Jets Country

NFL Writer Suggests Former Alabama Star On Jets 'Chopping Block'

The Jets could look to end one player's tenure with the team before it truly gets started.
Zach Pressnell|
Aug 12, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Jets helmet on the sidelines against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Aug 12, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Jets helmet on the sidelines against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

In this story:

New York Jets

The New York Jets have a lot to prove this season. Quarterback Justin Fields and head coach Aaron Glenn are two of the most important figures in the franchise this season and both have a lot on their shoulders.

But there are some players down the depth chart who are fighting quiet battles of their own. Some don't even have a guaranteed spot on the roster.

Justin Fried of The Jet Press recently suggested that defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis was on the Jets' "chopping block" this preseason. Mathis was claimed off waivers late in the 2024 season.

"One of the players fighting for his NFL future is former Alabama standout Phidarian Mathis, a second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft who the Jets quietly claimed off waivers late last season," Fried wrote. "Mathis didn’t appear in a game for the Jets in 2024, but with a wide-open competition brewing this summer, he has a legitimate shot to stick around. Of course, it won’t be easy.

"Mathis’ short NFL career has been marred by injuries and inconsistencies, and this summer could serve as a last-ditch effort to prove he still belongs. If he fails to impress, it might be the end of the road."

The Jets need depth in the interior defensive line, but Mathis might not be the answer. He hasn't made much of an impact during his short time in the NFL. He'll need to make a huge impact during training camp and the preseason if the former Alabama star wants to stay on the Jets' roster.

More NFL: Jets Urged To Make Massive Garrett Wilson Contract Decision

Published
Zach Pressnell
ZACH PRESSNELL

Zach Pressnell has experience covering all major US sports at both the professional and collegiate levels. He’s produced content for FanSided, Blog Red Machine, The Game Haus, Bethany College Athletics and the Bethany College online newspaper, He graduated from Bethany College (WV) with a degree in Communications and Media Arts, specializing in Sports Journalism. Pressnell was also a four-year member of the baseball team where he earned himself All-PAC recognition as a pitcher (and a cool Tommy John surgery scar). Now, Pressnell specializes in NFL and MLB coverage for Sports Illustrated’s “On SI” network among others. For all business/marketing inquiries regarding "New York Jets On SI," please reach out to Scott Neville: scott@wtfsports.org

Home/News