The New York Jets currently have one starting wide receiver position locked in, with Garrett Wilson leading the charge, while two spots are up for grabs. Highlighting one of the two remaining vacancies is the outside/WR2 job to replace Davante Adams. Multiple players, including a veteran acquisition, will compete for that role, looking to bounce back.
New York Jets veteran signing had a rough 2024 season
The Denver Broncos signed Josh Reynolds to a two-year, $9 million contract last offseason. He had a solid start to 2024, hauling in 12 receptions on 19 targets for 183 yards and one touchdown in five games before suffering a fractured finger in Week 5 and being placed on IR. Reynolds was also shot outside of a nightclub on October 18 in the arm and back of the head, and, thankfully, sustained only minor injuries.
The Broncos released Josh Reynolds on December 3, and the Jacksonville Jaguars claimed him off waivers shortly after. He did not play in Week 14 but did in the final four games, including a start in Week 17. Reynolds had one reception on five targets for 11 yards, wrapping up the season with 13 receptions on 24 targets for 194 yards and one touchdown in nine games and two starts.
The Jaguars released him during the offseason, and the New York Jets signed him to a one-year, $2.75 million contract worth up to $5 million. The veteran receiver reunites with the current offensive coordinator and former passing game coordinator of the Detroit Lions, Tanner Engstrand.
New York Jets’ new weapon is in line to start
So far, Josh Reynolds has received first-team reps with the starting offense on the outside throughout voluntary OTAs and mandatory minicamp. According to Rich Cimini of ESPN, the veteran receiver is the “clear-cut favorite” for the WR2 job in front of Allen Lazard.
“Josh Reynolds is the clear-cut favorite for the WR2 job, ahead of Allen Lazard, whose name will continue to circulate in trade rumors now that Rodgers has landed with the Steelers,” Cimini said. “If the Jets decide to move Lazard — a big if — it probably wouldn’t be until the end of the preseason. But only if they’re comfortable with their receiver depth.”
He is willing to play whatever role for the New York Jets
“I’m here for whatever they need me for,” Reynolds said on Tuesday after an OTA practice, via the team’s website. “If it’s [wide receiver] two, if it’s [WR] three, I’m here to help the team win. Time will tell. We still got to go through camp and all that. Guys will emerge and some guys will fall, that’s just the nature of the business. I’m here to help the team win.”
