New York Jets dump 'Mr. Irrelevant' for former Penn State linebacker

The New York Jets announced two signings on Tuesday afternoon while parting with a 2024 draft pick in the process.

In addition to confirming reports of veteran defensive back Jalen Mills joining the Practice Squad, the Jets inked former Penn State linebacker Brandon Smith to a P-Squad contract. In order to open a spot for Smith, New York waived seventh-round rookie safety Jaylen Key also known as “Mr. Irrelevant.”

Coming out of Alabama, Key went to the Jets with the final selection at the 2024 NFL Draft. He didn’t survive roster cutdown day but was subsequently added to the Practice Squad for the season’s first three weeks.

Interestingly, New York introduced Mills, a longtime cornerback, as a safety, which apparently lessened the need to keep Key around.

Meanwhile, the 23-year-old Smith gives the Jets three P-Squad linebackers, joining Jackson Sirmon and Marcelino McCray-Ball. He has 14 career appearances under his belt, having played almost exclusively on special teams.

The Carolina Panthers used the No. 120 overall selection on Smith in 2022 and released him after only one season. One of Carolina’s roster cutdown casualties in 2023, Smith signed with the Philadelphia Eagles’ Practice Squad and proceeded to appear in two games. He began the 2024 campaign on Philadelphia’s P-Squad before being waived on September 10.

Smith was a two-year starter for Penn State and entered the draft after his third collegiate season. He was a Dick Butkus Award semifinalist in 2021.

The Jets have five linebackers on their active roster, not including Zaire Barnes on Injured Reserve. Although not reported as serious, veteran starter CJ Mosley is nursing a toe injury and missed the Week 3 win over the New England Patriots.