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Jets Re-Sign Linebacker Less Than 24 Hours After Cutting Him
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- Jets Re-Sign Linebacker Less Than 24 Hours After Cutting Him
Paul Barnick-Imagn Images
The New York Jets made a bold roster move that shocked no one who follows the league rules closely. On Wednesday, veteran linebacker Troy Reeder was added to the practice squad. This happened less than 24 hours after they announced they were cutting him. It is a clear example of roster gymnastics at the NFL level. The team needed to clear a spot, so they released him.
The Loophole That Saves Veterans
This move works because of how the league handles service time. Reeder is 32 years old and has enough years in the league to be a vested veteran. That status means he does not have to go through waivers when the team cuts him. The NFLPA explained the rule clearly.
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"If you have earned three or more credited seasons since 1993, you are vested, meaning you are entitled to benefits negotiated under the CBA," the NFLPA posted, according to Heavy.com . This rule protects the player's benefits and lets the team keep him in the fold.
If Reeder had fewer years, another team could have claimed him off waivers. The Jets would have lost him for good. Instead, they used the system to their advantage. They can tell Reeder they will release him to make other moves, then bring him back once the dust settles. That appears to be exactly what happened here. It is a smart play that keeps a reliable special teams guy on the roster without using an active spot.
Reeder's Value on Special Teams
Reeder is not just a practice squad filler. He has real experience and has played in big games before. As part of the Los Angeles Rams, he secured a Super Bowl ring. He spent six of his first eight seasons there. The Jets need that kind of stability on their special teams unit.
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Jets editorial contributor Amanda Vogt stated that Reeder rejoined the practice squad following his Tuesday release. She mentioned his initial practice squad signing occurred on Sept. 2, followed by an active roster move on Sept. 22. Playing in 85 special teams snaps, he recorded 4 tackles across four games where he dressed.
The team values his presence even if they do not have a spot for him on the active roster right now. Keeping him close means he knows the playbook and the coaching staff. It saves them from having to teach a new guy the system. This is a low-risk way to keep depth for a team that is trying to find its footing this season.
Winning in the Rain Against Cleveland
The Jets are also looking good on defense after their win over the Browns. They secured a 17-12 victory on Sunday at MetLife Stadium. The weather was terrible, but the team still got it done. In the NFL Media Group's recent power rankings, Nick Shook ranked the Jets at No. 20.
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He wrote, "It was an admittedly ugly game for both sides, but the Jets finally finished on the victorious side. The inclement weather may distort the overall evaluation of Sunday's contest, but what's undeniable was the effectiveness of New York's aggressive pass rush, which piled up eight sacks and shut down Cleveland's offense (save for one late touchdown drive)."
Six different players recorded a sack in that win. The defense is stepping up when it matters most. With Reeder back on the squad and the pass rush clicking, the team has a chance to build momentum before their next game on Sunday. They face the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
