New York Jets general manager Darren Mougey claimed three players off waivers on Wednesday, immediately promoting them to his 53-man roster. One of the claims was former Indianapolis Colts tight end Jelani Woods. Woods should offer the offense another outlet in the pass-catching game as a red-zone threat.
Woods destroyed the NFL Combine in 2022, running a 4.61 40-yard dash at an intimidating 6-foot-7 and 253 pounds.
The Colts pounced with a third-round selection, selecting Woods at No. 73 overall. The former Virginia standout enjoyed a productive rookie campaign, registering 25 receptions for 312 yards and three touchdowns.
New Jets TE Jelani Woods 2025 Preseason Highlights:#JetUppic.twitter.com/xAR9yWsCcR
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Unfortunately, Woods hasn’t played since. He missed his entire sophomore campaign with a hamstring injury after being placed on IR in August of 2023. This past season, Woods suffered a turf toe injury in training camp and required season-ending surgery.
Woods flashed bounce-back potential in training camp this year, recording seven receptions for 75 yards throughout the preseason.
The Colts drafted tight end Tyler Warren in the first round, however, and also have Mo Alie-Cox, Will Mallory and Drew Ogletree at the position. Woods was considered excess.
The Jets are taking a flier on Woods. They wisely kept both Jeremy Ruckert and Stone Smartt behind Mason Taylor, giving them four total tight ends. Woods’ lengthy injury history prevented them from waiving a TE, but they’ll afford him an opportunity to get his once-promising NFL career back on track.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Jets waiver claims: What is the offense getting in TE Jelani Woods?