Jeff

Smith

A former Boston College quarterback turned wide receiver, Smith has hung around the Jets organization since 2019. Through four seasons, the speedy receiver has caught 34 passes for 426 yards and turned in a 77-yard effort in last year’s Week 15 game against the Lions. Given his speed and time and the NFL, teams are likely to kick the tires on Smith and give him a chance to earn a roster spot in camp.

Smith was on the open market for little more than 24 hours, as the former Jet will remain in the Meadowlands after signing with the Giants. With 34 career catches for 426 scoreless yards, Smith will likely need to earn a spot on the 53-man roster in training camp.

Smith entered the game for an injured Denzel Mims and had his best game by far. He was solid as the Jets went into pass-first mode late in the game. Smith won’t be in the Jets’ offensive plans unless Corey Davis and Mims continue to be sidelined.

Smith mixed in with the Jets’ first-team offense in OTA practices. The 2019 UDFA came on late last season, starting the final three games, but was buried on the depth chart this offseason. The Jets re-signed Braxton Berrios and drafted Garrett Wilson with the No. 10 overall pick. Smith looks to be ahead of Denzel Mims, who would clear $1.1 million in cap space if released this preseason.

Smith’s presence with the starters is unlikely to hold through Week 1, though Hughes did call him the “unquestioned star of the summer.” Garrett Wilson, Corey Davis, and Elijah Moore were all present for minicamp. Hughes also noted that Wilson “started coming along the last two days.” Those are the three receivers expected to start once the season rolls around. If Zach Wilson turns things around in his second season, all three could provide sporadic fantasy value. Smith can cement himself as the team’s fourth option with a strong training camp.

Cimini says Jeff Smith was running ahead of Mims as the WR5 behind Corey Davis, Garrett Wilson, Elijah Moore, and Braxton Berrios. Mims was drawing some early offseason hype on Twitter, but it still appears like he’s a deep reserve battling for a roster spot. He also doesn’t play special teams, which will hurt his chances of making the team. Mims is probably best suited for a change of scenery this summer.

The Jets also announced the re-signings of CB Javelin Guidry, S Elijah Riley, and DE Tim Ward. All four players were exclusive rights free agents. Smith made 12 appearances for the Jets in 2022. He caught eight balls for 113 yards and picked up 60 additional snaps on special teams. Smith will be competing for a roster spot this summer.

Smith had back-to-back drops on a swing pass and over the middle in the first quarter. He seems like a perfectly nice man, but the most notable thing about this line is that he’s playing over Denzel Mims.

It’s the latest Jets receiver to go down after losing Corey Davis for the season. Practice squad WR Vyncint Smith was promoted to the active roster for Week 14 against the Saints.

Well that escalated quickly. Despite being the Jets second round pick last year, Mims was working alongside Jeff Smith and Lawrence Cager today. At this point, there can be no doubt that free agent addition Keelan Cole is firmly ahead of Mims on the depth chart. Rookie Elijah Moore has also continued to impress and is poised to play ahead of Mims as well. Mims offers size, deep speed and contested catch ability, so it’s possible he eventually earns a meaningful role this season. It’s hard to imagine a more inauspicious start to training camp, however.