WATCH: 3 biggest surprises from Jets' roster cut-downs
It was a hectic day on Saturday across the NFL landscape as teams finalized their 53-man rosters before the 4 p.m. (EST) deadline.
The New York Jets made some surprising roster moves during GM Joe Douglas' first cutdown day.
Here's the three most surprising decisions made by Gang Green.
3. Thin group at wide receiver
The Jets currently only have five receivers on the roster: Robby Anderson, Quincy Enunwa, Jamison Crowder, Josh Bellamy and Greg Dortch.
Of all the wide receiver cuts, Deontay Burnett is the most surprising. Burnett hauled in three receptions for 40 yards in the preseason finale vs. the Philadelphia Eagles. Last season, Burnett amassed 10 receptions for 143 yards with the Jets.
While the lack of wide receivers might be surprising, it isn't out of the ordinary for Jets coach Adam Gase. As the coach of the Miami Dolphins, Gase only kept five, five and six receivers respectively during his initial 53-man rosters, according to The Athletic's Connor Hughes.
With that said, it wouldn't be shocking if the Jets scour the waiver wire for potential additions.
2. Kicker Taylor Bertolet remains...for now
Kicker Taylor Bertolet interestingly made the 53-man roster despite his ups and downs during the preseason.
Bertolet was brought in as the replacement for Chandler Catanzaro, who retired after missing two extra points in the preseason opener vs. the New York Giants. Bertolet boasts a strong leg but has been plagued by inaccuracy.
Bertolet converted a 56-yard field goal vs. the New Orleans Saints but overall this preseason has missed three field goals and two extra points.
Adam Gase pledged his support for Bertolet but on Saturday the Jets worked out free agent kickers Cody Parkey and Younghoe Koo, according to New York Daily News reporter Manish Mehta. The Jets will also certainly keep their eyes on the waiver wire as well.
All in all, it's clear to say Bertolet's grasp on the position is shaky at best.
1. Third-round pick Jachai Polite cut after just four months
This was by far the most surprising and boldest move of the day by Joe Douglas. The Jets parted ways with rookie linebacker Jachai Polite after a disappointing four months.
Previous GM Mike Maccagnan selected the Florida product with the 68th pick in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. There were maturity concerns but the Jets considered Polite to be a steal.
However, apparently it didn't take long for Douglas to see all that he needed. Polite racked up 11 sacks last season in college but his production hasn't translated to the pros.
Polite struggled in training camp and in the preseason, as he mostly took snaps with the third team. Polite concluded the preseason with 107 snaps, four tackles, three hurries, no QB hits and no sacks.
Polite being cut despite the Jets having a void at edge rusher speaks volumes to what the brass thought of him.
The most jarring fact as to why this was the most surprising move of the day? This is the first time the Jets have cut a rookie drafted within the first three rounds since 1986 (second-round pick Doug Williams), per ESPN's Rich Cimini.
