Friday Notes
Edition #1095: Rookies start signing, numbers released and rookie minicamp starts today!
Good morning ☕
Rookies will descend on 1JD today as rookie minicamp gets underway. It’s non contact but don’t let that dampen the spirits, it’s football…at least a form of it.
We know some of the players who will be there and I’m sure everyone will be interested to hear for Cade Klubnik looks over the weekend.
However there will be a large group of prospects who have accepted an invitation, hoping to secure a contract to return for OTA’s and training camp.
We’re going to continue to dive into some of those lesser known prospects next week but if you missed our focus on VJ Payne, you can read that below.
NEWS & NOTES 🗞️
Talking of Payne, he signed his rookie contract which is worth $4.4 million over four years, meaning the Jets have him signed through 2029.
QB Cade Klubnik also signed his rookie deal which will pay him $5.5 million over four years.
First-round TE Kenyon Sadiq also signed his rather more lucrative contract which will pay him $22.3 million fully guaranteed over four years with a team option for a 5th year.
The Jets did make some roster moves yesterday cutting safety Chris Smith II and interior offensive lineman Gus Hartwig. They also designated Nigerian DL Paschal Ekeji as their international pathway player. Ekeji joined the Jets practice squad last November and grew up playing rugby in South Africa.
Former Jets GM Mike Maccagnan (2015-2019) has been hired by the Eagles as a personnel executive. He’ll join Joe Douglas there and I’m sure they have some interesting Woody Johnson stories to share.
Russell Wilson confirmed the Jets have offered him a contract but he’s still deciding what to do: “It was great. They offered me, and I’m trying to figure out what’s the next best thing to do and all that. I still know I can play ball and do that on a high level, but also I think the opportunity to do TV too is great. So we’ll see what happens,”
AROUND THE LEAGUE
Colts release CB Kenny Moore II after failing to work out trade.
Vikings signing ex-49ers WR Jauan Jennings to one-year, $8 million deal.
The Steelers are still waiting for Aaron Rodgers to make a decision on his future. The QB is expected in Pittsburgh this weekend and it’s now deemed “likely” that he will return.
I’m a big no on Wilson but there is still a hole for backup QB and very weak options. Steelers still waiting on AR to make a decision, as Eddy Murphy once said on SNL during a Mr. Robinson’s Neighborhood skit “I’m so glad the bitch is gone”.
Three rookies signed five to go. UDFA Gus Hartwig has been cut. Gus was a 6’5 312 pound Center out of Purdue, where he played well for four years , had some injuries, was a little underpowered, but was a smart , technically sound Center. Gus was signed in 2025, but an early knee injury , put Gus on IR Last July missing the entire season. Gus had some developmental potential was penciled in early depth charts as the Jets back up Center. Gus is gone , the Jets seemed to have a a new sense of urgency in finding a backup Center. Xavier Newman who has played Guard as well as Center seems to be the logical backup to Myers. The Jets only have 13 Offensive Lineman in camp, which seems like a lot, but consider you are filling 9-10 Roster spots. Cutting Gus , is putting out a Help Wanted sign. Expect some roster churn, with a series of Centers trying out, Jets may have to invest in the position.