Overview
- The Jets claimed defensive tackle Junior Tafuna off waivers from the Houston Texans and will waive fellow DT Patrick Jenkins to clear a roster spot, a move reported by SNY’s Cameron Hughes and relayed by Heavy.
- Tafuna is a 6-foot-3, 305-pound player who signed with the Texans as an undrafted free agent, was waived after training camp and spent the 2025 season on their practice squad without a regular-season appearance.
- At Utah from 2021–2024, Tafuna played 53 games and compiled 108 tackles, 7.5 sacks, two interceptions and three fumble recoveries while earning Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year and three Second-team All-Pac-12 honors.
- Patrick Jenkins, who the Jets signed days earlier, spent 2025 with the UFL’s Columbus Aviators and totaled 1.5 sacks and 12 solo tackles there before being moved off the active Jets roster.
- This is a typical low-risk preseason roster adjustment that gives the Jets an extra depth piece to test in camp and could prompt further moves depending on Tafuna’s performance and the club’s cutdown decisions.