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New York Jets Welcome VJ Payne Back to Practice, Sign Receiver Joseph Manjack IV to Practice Squad
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- New York Jets Welcome VJ Payne Back to Practice, Sign Receiver Joseph Manjack IV to Practice Squad
The New York Jets made two more personnel moves today. The announcement comes the team placed offensive lineman Max Mitchell on injured reserve with a head injury sustained during practice and signed offensive tackle Blake Freeland to the active roster.
They subsequently released cornerback Tre Brown from injured reserve.
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In an update, the Jets have designated safety VJ Payne to return to practice and signed WR Joseph Manjack IV to the practice squad.
Payne, a 6-3, 206-pounder, was selected by the Jets in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft out of Kansas State.
He missed the preseason and went on injured reserve after sustaining an injury during training camp.
While at Kansas State, Payne appeared in 52 games, starting in 42. In 2025, he earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention accolades.
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Manjack, coming in 6-3, 210 pounds, comes to the Jets after previously spending time with the Denver Broncos. He signed with the Broncos as an undrafted free agent in May.
Manjack started his collegiate career at USC (2021) then transferred to Houston and played there for three seasons (2022-2024) and finished at TCU (2025).
In his final year at Houston, Manjack led the team in receiving TDs (3), ranked second in receiving yards (351) and third in receptions (22). Last season with the Horned Frogs, he played in all 13 games and had 44 receptions for 579 yards.
This story was originally published by Athlon on Nov 4, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
