Jets cut wide receiver Malachi Corley and 18 others

The Jets have already cut ties with Malachi Corley.

The second-year receiver was one of 19 players that new general manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn waived on Tuesday when teams had to trim their rosters to the initial 53.

Our initial 53-man roster is set.

— New York Jets (@nyjets) August 26, 2025

Corley, a third-round pick last year, was the most significant name, but he was taken by the old regime of Joe Douglas and Robert Saleh. Douglas even orchestrated a trade to move up to No. 65 in the draft for Corley, who is nicknamed “YAC King” for his Yards after the Catch.

His reign in New York was short-lived as Corley appeared in just nine games as a rookie and caught three passes for 16 yards. The Western Kentucky product did have a memorable play turned gaffe on Thursday Night football against the Texans.

Corley took a handoff from Aaron Rodgers and seemed to score on a 19-yard end-around run. However, Corley let go of the football just before crossing the goal line and it rolled out of bounds for a touchback. The Jets won the game, but Corley got few chances after that.

He was unable to practice during OTAs because of an undisclosed injury and forced to play catch-up in training camp. It was obvious that Corley was low on the depth chart as a receiver. He spent most of the time working with the third stringers in practice. Corley had just one catch for 8 yards in the preseason on four targets.

The Jets released three other receivers: Jamaal Pritchett, Brandon Smith and Quentin Skinner. They all flashed in training camp and the preseason. If they clear waivers, the Jets could bring them back on the practice squad.

Other notable players that the Jets released were rookie quarterback Brady Cook, running back Donovan Edwards, offensive tackle Carter Warren (a fourth-round pick in 2023) and cornerback Jarrick Bernard-Converse (a 2023 sixth-rounder). Cook and Edwards could be on the practice team if they clear waivers.

Receiver was the most intriguing position group for the Jets because of the makeup of the room. There is no proven No. 2 receiver behind Garrett Wilson, who has opened his career with three straight years of at least 1,000 receiving yards.

As it stands now, the room consists of Wilson, Josh Reynolds, Allen Lazard, Tyler Johnson, Xavier Gipson and rookie Arian Smith. Gipson is a bit of a surprise because of how Pritchett played.

“We can do anything any other receiver group can,” Reynolds told Newsday. “We got a great quarterback. We got a great offensive scheme that puts guys in great spots for themselves . . . . We know what we can do in this locker room, and we know what we can do in our group.”

Glenn said the receiver room has “a number of different skill sets” that the Jets “can take advantage of.” But he didn’t rule out claiming a receiver off waivers or trading for one.

“We're still always looking,” Glenn said.

Reynolds, 30, is playing on his sixth team in nine seasons. He’s only caught more than 40 passes once in his career, but Reynolds played for the Lions and knows new coordinator Tanner Engstrand’s system. He’s been helping all the receivers get up to speed with it.

Lazard is in his third season with the Jets. He’s caught 60 passes for 871 yards and seven touchdowns since signing a four-year, $44 million contract in 2022. Lazard took a pay cut to remain with the Jets. Glenn said he likes Lazard’s blocking ability and that he’s a big, strong target in the red zone for Justin Fields.

Johnson is on his fourth team in six NFL seasons. He has 76 catches for 828 yards and four touchdowns. Smith, a fourth-round pick from Georgia, is a deep threat who can stretch the field with his speed. Glenn believes Smith has improved his route-running and his hands.

Two-minute drill

Defensive linemen Leonard Taylor III and Braiden McGregor made the initial 53 . . . Defensive tackle Byron Cowart was placed on IR. Wide receiver/special teams player Irv Charles was put on the PUP list (Physically Unable to Perform). Rookie free agent linebacker Ja’Markis Weston was placed on IR: Designated for Return. Defensive back Jarius Monroe was waived with an injury settlement.