Jets Dump Former NFL Starter, Open Roster Spot for Next Move

The New York Jets ended their experiment with a veteran offensive tackle on Wednesday.

The team released Dennis Kelly, a 12th-year pro, from its 53-man roster two days prior to an important AFC East matchup against the Miami Dolphins. The move could be a sign that the Jets are ready to activate 38-year-old Duane Brown prior to his 21-day practice window closing.

Kelly signed to the active roster on October 31 and has been up for two games since. He logged four special teams snaps in Week 11 against Buffalo. The 33-year-old Kelly, who spent the 2023 preseason with Philadelphia, initially joined the Jets by inking a Practice Squad contract on October 11.

The 2012 fifth-round draft pick has totaled 151 career appearances, including 54 starting assignments. He made 16 starts at right tackle for the 2020 Tennessee Titans, playing for current Jets' offensive line coach Keith Carter. That was Kelly's last of five seasons with the Titans. In 2021, he made 10 appearances (4 starts) for the Green Bay Packers while crossing paths with offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett.

While it's likely that Brown takes the vacated roster spot prior to Friday's game, the Jets currently have five offensive tackles on their 53-man roster — Mekhi Becton, Max Mitchell, Billy Turner, Austin Deculus and Carter Warren. 

"Duane [Brown], again, we still have until Thursday. We’re just working through it, trying to see where he’s at," said Jets' head coach Robert Saleh on Tuesday.

Becton and Turner are both on the injury report this week. Warren, a fourth-round rookie, make his NFL debut against the Bills in relief of an injured Becton.

The Jets (4-6) are slated to host the Miami Dolphins (7-3) in the first-ever NFL Black Friday Game on November 24 at 3:00 pm ET.

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