The New York Jets have made significant roster changes as they prepare for the upcoming NFL season. The team announced via social media that they have signed offensive lineman Brant Banks, a former member of the Green Bay Packers, to their practice squad. This move comes alongside the release of offensive lineman Marquis Hayes.
Brant Banks, who stands 6 feet 7 inches tall and weighs 306 pounds, originally signed a reserve/futures contract with the Packers in January. After spending the summer with the team, he was released on August 30. The Houston, Texas native played college football at Nebraska from 2019 to 2022 and then at Rice University in 2023-24. Despite going undrafted in 2025, Banks signed with the Packers, where he spent part of the season on both the practice squad and active roster, participating in two games before being waived and subsequently claimed by the Tennessee Titans on October 1. Following his release from the Titans, Banks returned to the Packers' practice squad and re-signed with them in January.
In a related development, the Jets have parted ways with linebacker Mykal Walker, who was released with an injury settlement. Walker, 29, joined the Jets in September ahead of the 2025 season and made a notable impact by appearing in 14 games, with five starts. During his time on the field, he recorded 31 total tackles, a pass deflection, and a tackle for loss, contributing both defensively and on special teams.
Walker was expected to be a key player for the Jets this season, particularly as a reserve linebacker behind starters Demario Davis and Jamien Sherwood. However, a calf injury sustained during training camp derailed those plans. Initially, head coach Aaron Glenn indicated that Walker would miss a couple of weeks in August but would be ready for the season opener. As the roster cutdown day approached, Walker was anticipated to secure a spot on the 53-man roster. Instead, he was placed on injured reserve, which ruled him out for the entire season.
The Jets have also waived running back Dominic Richardson under similar circumstances, releasing him with an injury settlement. This series of moves indicates a shift in the Jets' strategy as they look to solidify their roster ahead of the new season.
In addition to these roster changes, the Jets have been active in evaluating potential new talent. On September 3, the team worked out two quarterbacks, Will Levis and Jack Plummer, as they explore options to bolster their depth at the position. Furthermore, the Jets conducted tryouts for four wide receivers, including Joseph Manjack, Tejhaun Palmer, Dayton Wade, and Tahj Washington. These workouts suggest that the Jets are keen on enhancing their offensive capabilities as they prepare for the challenges of the upcoming season.
As the Jets navigate these roster adjustments, the focus remains on building a competitive team that can contend in the NFL. With the addition of Brant Banks and the departure of Mykal Walker, the Jets are making strategic moves to ensure they have the right mix of talent heading into the new campaign.
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