NFL

Jets Lose Key WR, Sign Former XFLBrahmas DL as Roster Shuffle Continues

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The New York Jets have been hit with a significant setback as wide receiver Malik Taylor has been ruled out for the 2024 season due to injury. Taylor was officially placed on the “reserve/injured” list, a move that prematurely ends his campaign before it even begins. In a corresponding roster move, the Jets signed former Miami Dolphins defensive lineman Jaylen Twyman, adding depth to their defensive line as they navigate the remainder of the preseason.

Taylor’s Misfortune Creates Opportunity on the Jets’ Roster

We have signed DL Jaylen Twyman and placed WR Malik Taylor on Reserve/Injured.

— New York Jets (@nyjets) August 18, 2024

Malik Taylor, 28, was trending toward securing a spot on the Jets’ 53-man roster before his injury, according to Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic. Taylor, a former teammate of Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay, joined the Jets last offseason and appeared in three games during the 2023 season, recording two catches for 13 yards.

While his stat line might not jump off the page, Taylor had a knack for making impactful plays in crucial moments. Most notably, during a Week 8 matchup against the New York Giants, Taylor drew a 30-yard pass interference call in overtime that set up a game-winning field goal by Greg Zuerlein. Another memorable moment came in last year’s preseason opener, where Taylor hauled in a 57-yard pass from Zach Wilson in the Hall of Fame game against the Cleveland Browns—a play that was highlighted on HBO’s “Hard Knocks.”

With Taylor sidelined for the season, the Jets now have an open spot on their roster, presenting an opportunity for another player to step up and claim a role.

A New Name to Watch on the Jets’ Defense

The #Jets signed DL Jaylen Twyman and placed WR Malik Taylor on injured reserve — which ends Taylor’s season.

Taylor was trending toward pushing for a spot on the 53 before his injury.

— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) August 18, 2024

The addition of Jaylen Twyman provides the Jets with a fresh face on the defensive line. Twyman, 25, was originally drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. His NFL journey has been anything but smooth, as he spent most of his early career on the Vikings’ and Dolphins’ rosters without appearing in a regular-season game.

Twyman has most recently been playing in alternative football leagues, including stints with the Birmingham Stallions of the USFL and the San Antonio Brahmas of the UFL. His contract with the Brahmas was terminated in August 2024, allowing him to join the Jets.

Despite the limited time remaining in training camp, Twyman will have the opportunity to showcase his talents in the Jets’ preseason finale against the New York Giants. While making the final 53-man roster might be a long shot, a strong showing could earn him a spot on the Jets’ 16-man practice squad, giving him a foothold in the NFL as he continues to pursue his professional career.

A year ago in the Hall of Fame game, Zach Wilson gave #Jets fans a glimmer of hope that he still had it after a 57-yard strike to Malik Taylor.

"That was a dime & a half," Wilson told himself. 🤣

Robert Saleh said, "What a f****** throw!"#JetUp pic.twitter.com/gOWSdcBbkO

— Paul Andrew Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25) August 1, 2024

Joe Douglas’ Commitment to Roster Building

Jets General Manager Joe Douglas has shown a relentless commitment to building a competitive roster since taking over in 2019. From working the trade market and waiver wire to scouting talent in semi-professional leagues, Douglas has left no stone unturned in his quest to assemble a roster capable of competing at the highest level.

As the 2024 season approaches, the Jets are widely regarded as having one of the most talented rosters in the NFL—a testament to Douglas’ tireless efforts. The addition of Jaylen Twyman is the latest example of Douglas’ willingness to explore every avenue to strengthen the team, as the Jets prepare for what they hope will be a breakthrough season.