After officially confirming trades for defensive tackles Jowon Briggs and Harrison Phillips, the New York Jets placed defensive end Rashad Weaver on injured reserve and released cornerback Ryan “Bump” Cooper.
Weaver was placed on season-ending IR, concluding his 2025 campaign.
The 27-year-old entered the league as a fourth-round pick of the Titans in 2021 and spent his first three years in Tennessee. He totaled 5.5 sacks (all in 2022) along with 49 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 15 quarterback hits across 33 appearances.
After a brief stint with Houston last season, where he logged just 14 snaps in three games, Weaver landed on the Los Angeles Rams’ practice squad to close out 2024.
Cooper, 23, joined the Jets midway through training camp after the release of punter Kai Kroeger and quickly made an impact in the team’s first two preseason games. He played 56 snaps across both contests, earning an 84.8 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus.
The team also confirmed that it has released defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis, which was reported hours prior by ESPN’s Rich Cimini.
Weaver was considered a strong candidate to make the Jets’ 53-man roster. His injury opens a spot that could be used on another defensive lineman. New York could target another edge rusher via free agency or trade, with veterans Za’Darius Smith and Jadeveon Clowney unsigned, or opt to keep an additional interior lineman following their trades for Jowon Briggs and Harrison Phillips.
The loss of Weaver leaves New York with decisions to make, and the coming days could bring another move as the team finalizes their defensive front before Week 1.
