According to a source, tight end Jelani Woods has made the New York Jets’ initial 53-man roster after an excellent summer.
Woods, 27, initially joined the team as a waiver wire claim last year and didn’t earn many opportunities to establish himself during the 2025 season. In four appearances, he hauled in one of his three targets for four yards.
However, he delivered the summer that he needed to earn a spot on the team’s 53-man roster. Following a strong training camp, he carried that momentum into the preseason.
Throughout the Jets’ three preseason games, Woods hauled in four of his seven targets for 23 yards, including a pretty 13-yard touchdown from Geno Smith, where he flashed his athleticism.
Injuries have derailed the 27-year-old’s career. Woods, who recorded a perfect 10.0 RAS (Relative Athletic Score), hadn’t played since his rookie year, when he appeared in 15 games, until his four outings with the Jets in 2025.
It’s also important to note that he played under Jets offensive coordinator Frank Reich during his time with the Indianapolis Colts. Given that, the former third-round pick has a strong knowledge of Reich’s system and what the 64-year-old looks for.
Although he is expected to enter the season as the Jets’ TE4, he could develop a role in the team’s passing game. He already knows Reich’s offense, and his chemistry with Smith throughout the summer was evident.
Regardless of what his role ultimately is, though, his efforts this summer have been rewarded with a spot on the Jets’ initial 53-man roster.
