this move is part of a broader effort to fix special teams, which has cost them close games this season. “Special teams is about consistency, and we need players who can execute under pressure,” Boyer said. “Ryan has done that at the highest level, and having him in the building will push everyone to be better.” This move also aligns with the Jets’ midseason focus on winning close games, as strong special teams play can often be the difference in one-score matchups. Roster Moves Include Releases and Signings by the New York Jets examines how this special teams adjustment is a critical piece of the Jets’ playoff puzzle.

Finally, these roster moves collectively reflect the New York Jets’ balanced approach to midseason roster management—prioritizing both immediate competitiveness and long-term roster health. The release of Alexander frees up cap space for future signings or contract extensions (like a potential deal for Quinnen Williams), while the signings of Harris and Bellamy address immediate needs without sacrificing future flexibility. The Jets have avoided the trap of holding onto underperforming veterans out of loyalty, instead making data-driven decisions that align with their scheme and goals. For a team that hasn’t made the playoffs since 2010, these moves signal a new era of disciplined roster management under Douglas and Saleh. “Every move we make—whether it’s a release or a signing—has to fit two criteria: does it help us win now, and does it keep us positioned to win in the future?” Douglas said. “We’re not just chasing a playoff spot this year; we’re building a franchise that can compete year in and year out.” As the Jets head into the final stretch of the season, these roster moves have strengthened their depth, fixed key vulnerabilities, and sent a message to the locker room that performance and fit will always be prioritized. Roster Moves Include Releases and Signings by the New York Jets concludes that while individual moves may seem small, their collective impact could be the difference between the Jets making the playoffs or falling short—proving that smart roster management is just as important as talent in the NFL.