Cimini noted that wide receiver Arian Smith and safety Malachi Moore, both third-day picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, underperformed as rookies. He suggested that while they are still expected to compete for a spot on the 53-man roster, they would benefit from performances on Saturday that leave no doubt about their potential contribution.
Disappointing starts to their careers
Smith, selected in the fourth round with the 110th overall pick, had a rookie season that did not make an impact. He finished the year with 16 targets, seven receptions, 52 receiving yards, and no touchdowns.
Moore played more extensively, appearing in 17 games with 14 starts. He totaled 101 tackles, along with a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, three pass deflections, and three tackles for loss. The main issue for Moore was securing a starting role this offseason, leaving his job security in question. The safety position has been a weakness for the Jets, and Moore has not emerged as a clear starter in the competition.
Roster concerns and looming cuts
With confidence in current depth, there isn’t an obvious replacement on the Jets’ roster for Smith’s the role at wide receiver or Moore’s at safety. However, the upcoming final roster cutdown on Sunday, August 30, will trim teams from 90 or 91 players to 53. The waiver wire will be packed with more than 1,000 players who could impact the initial 53-man rosters league-wide.
Observers noted that the Jets might still have some flexibility to add a wide receiver or a safety via the waiver wire. For example, discussions among observers have suggested that other receivers, such as Cedric Tillman or Tim Patrick, could become available and merit consideration if they pass through waivers or remain unsigned.
Tillman, who was released by the Cleveland Browns ahead of the final week of the preseason, was a third-round pick in 2023. The Tennessee product stands 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds. In three NFL seasons, he has appeared in 38 games with 19 starts, recording 132 targets, 71 receptions for 833 yards, and five touchdowns. His experience illustrates how players becoming available late in the preseason can prompt renewed evaluation of rosters as teams decide who to keep.
Bottom line
The Jets’ current roster construction leaves little reason to fear immediate changes at wide receiver or safety, but the upcoming wave of roster moves will determine whether a late offseason addition or a waiver-wire find can bolster depth. The preseason finale will serve as a final audition for Smith and Moore to demonstrate their growth and potential for the regular season, while the team eyes possible improvements elsewhere as they navigate toward the 53-man roster deadline.
