Jets make a rare in-division trade sending star of preseason to needy divisional rival

The Jets know how to find kick returners late or after the NFL draft and they are using that skill to better their draft position for next year.

The Jets are sending Brandon Codrington to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for a late round pick swap in 2026 according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

Codrington has been one of the Jets best weapons in the preseason with massive returns both during kickoffs and punts, including a 63-yard kick return against the Carolina Panthers in week 2 of the preseason.

Codrington, an undrafted free agent signed with the Jets out of North Carolina Central University. The 23-year old Codrington is listed at 5’9” and 185 pounds. He was a two-time HBCU All-American first team selection and two-time MEAC first-teamer as a return specialist. He recorded 93 tackles, 10 pass breakups and four touchdown returns in his college career.

Codrington was a long shot to make the team as a returner despite playing so well as the Jets have Xavier Gipson, Isaiah Davis and Malachi Corley available to return kicks while still providing something to the offense.

Instead of outright releasing Codrington, the Jets were able to get a little something in return for him. A small reward for spotting the his potential and putting it on display in preseason.

This is not the first kick return specialist the Jets have seen move up north to Buffalo. Brad Smith, who was with the Jets for five seasons from 2006 – 2010 joined the Bills after leaving New York.

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