Jets Training Camp: Veteran faces make-or-break summer that will determine his fate in New York

The New York Jets are getting ready to open training camp this week in Florham Park, NJ. Rookies are set to arrive July 18 while veterans arrive five days later on the 23 ^rd .

While many of the positions appear to have a clear hierarchy in terms of depth chart, there are a few spots that remain wide open as the team enters training camp. The team depth chart we see on paper in the middle of July may look very different than the one we see when the Jets travel to San Francisco on September 9 ^th .

So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the big position battles that the Jets have going into training camp this week

1. WRs 2-5

I think it’s pretty clear that Davante Adams isn’t on his way to the Tri-State area any time soon. Garrett Wilson is the clear-cut number one receiver on the team. After that? It’s a lot of lotto tickets.

Make no mistake, Mike Williams is the number two wide out behind Wilson, but that is only when he plays . Williams has only played every game in a season one time in seven seasons, appearing in only three games last year before tearing his ACL. When healthy he is as dynamic as it gets, but to count on him for 17 games is fool hearted.

The number three spot is up for grabs as well. The Jets have Allen Lazard who was worse than disappointing last season. The $44 million free agent signing was lost without Rodgers throwing to him and wound up with only 23 receptions for 311 yards.

Despite calls from fans to cut him, it would be hard for Joe Douglas to do so this year as it would be a $12 million dead cap hit, with literally zero savings, per Over the Cap.  If the Jets decide to cut him before the 2025 season, he would only be a little more than a $6.5 million dead cap charge, while saving the Jets a little more than $6.3 million in cap space. That's something Joe Douglas would sign up for if there isn't a big improvement, this season.

Lazard will need to remind the team why they signed him last off season or it's basically guaranteed his role shrinks significantly than what he was brought in to be - outside of injuries to others, of course.  He could wind up being the starting slot receiver or the back up number two receiver i.e he will line up on the outside when Williams is unable to go, but not on the field at the same time.

The man who stole the slot receiver job last year, Xavier Gipson, won’t be happy to give up his playing time, but will certainly need to take a leap in his second season to keep the ball rolling. Gipson, an undrafted rookie last year, won’t catch many teams by surprise this season and will have to continue to prove he belongs on the field.

Then, there is rookie third-round pick Malachi Corley out of Western Kentucky. The kid is doing everything he can to make a good impression with his future Hall of Fame quarterback. Corley is a little raw when it comes to the fine details of playing the wide receiver position, but he is dangerous with the ball in his hands, which might be exactly what the Jets need.

Jason Brownlee, Malik Taylor and Irvin Charles are all low-key contributors from last season who are looking to climb the depth chart while holding on to a roster spot. It wouldn’t be surprising if any of them see significant snaps this season or are all wearing different jerseys in September.

The wide receiver room is wide open with a lot of talent. Those who can develop the most chemistry with Rodgers will have a leg up on the competition as camp gets underway.

2. RB2

Much like the wide receiver position, the number one spot on this list is written in stone. Breece Hall may be one of the few work horse running backs in the league this year, as almost every other team is going to a running back by committee. But having a work horse back doesn’t mean you should forgo depth or even have someone that can handle a few significant carries.

The Jets have taken a running back in every draft since Joe Douglas took the reins of the organization, but unfortunately, Hall is the only one who has made any significant contributions, so far. Israel Abanikanda was supposed to take over the number two spot last year after the Jets released Dalvin Cook, but he failed to impress in limited action. Reports out of OTAs were that Abanikanda hasn't even been on the second team, let alone the starters. To make matters worse, he struggles when he actually does get on the field. Izzy is much more likely a cut candidate than the RB2 at this point.

When you add in the fact the Jets drafted not one, but two running backs from the 2024 NFL draft, it makes Abanikanda's future even cloudier.

Braelon Allen as well as South Dakota State’s Isaiah Davis in the fifth round. Following OTAs the feeling is that the RB2 spot is Allen’s to lose. He has been explosive and looks like a natural receiver despite his large frame.

Davis looks more like an offensive weapon than a true running back early on, but he is a dangerous player who the offensive coaching staff love. He will find a role on the team.

Lastly, there is newly-signed Tarik Cohen. The Jets signed him to be more of a kick returner, but his experience as a running back may factor in when they are divvying up carries. Cohen will certainly push to be part of the offense. Either way, he'll take up a roster spot, even if he's a returner.

3. Safety

At this point it looks like Tony Adams will be a sure starter at one safety spot. Chuck Clark will be given every opportunity to earn the second safety spot as he tries to battle back from a knee injury that kept him sidelined all of last season.

Ashtyn Davis re-signed with the Jets after testing the waters in free agency on a one-year deal. He will likely keep the role he had last year as the third safety, which the Jets do employ on the field. Davis is a playmaker who won’t be listed as a starter too often but will see the plenty of the field.

The fourth safety spot is anyone’s guess. The Jets recently moved Isiah Oliver, who signed from the San Francisco 49ers from corner to safety and they moved Jarrick Bernard-Converse from safety to corner. JBC spent most of his rookie season on IR and didn’t play much, but the team loves his athleticism and versatility.

The Jets also brought in rookie Jaylen Key out of the University of Alabama with the last pick in the 2024 NFL draft. Mr. Irrelevant has been hungry to prove he is better than his draft position and could push for a roster spot.

4. Kick Returner

Last year, this was a spot that was more of an honorary title as most kick offs went out of the back of the end zone or were fair caught. The new NFL kickoff rules will make for a much more pronounced role in the return game. Robert Saleh said during OTAs “The new kickoff rules, kick returners are going to touch the ball over a hundred times a year, which is significant. At least, this is what we're anticipating.”

To that end, the Jets brought in Tarik Cohen , who is a dangerous return man when healthy. Cohen has dealt with a fair share of injuries in his young career, but the Jets view him as someone who could lead the charge for New York with the new kick off rules.

Last year, Xavier Gipson had most of the return honors, and was dangerous when he got the chance to actually return a kick. It will be his job to lose when training camp starts.

Rookie running back Isaiah Davis’ ability to return kicks was another reason the Jets took him in the fifth round of the draft this year.

Undrafted rookie cornerback out of NC Central Brandon Codrington is one of the fastest players on the team and will look to make the team as the Jets primary return man. He is a dark horse to win the job. He was a return specialist in college.

Anything is possible once training camp opens up. Guys get hurt and backups are shoved into the starting role. Relative no-names impress so much that they earn a starting spot. Reliable veterans suddenly lose the ability to play as effectively. Training camp is one of the most important and stressful times of the year for NFL teams. The Jets will be looking to end a 13-year playoff drought and need to make the right decisions in camp to carry them to the playoffs.

Related: Aaron Rodgers gives positive news on his health as Jets' training camp nears