The New York Jets have made a flurry of roster moves to close out the year, bolstering their squad while dealing with several injuries. They signed kicker Greg Joseph to their active roster, claimed defensive lineman Phidarian Mathis and linebacker Jamin Davis off waivers, and placed safety Chuck Clark and kicker Greg Zuerlein on injured reserve. Additionally, the team waived kicker Anders Carlson and added offensive lineman David Sharpe to their practice squad. Here’s a closer look at the players involved and what these moves mean for the Jets moving forward.
Greg Joseph Joins Active Roster
Greg Joseph, a veteran kicker, brings significant experience to the Jets. Initially signed to the Jets’ practice squad on December 24, Joseph had earlier stints this season with the Washington Commanders and New York Giants. Over the course of the season, he converted 15 of 19 field goal attempts and made all eight of his extra-point tries.
At 30 years old, Joseph has had a journeyman career since entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Miami Dolphins in 2018. While he made his professional debut with the Cleveland Browns that same year, his career has spanned multiple teams, including the Panthers, Titans, Buccaneers, Vikings, Packers, and Lions. In 74 career games, Joseph has achieved a solid 82.1% success rate on field goal attempts and a 90.6% conversion rate on extra points. Notably, he nailed a career-long 61-yard field goal while playing for the Vikings in 2022.
Phidarian Mathis Bolsters Defensive Depth
Phidarian Mathis, a towering presence at 6-foot-4 and 312 pounds, joins the Jets after being waived by the Commanders on December 28. Selected in the second round (47th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Alabama, Mathis has had an injury-plagued start to his professional career. In his debut game, he suffered a torn meniscus that sidelined him for the entire 2022 season.
Despite this setback, Mathis returned to action and appeared in 23 games for Washington over three seasons, recording 25 tackles, two tackles for loss, and one fumble recovery. During his college career at Alabama, Mathis was a key contributor to the Crimson Tide’s 2020 national championship team and earned second-team All-SEC honors in 2021.
Jamin Davis: A Former First-Round Pick
Jamin Davis, a 6-foot-3, 234-pound linebacker, brings first-round pedigree to the Jets. Drafted 19th overall by the Commanders in 2021 out of Kentucky, Davis showcased his potential during his tenure in Washington, appearing in 54 games (36 starts) and amassing 287 tackles, eight sacks, one interception, and two forced fumbles.
This season, Davis played for both the Commanders and Vikings, recording 18 tackles and one sack across nine games while playing just 106 defensive snaps. The Jets are likely banking on his versatility and athleticism to enhance their linebacker corps.
Chuck Clark and Greg Zuerlein Land on Injured Reserve
The Jets’ secondary takes a hit with the loss of safety Chuck Clark, who was acquired via trade from the Ravens in March 2023. In 12 games this season, Clark tallied 69 tackles, two pass deflections, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. Over his career, the former sixth-round pick out of Virginia Tech has established himself as a reliable defender, recording 384 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 32 pass deflections, five forced fumbles, and five interceptions.
Kicker Greg Zuerlein also heads to injured reserve after making 60% of his field goals (9 of 15) and 93% of his extra points (13 of 14) in eight games this season. Zuerlein, who enjoyed a strong 2023 season with a 92.1% field goal conversion rate, has been a dependable special teams presence throughout his career.
Anders Carlson Waived
Rookie kicker Anders Carlson departs after a brief stint with the Jets’ practice squad. A sixth-round pick out of Auburn by the Packers in 2023, Carlson showcased his leg strength earlier this season, connecting on all five of his field goal attempts, including a 55-yarder, during a two-game spell with the 49ers. Over his college career, Carlson converted 72% of his field goal attempts and 98% of his extra points.
David Sharpe Joins Practice Squad
Veteran offensive lineman David Sharpe, a 6-foot-6, 343-pound tackle, adds depth to the Jets’ practice squad. Drafted in the fourth round by the Raiders in 2017, Sharpe has played in 45 games, starting six, during stints with the Texans, Ravens, Panthers, and Commanders.
Looking Ahead
These roster moves reflect the Jets’ efforts to navigate a challenging season while building for the future. By adding experienced players like Joseph and Mathis, along with a high-upside linebacker in Davis, the Jets aim to address immediate needs and improve their depth across multiple positions. Meanwhile, the placement of Clark and Zuerlein on injured reserve signals the importance of developing contingency plans to close out the season effectively.
BREAKING: Jets Sign K Greg Joseph, Claim DL Phidarian Mathis & Lb Jamin Davis to blockbuster deals
