The New York Jets’ initial practice squad for the 2023 season has been announced
The New York Jets announced the signing of 10 players to their practice squad on Wednesday afternoon:
- QB Tim Boyle
- TE Zack Kuntz
- S Trey Dean
- CB Craig James
- CB Nehemiah Shelton
- LB Caleb Johnson
- LB Samuel Eguavoen
- DL Tanzel Smart
- DL Marquiss Spencer
- OL Adam Pankey
While they were not included in the Jets’ initial announcement, the team is also signing two other players to its practice squad.
According to his agent and NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, running back Xazavian Valladay is signing with the Jets. Valladay is an undrafted free agent from Arizona State who initially signed with Houston and last played for Pittsburgh.
#Jets are signing RB Xazavian Valladay to their practice squad, per his agent @jtoosonlaw. Was recently waived by the #Steelers, now heads to Florham Park.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 30, 2023
In addition, the Jets are signing former Titans undrafted safety Tyreque Jones, per Zack Rosenblatt.
The #Jets are signing safety Tyreque Jones to their practice squad, per source. Undrafted rookie spent training camp with the Titans.
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) August 30, 2023
The practice squad limit is 16 players, so the Jets still have room for four more signings, assuming Valladay and Jones are part of the group.
This initial announcement from New York confirms the return of multiple young players fans wanted to see return.
Undrafted rookie safety Trey Dean is arguably the most notable retention for New York. Dean enjoyed a fantastic four-game preseason run and seemed like a strong candidate to make the 53-man roster. The Florida product did not make the cut, but he cleared waivers and was brought back.
Seventh-round rookie tight end Zack Kuntz is an athletic freak who boasts a perfect 10.00 Relative Athletic Score. Kuntz didn’t show enough in the preseason to make the team, but he cleared waivers and can continue to develop on the Jets’ practice squad.
Hard Knocks star Tanzel Smart will stick around on the Jets’ practice squad for the fourth consecutive season.
Tim Boyle returns to the Jets’ practice squad as their QB3. However, Boyle cannot be utilized as an emergency third quarterback unless he is on the active roster, per NFL rules.
