To obtain the biscuit, sometimes you have to take a chance.
When the New York Jets made the decision to waive wide receiver Jason Brownlee, they did so using precisely that tactic. Twitter users were quick to comment, with Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic writing, “[I] wouldn’t be shocked if Jason Brownlee was claimed by another team.”
Brownlee was available for waivers when the Jets cut him, meaning he could have been claimed by any of the other 31 teams, bringing him up to a 53-man roster. On Thursday, August 29, we learned that Brownlee had become an unrestricted free agent after clearing waivers.
The Jets declared on Friday, August 30, that Brownlee will be returning, albeit to the practice squad. The green and white cut ties with pass-catcher Lance McCutcheon in a matching move.
In the past, Jets have been burned by cuteness
NFL teams begin the offseason with 90 players, and by the time the season arrives, that number needs to be whittled down to a final 53.
Everyone has to make some difficult business decisions during that process. That may occasionally come at a cost. With the Jets, it most definitely has in the past.
For instance, the Jets waived safety Jason Pinnock in 2022 at the final roster cuts, fully intending to re-sign him after he passed waivers. The only issue is that he was selected by the rival New York Giants, who play across town, rather than clearing waivers.
The Jets lost because they tried to perform roster gymnastics out of greed rather than holding onto a quality player. The Giants now start Pinnock as a starter, and New York was left empty-handed.
The Jets were able to get the best of both worlds this time. They had to cut Brownlee because they had to make room on the roster after claiming former Chicago Bears tight end Brenden Bates.
Brownlee was free to return to the practice team to further his development when he cleared waivers. Though it’s not always the case, when it is, it’s rather lovely.
Brownlee Is an Entertaining Jets Development Story
In 2024, Brownlee is no longer under siege. With no pressure from the team or the fan base, Brownlee can keep improving at his own speed as a member of the Jets practice squad.
Brownlee, 25, weighs 202 pounds and is 6-foot-3 in height.
Throughout his brief NFL career, Brownlee has shown flashes of brilliance, but he hasn’t been able to do it consistently.
Brownlee has five receptions for 52 receiving yards and one touchdown in seven career games.
The Jets’ decision to move on from Brownlee at first also shows how confidence they are in wide receiver Mike Williams’ recuperation and rehabilitation. The last step in preparing him for the season is that he has resumed team workouts during practice.
The Jets would have kept Brownlee on as a big-body insurance policy at wide receiver if Williams had been gravely affected.
This week, head coach Robert Saleh affirmed that Williams will play against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1. Saleh stated that even though he won’t be at full strength, his influence will be seen in the reps he does.
