Just because the New York Jets’ initial 53-man roster is set doesn’t mean everyone is safe.

When teams make waiver claims, someone on the 53-man roster must be released to make room.

Assuming the Jets are active on the waiver wire to address a couple of weak spots on their roster, here are three Jets who could be cut in response.

FB Andrew Beck

As our own Michael Nania broke down, giving Andrew Beck a roster spot was a wise decision by the Jets. Beck provides immense value as a blocker and key special-teams contributor, and even caught two touchdown passes in 2025, tied for the second-most on the team.

However, his roster spot becomes expandable due to his NFL experience. Since he’s spent more than four seasons in the league, he is a vested veteran. Given that, if he gets cut, he doesn’t have to clear waivers, and the Jets can sign him right back to the practice squad.

That removes a lot of the risk with Beck getting poached by another team during the waiver process. By placing him on the practice squad, they can still elevate him to their active roster for three games before signing him to the 53-man roster.

It could also just be a placeholder until more gets sorted out. Even after waiver claims, there will be plenty of roster changes. Just because Beck might be on the practice squad tomorrow doesn’t mean he won’t be on the 53-man roster ahead of Week 1.

WR Tim Patrick

It’s the same deal with Tim Patrick since he is also a vested veteran. Of the Jets’ six receivers, he would be the easiest to move off temporarily.

There is much less risk releasing him than there is with Arian Smith, although Patrick may be ahead of the former fourth-round pick on the depth chart. It is unlikely that many teams will be fighting to bring Patrick onto their 53-man roster.

If both the Jets and Patrick agree on terms to head to the practice squad as a placeholder to make room for waiver claims, he could be another player who gets released once claims are processed.

He’d remain the mentor in the Jets’ wide receiver room and could also be back ahead of Week 1. As long as both sides agree on the plan, releasing him would be a practical way for the team to buy another roster spot.

Kohl Levao

Kohl Levao making the initial roster was one of the Jets’ most surprising decisions this year, especially over Marquis Hayes, who stood out throughout the preseason.

Even after trading for Jordan Meredith, the Jets could continue looking for offensive line help. While Meredith provides a huge boost to their interior depth, Gang Green would be wise to look for another established piece to round out the group.

If the Jets claim or sign another offensive lineman, Levao would be the most logical player to lose his spot. Unlike Beck and Patrick, he is not a vested veteran and would have to clear waivers before New York could bring him back on the practice squad.

Despite that, though, the Jets have a strong chance of keeping him around on the practice squad. It’d be hard to imagine a team signing Levao to their 53-man roster before he can clear waivers.

Making the initial 53 was a nice accomplishment for Levao, but he could certainly lose his spot if the Jets claim an offensive lineman this afternoon. It’s called the initial 53-man roster for a reason.