4 Jets on Thin Ice Heading Into Preseason Finale: Cade York, Braiden McGregor Fighting to Make 53-Man Roster

These Jets have work to do to win a job on the 53-man roster.

New York Jets placekicker Cade York is fighting an uphill battle against Jason Sanders in trying to win a job on the 53-man roster. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Wins and losses in August don’t reflect how good or bad a team is. Still, it’s hard not to feel excited when your team wins—especially in dominating fashion. 

That’s exactly what the New York Jets did Friday night, shutting out the Pittsburgh Steelers, 17-0, at Heinz Field. Several players stood out and strengthened their roster odds in the victory, like Jason Sanders and Jelani Woods. For the others, however, the night did more harm than good. 

That said, here are the four Jets who are on thin ice heading into the preseason finale against the New York Giants. 

Cade York, K 

York was one of several kickers the Jets brought in after Nick Folk’s departure and is a finalist for the starting kicking job alongside Sanders. Entering the first preseason game, York appeared to have the edge in the competition given his play in recent practices. 

Despite making both of his field goal attempts against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, his 38-yard field goal attempt appeared to sail wide right. Meanwhile, Sanders converted his lone 47-yard try. 

Since then, York has lost all momentum, and Sanders now has the advantage. In last Monday’s practice, Sanders outdueled York, making 7-of-8 field goal attempts, while the former LSU Tiger went 5-of-8, missing from 48, 51, and 54 yards. 

York’s fall continued Friday night against the Steelers, missing a 59-yard field goal, while Sanders converted a 39-yard attempt. 

Although there is still time for York to turn things around with a strong showing in this week’s slate of practices, he’ll need to prove himself in the preseason finale to make a strong impression with the coaching staff. 

Braiden McGregor, EDGE

If it feels like McGregor has received several opportunities to earn a rotational role in the Jets’ defense, it’s because he has. In his two-year tenure with Gang Green, McGregor hasn’t proved himself useful on either defense or special teams, which is especially concerning given last year’s horrendous team. 

The former Michigan Wolverine had chances to solidify his roster spot in the preseason but hasn’t been much of a factor. In 58 defensive snaps, he’s recorded just two pressures and two total tackles, per Pro Football Focus. 

Meanwhile, Nate Lynn, who wasn’t even on the team at the beginning of the week, has outperformed McGregor despite playing in 31 fewer snaps, posting four total tackles and two sacks. Even though McGregor’s stock has fallen, he still has a legitimate path to making the 53-man roster. 

Braiden McGregor has been disappointing throughout the preseason. That said, he'll get one more chance to prove himself in the finale against the New York Giants. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Jets could opt to keep five edge rushers, giving McGregor another opportunity to stick around. However, he’ll need to make a noticeable impact in the preseason finale to earn that spot. Otherwise, the Jets could look elsewhere for the final spot. 

Bailey Zappe, QB

Zappe appeared to be the frontrunner for the QB2 role after OTAs, but he’s since fallen on the depth chart. Poor showings in minicamp and training camp have led to Zappe being surpassed by rookie Cade Klubnik, who has firmly established himself as the backup to Geno Smith. 

His underwhelming play carried over into the preseason opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he threw two interceptions. Although Zappe played better against the Steelers, completing 6-of-8 of his passes for 68 yards, Brady Cook got the better of him, capping off the game with a 31-yard touchdown pass. 

Despite this, Zappe remains the favorite over Cook, as he continues to receive more reps than him. However, this doesn’t guarantee the veteran will make the 53-man roster. The Jets could look to bolster their quarterback depth through the trade market, with Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy and Eagles quarterback Andy Dalton potentially available if their respective teams decide to move on from them. 

A strong performance in the preseason finale could help Zappe solidify his standing, but another underwhelming showing gives New York reason to explore its options elsewhere. 

Chip Trayanum, RB

Trayanum has had a golden opportunity to earn a roster spot over these last few weeks. However, the former Toledo Rocket has failed to take advantage of increased reps with Isaiah Davis and Breece Hall sidelined with injuries. 

Across two preseason games (31 offensive snaps), Trayanum has been inefficient running the ball, rushing for just 24 yards on nine attempts. Trayanum has arguably been worse in protection, allowing two pressures in five pass-blocking snaps, per PFF. 

He’s also struggled to make an impact on special teams, missing a tackle and picking up a holding call on a kick return. Not only has his roster chances taken a massive hit, but Trayanum isn’t guaranteed to make New York's practice squad anymore. 

If Trayanum is to remain in New York, he’ll need a strong showing against the Giants to keep his practice squad hopes alive. If not, the Jets could look elsewhere to find an RB to stash on the taxi squad.

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