Three diamonds in the rough Jets could snag after roster cuts

One team's trash is another team's treasure, and the New York Jets could look to solidify their roster with several recently discarded players.

With the NFL's roster cut deadline Tuesday, many veterans and unproven talents will soon find themselves on the waiver wire and free-agent market. 

Here's a look at three players the Jets may target.

Christian Kirksey | LB

The Houston Texans released Kirksey after the veteran linebacker missed most of training camp with a nagging hamstring injury. The 30-year-old is coming off a strong 2022 campaign in which he recorded 124 tackles — third highest on the Texans defense — and was named a team captain and Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award nominee.

The Jets hope Jamien Sherwood, who's predominantly served as a backup and special teams player the last two seasons, can start at the weakside linebacker position. Adding Kirksey, a proven starter, would be a nice depth addition in case this plan falls through.      

Austin Watkins Jr. | WR

Watkins shined this offseason, though apparently not bright enough for the Browns to offer him a spot on their 53-man roster. The former USFL wide receiver led the NFL this preseason in receiving yards, hauling in 15 passes for 245 yards and two touchdowns.

Following wide receiver Corey Davis' shocking decision to step away from the NFL, the Jets wide receiver room is suddenly not as deep as it once was. The addition of Watkins, who at 6-foot-3, 209 pounds possesses a build eerily similar to Davis, would add another big target for quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

David Quessenberry | OL

Quessenberry was listed as the second-string right tackle for the Buffalo Bills before being released by the team. The 33-year-old started in three games last year during his only season with Buffalo but served as the full-time tackle for the Tennessee Titans in 2021.

The Jets offensive line has been the biggest question mark throughout training camp. While the return of left tackle Duane Brown and re-emergence of right tackle Mekhi Becton seem to have strengthened the front line, signing another backup would bolster the position group tasked with protecting Rodgers.