For the first time since 2021, Jets general manager Joe Douglas went to the waiver wire following final cutdowns as the Green & White were awarded TE Brenden Bates. The team waived WR Jason Brownlee in its corresponding move.
Bates (6-4, 246) signed with the Bears in April as an undrafted free agent out of Kentucky. He had 6 receptions for 100 yards in the preseason for an average of 16.7 yards per catch. Bates, who grew up in Cincinnati, spent six seasons with the Wildcats and totaled 26 receptions, 272 yards and 2 touchdowns. He was invited to the Hula Bowl in the pre-draft process.
Browlee (6-3, 202), a second-year wideout out of Southern Mississippi, had 5 catches, 47 yards and 1 touchdown in the preseason. He had 5 receptions, 56 yards and 1 TD in 7 games last season after he signed as an undrafted free agent last May.
