⚡ In Brief: Practice Squad Projection
Who are the top candidates for the Jets’ 2026 practice squad?
While the final 16-man reserve pool won’t be finalized until late August, early standouts from the 12-man undrafted free agent (UDFA) class are already emerging. Toledo running back Chip Trayanum and All-MAC edge rusher Nathan Voorhis are prime candidates to anchor the developmental squad alongside Wyoming running back Sam Scott and Virginia Tech linebacker Jaden Keller.
The 16-man practice squad won’t be set until after final roster cuts in late August, but the competition for those coveted developmental spots is already taking shape. The New York Jets signed 12 undrafted free agents in May to complement their eight-player draft class.
A handful of these raw rookies—combined with bubble players who fall just short of making the initial 53-man roster—will form the vital developmental core stashed away by Head Coach Aaron Glenn and GM Darren Mougey. Below, we break down how the practice squad operates and analyze the top 2026 candidates to watch.
🧠 How the NFL Practice Squad Works
Each NFL team can carry up to 16 practice squad players during the regular season, which includes up to six vested veterans with unlimited accrued seasons. These players train with the team daily and simulate upcoming opponents on the weekly scout team.
Under current regulations, practice squad players can be elevated to the active game-day roster up to three times per season without having to clear waivers. Additionally, teams can protect up to four practice squad players each week from being poached by other teams. If an opposing franchise wants to sign a player off the Jets’ practice squad, they must sign him directly to their active 53-man roster.and make To learn more about salaries and eligibility structures, check out our permanent Practice Squad Tracker Hub.
🎓 The 2026 UDFA Class: Early Candidates
While very few undrafted free agents survive the final cuts to make the opening 53, the practice squad serves as the perfect launchpad to stick with the franchise. Below is the breakdown of the most intriguing players heading into training camp:
| Position Group | Player | College | Notable College Stats / Profile | Practice Squad Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Running Back (RB) | Chip Trayanum | Toledo | 1,015 rushing yards, 12 TDs; All-MAC First Team. | Top developmental back behind Breece Hall. |
| Sam Scott | Wyoming | 435 rushing yards on 92 carries in 2025. | Physical depth and special teams cover option. | |
| Wide Receiver (WR) | Caullin Lacy | Louisville | Elite slot speed; versatile open-field track record. | Primary return specialist candidate. |
| Malik McClain | Arizona State | Physical boundary blocker with solid special teams value. | Developmental wideout to compete in camp. | |
| DT Sheffield | Rutgers | Local NJ product; quick release off the line of scrimmage. | Camp-body standout looking to stick. | |
| Tight End (TE) | Chase Curtis | Southern Illinois | 6’4″, 241 lbs; converted WR; 13 catches, 167 yards, 2 TDs. | Ideal mismatch-TE body to develop behind Kenyon Sadiq. |
| Front Seven (EDGE/LB) | Nathan Voorhis | Buffalo | All-MAC First Team; high-motor edge rusher. | Developmental pass rusher behind David Bailey. |
| Jaden Keller | Virginia Tech | Late post-draft signing; physical, downhill tackler. | Communicator depth to bolster linebacking core. | |
| Specialists | Will Ferrin (K) Garrison Grimes (LS) | BYU | BYU specialists signed to push camp competition. | Highly likely to resolve on practice squad reserve spots. |
🔮 The Outlook: Training Camp Standouts
Realistically, most of these players will join the Jets for training camp, but only a select few will survive cutdown day to land on the practice squad. However, the squad is exactly where Aaron Glenn and GM Darren Mougey keep the high-upside developmental talent they simply cannot afford to lose to waivers.
A strong camp can turn an undrafted invite into a permanent season-long developmental role. Keep your eyes closest on the **running back** and **edge rusher front** as camp progresses: Chip Trayanum’s college production and Nathan Voorhis’s raw pass-rush flashes give them the strongest early cases to secure their stashed spots on the squad.
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions
How many players are on an NFL practice squad?
NFL teams can carry up to 16 players on their practice squad during the regular season, which includes up to six veterans with unlimited accrued seasons.
When is the Jets’ practice squad finalized?
The New York Jets’ practice squad is finalized immediately following final NFL roster cuts on the last Tuesday of August, once the front office trims the offseason roster down to its active 53-man limit.
Once players clear the league waiver wire (typically 24 hours after cuts), the Jets can officially sign up to 16 players to the practice squad—including up to six veterans with unlimited accrued seasons.
Can a Jets practice squad player be elevated for regular-season games?
Yes. A practice squad player can be elevated to the active game-day roster up to three times per regular season. Additionally, the Jets can protect up to four players each week from being signed by other NFL franchises.
Which 2026 Jets UDFAs are most likely to stick on the practice squad?
Toledo running back Chip Trayanum and Buffalo edge rusher Nathan Voorhis are among the strongest early candidates to stick, alongside Wyoming running back Sam Scott and Southern Illinois tight end Chase Curtis.