Gang Green Nation
Now that the offseason is over, it’s time to update you on former Jets players and how they’ve been faring with their current teams. We are covering this in three parts and will be looking at defense today having already covered the offense. We’ll move onto special teams within a day or two.
As ever, this list is intended to be exhaustive, but if we missed anyone, let us know in the comments.
Commanders:
Linebacker Frankie Luvu is coming off a season where he was named as a second team all-pro and will be joined in the Commanders’ front seven by Jacob Martin who was signed in the offseason.
Linebacker Nick Bellore also returns, although he will primarily play on special teams as usual.
Also: Defensive lineman Jalyn Holmes was retained on the practice squad.
Giants:
The Giants haven’t had any defensive players who are former Jets on their team all offseason.
Cowboys:
Dallas retained two defensive linemen on their active roster – Solomon Thomas and Perrion Winfrey – each of whom would have been coached by Dallas defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton while they were with the Jets. It remains to be seen how Micah Parsons’ departure and Kenny Clark’s arrival will affect those two players.
Also: Cornerback Luq Barcoo and linebacker Nick Vigil were not retained.
Eagles:
Having traded away defensive end Bryce Huff following a disappointing first year with the Eagles, the only ex-Jet remaining on the Eagles’ defense was cornerback Parry Nickerson, who had an interception against the Jets in preseason. He was signed to the practice squad.
Bears:
The Bears are another team who haven’t had any ex-Jets on their defense this year.
Packers:
The Packers retained defensive end Deslin Alexandre and safety Jaylin Simpson on their practice squad. Alexandre had a couple of sacks in preseason.
Also: Rookie linebacker Jared Bartlett and cornerbacks Corey Ballentine and Isaiah Dunn were not retained.
Vikings:
Linebacker Blake Cashman had a huge year in 2024 and will return as a starter to the Vikings this season.
Lions:
The Lions signed Jets’ starting cornerback DJ Reed during the offseason and he will start for them in 2025.
Also: The Lions picked up Barcoo after Dallas cut him but he was not retained.
Bucs:
Edge defender Haason Reddick is being touted as a bounceback candidate after his awful 2024 season with the Jets. He’ll play a big role for the Bucs this year.
Also: Cornerback Bryce Hall was retained on the practice squad but the Bucs declined an option in February to make safety Jordan Whitehead a free agent and he has been without a team ever since.
Falcons:
Cornerback Lamar Jackson was cut after a rough preseason that saw him give up 147 yards on seven catches, including a 68-yarder. He also had two penalties. Linebacker Caleb Johnson was also not retained.
Saints:
All-pro linebacker Demario Davis and defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd were full-time starters for the Saints last year and will play the same roles in 2025.
Panthers:...
