With Irv Charles still recovering from a 2024 ACL tear and Kris Boyd sidelined for the entire 2025 season with a shoulder injury, the New York Jets’ gunner spots on special teams are up for grabs.
Speaking to the media before the team’s final open training camp practice, special teams coordinator Chris Banjo stressed the importance of creating competition when asked about the role’s future.
“Guys are just competing, going towards that standard we talk about chasing on a daily basis, in regards to just making sure we are a competitive group,” said Banjo. “There is competition every day we always talk about the depth chart being real dynamic and then understanding that process so whenever a guy is out there, they are just trying to do their best to put their best standard on tape.”
Second-year cornerback Qwan’tez Stiggers gained experience in the role as a rookie, while running back Kene Nwangwu made his case in Saturday’s preseason game against the New York Giants. Nwangwu sprinted downfield and punched the ball out of the end zone, flipping what would have been a touchback into field position that pinned the Giants inside their own 10-yard line.
Undrafted rookie Ja’Markis Weston is also pushing for the job. A standout on Miami’s special teams unit in college, Weston received the largest guarantee of any Jets undrafted free agent this year at $333,000.
Through New York’s first two preseason games, Weston owns an 81.7 special teams grade from Pro Football Focus, second only to Stiggers, who leads the unit with an impressive 90.1 mark. Stiggers leads the Jets with three special teams tackles, while Weston recovered a muffed punt against Green Bay.
With Charles and Boyd sidelined, Friday night’s preseason finale against the Philadelphia Eagles will be a pivotal audition in deciding who claims the New York Jets’ gunner roles to open the regular season.