In light of Tarik Cohen’s retirement and multiple injuries, the New York Jets signed three players to contracts
The New York Jets are staying active on the free agent market.
In three separate moves, New York added wide receiver Brandon Smith, wide receiver Isaiah Winstead, and cornerback Tre Swilling.
Smith and Winstead are both former UFL players. Smith, 23, played for the DC Defenders and finished the 2024 season with 18 catches for 208 yards and two touchdowns (nine games). Before his tenure with the Defenders, the 6-foot-3, 241-pound wideout spent time with the Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals. He was a three-year college starter for Iowa.
After working out for the #Chiefs, #Jets, & #Ravens over the past 2 weeks, my client, @XFLDefenders WR Brandon Smith (@_BSmith12), is signing with the @NYJets. #JetUp
— IG | @J.I.Halsell (@SalaryCap101) August 1, 2024
Winstead, 24, most recently played for the San Francisco 49ers’ practice squad in the NFL and for the Arlington Renegades in the UFL. In 2024, Winstead had 12 catches for 175 yards and two touchdowns (seven games).
The #Jets have signed former Renegades WR Isaiah Winstead, per source. He had a good workout and was signed after. Congratulations friend! 💪🏻 pic.twitter.com/1jVd0w0NNh
— Tanner Phifer (@TannerPhiferNFL) August 1, 2024
The receiver played his college ball at three different schools, finishing at East Carolina in 2022 with 1,013 yards and four touchdowns. He also made waves when he posted a video of his route-running ability at 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, which led to his eventual deal with the 49ers.
6’4 210 moving like this. No mini camp invite or UDFA deal. Behind the scenes on what I can do. With 88 catches & 1100 yds this past season… God makes no mistakes tho thank you in advanced 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/h4WE2hXI3Y
— Isaiah Winstead 🧛🏾♂️ (@Zayti99y_) April 30, 2023
Swilling played for Georgia Tech in college and was also with the 49ers last season. He signed with the Jets after being cut by the Ravens.
#Jets signing Tre Swilling per a league source @KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 1, 2024
Injuries have hit the Jets’ wide receiver room, and Tarik Cohen’s retirement opened up a roster spot. While it is not likely that any of these signings make a considerable impact in 2024, they are still worth monitoring this preseason. The two receivers are particularly interesting, both providing some contested-catch potential.
