The New York Jets are adding rookie safety VJ Payne to their active roster. A seventh-round selection, 228th overall, in the 2026 NFL Draft, Payne had not played this season after being placed on injured reserve shortly before the campaign began. The Jets opened his 21-day practice window before the trade deadline and later dealt safety Andre Cisco to the Detroit Lions.
To make room for Payne, New York is releasing offensive lineman Kohl Levao, who could return to the practice squad next week. The 6-foot-6, 350-pound lineman is a former undrafted free agent in his fifth season out of college. He has appeared in four games this season, playing exclusively on special teams.
Payne, who is 6-foot-3 and weighs 206 pounds, received pre-draft evaluations ranging from a Day 2 grade to a projected fourth- or fifth-round grade. Scouting assessments described him as a versatile defensive back best suited to play boundary safety, where he can be physical and cover short zones. He was also viewed as a potential contributor in sub-packages and on special teams, even if he did not earn a starting role as a rookie. One comparison noted that he could have a role similar to Denver Broncos safety Nick Emmanwori, while acknowledging that Payne is lighter and did not test as well.
The Jets also received encouraging updates on three wide receivers listed as questionable for their game against the Buffalo Bills: Garrett Wilson, who is dealing with a concussion; Omar Cooper, with an ankle injury; and Adonai Mitchell, with a knee injury. All three were expected to be available.
New York enters the matchup on a four-game losing streak. Buffalo is 7–1 and has won four straight.
