The New York Jets, in a move reflective of the ongoing fluidity of NFL rosters, particularly during the intensity of training camp, have officially claimed defensive back Mario Goodrich off the NFL waiver wire. This transaction, occurring as teams continue to fine-tune their squads ahead of the regular season, represents a calculated gamble by the Jets, hoping that Goodrich can provide depth and perhaps even compete for a role in their defensive secondary. To facilitate this addition, the Jets simultaneously waived/injured safety Jaylin Simpson, who reportedly sustained a hamstring injury, a common ailment that can often lead to such roster maneuvers.
The NFL waiver wire is a crucial mechanism designed to promote competitive balance by giving all teams an opportunity to claim players released by another club. When a player is waived, they become available to be claimed by any other team. The priority for these claims is determined by the inverse order of the previous season’s standings, meaning the team with the worst record gets the first crack at any available player. During the regular season and extending into a part of the offseason, there is a 24-hour window for teams to submit their claims. If multiple teams put in a claim for the same player, the team with the higher waiver priority is awarded the player, and they then assume the player’s existing contract. If a player clears waivers, meaning no team claims them, they become a free agent and are then free to sign with any team without restrictions. The Jets’ successful claim of Goodrich indicates that they held a sufficiently high waiver priority at the time of his release, or perhaps they were the only team interested in his services.
Mario Goodrich, at 25 years old, brings a history of bouncing between NFL teams since entering the league as an undrafted free agent out of Clemson in 2022. His journey began with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he signed an initial three-year rookie contract. While he spent time on their practice squad in 2023 and appeared in four games for the Eagles that year, recording five tackles and making one start, he has struggled to find a consistent foothold on an active roster. Following his stint with the Eagles, Goodrich was claimed off waivers by the New York Giants last July, only to be waived again in August. His professional travels then took him to the UFL’s Birmingham Stallions, showcasing his continued dedication to the sport, and most recently, he had a brief period with the Denver Broncos before being placed on waivers on August 1st, leading to his acquisition by the Jets. His college career at Clemson was more stable and productive, where he was a four-year contributor from 2018-2021, accumulating 84 tackles, 15 pass breakups, five interceptions, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery over 47 games, including 16 starts. His senior season in 2021 was particularly noteworthy, earning him first-team All-ACC honors and recognition as a third-team All-American by Pro Football Focus, demonstrating his potential and past performance at a high collegiate level.
The Jets’ decision to bring in Goodrich speaks to their ongoing evaluation of their defensive backfield, a unit that has largely been a strength for the team in recent seasons, anchored by elite talent. Superstar cornerback Sauce Gardner, who recently signed a lucrative extension, and veteran D.J. Reed, who was replaced this offseason by Brandon Stephens, have been central to the unit’s success. Michael Carter II has also emerged as a valuable slot corner, though speculation has arisen about his trade candidacy due to salary cap considerations and the team’s long-term rebuilding efforts. The Jets also drafted Azareye’h Thomas in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, another promising young talent who will be vying for snaps. The addition of Goodrich suggests the Jets are looking to bolster their depth at the cornerback position, a demanding role in the NFL that often requires multiple capable players to navigate the rigors of a full season. Injuries are an undeniable part of professional football, and having a deep pool of defensive backs is paramount. Goodrich’s versatility as a defensive back, having played cornerback and potentially offering experience across other secondary positions, could make him a valuable asset.
Claiming a player off waivers carries both immediate implications and longer-term considerations. Immediately, Goodrich joins the team’s active roster, displacing Jaylin Simpson, and will integrate into the Jets’ training camp practices. This provides him with an immediate opportunity to impress the coaching staff and compete for a roster spot as the team moves closer to finalizing its 53-man roster. For the Jets, the financial commitment to Goodrich is minimal, as they assume his existing contract, which is typically not significant for a player who has been moving between teams. This low-risk, potentially high-reward scenario is a common strategic play for NFL teams looking to find hidden gems or add inexpensive depth. Should Goodrich perform well, he could provide valuable contributions, either as a rotational player, a special teams contributor, or even as an emergency starter. If he doesn’t pan out, the financial ramifications are negligible, and the team can simply move on.
The move also subtly indicates the Jets’ ongoing assessment of their secondary’s health and performance during training camp. While the core of their defensive backfield is strong, the waiver claim suggests a desire to ensure sufficient competition and contingency planning. The departure of a player like Jaylin Simpson, even with an injury designation, opens up a roster spot that the team clearly felt was better utilized by bringing in a player like Goodrich, who has prior NFL experience and a strong collegiate pedigree. This constant churning of the bottom of the roster is a hallmark of NFL training camps, as teams relentlessly search for marginal improvements that could collectively contribute to success. Every player added, especially through the waiver wire, is a potential puzzle piece that a coaching staff hopes will fit perfectly into their scheme, offering unique skills or attributes that can elevate the overall quality of the team. Goodrich’s journey thus far in the NFL highlights the cutthroat nature of the league, where even talented players from prominent college programs must fight tooth and nail for every opportunity. For the New York Jets, this waiver claim represents another step in their relentless pursuit of building a competitive roster, leveraging every available avenue to strengthen their team in anticipation of the challenging season ahead.
