Key Takeaways:
– The New York Jets have released rookie quarterback Colby Suits.
– In a corresponding move, the team has signed tight end Kevin Foelsch, previously cut by the Carolina Panthers.
– The Jets now have four quarterbacks left on their roster, necessitating potential further hires to get through the off-season.
– Foelsch’s recruitment adds a new dimension to the competition for tight end No. 3 slot on the team.
In their latest move, the New York Jets have thinned their quarterback room by parting ways with rookie passer, Colby Suits according to a team press release. Suits joined the team following a successful tryout session at Rookie Minicamp, which was held on May 5. Simultaneously, the team has recruited tight end Kevin Foelsch.
New Quarterback Dynamics
This recent roster adjustment leaves the Jets with a quartet of quarterbacks: Aaron Rodgers, Tyrod Taylor, Jordan Travis, and Andrew Peasley. The position of these players however, comes with its uncertainties. Rodgers, 40, is in the recovery phase of a torn Achilles injury. Taylor, nearing 35, has his own share of years in the league. Meanwhile, Travis’ recovery from a significant leg fracture from his last season at Florida State is still unknown. As for Peasley, he joined the team as an undrafted rookie free agent from the most recent draft.
Considering the age of their veterans and the indefinite healing timeline for Travis, it is likely that the Jets will need additional support during the off-season. They require at least one more player for the training camp in July, but an extra pair of hands could be needed for the Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and mandatory minicamp in June as well.
A Fresh Face in the Tight End Competition
The event that initiated this chain of quarterback shuffling was the signing of tight end Kevin Foelsch. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing in at 250 pounds, Foelsch initially went undrafted in April’s draft from the University of New Haven. After the draft, the Carolina Panthers snapped him up on a UDFA contract, but released him after just three days as indicated in the Jets’ press release.
The Jets’ new recruit has a decent career record, having caught 73 passes and made 16 touchdowns during his time at New Haven, according to NFL Insider Aaron Wilson who broke the news of Foelsch’s signing with the Jets.
This roster update throws a new dynamic into the ongoing competition for the tight end No. 3 position within the team. As it stands, Tyler Conklin and Jeremy Ruckert appear secure in the top two tight end slots. However, the battle for the next spot may be fiercely contested amongst Kenny Yeboah and Zack Kuntz, with the new addition of Foelsch to possibly complicate the contest further.
The Road Ahead
The Jets’ decision to refrain from drafting any new tight ends, despite showing interest in Brock Bowers, implies their confidence in the current roster. Zack Rosenblatt, from The Athletic, noted that Yeboah’s position on the team may be due to being favored by the coaching staff and his significant role on special teams, while Kuntz hasn’t quite stood out despite his physical and athletic potential.
The Jets’ team dynamics are evolving, with the departure of Suits and the addition of Foelsch. The recent changes underline their focus on building a strong and diverse team. The decisions they make next will shape the future of their upcoming season and beyond.