The Jets’ first cut of the weekend is notable but no surprise.
LB James Burgess did not make New York’s initial 53-man roster, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. He was cut Friday, a day ahead of Saturday’s 4 p.m. deadline.
A backup linebacker, Burgess has been cut nine times now in his NFL career, but he’s always found another opportunity. He re-signed with the Jets on a one-year deal this past offseason after initially joining the team as a waiver claim last May. Burgess stepped up when injuries plagued the Jets’ linebackers in 2019, recording 80 tackles, half a sack, one interception, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. The 26-year-old started 10 games.
Burgess exceeded expectations last year, but there was a numbers crunch at inside linebacker this summer. Burgess was getting reps behind Neville Hewitt, Blake Cashman and Avery Williamson in camp. Burgess also missed some time on the COVID-19 list. He was activated on Aug. 13.
Burgess proved he can be a dependable backup last season in New York, so chances are he will catch on quickly somewhere.