Jets choose promising playmaker over fan favorite

Unfortunately for Brownlee, the story didn’t get much better after that moment. And now it may have come to an end. After a disappointing rookie season, the former Southern Miss wideout only had five catches, 56 yards and one TD in seven games last season. He had five receptions, 47 yards and one touchdown this preseason.

The Jets waived Brownlee Wednesday after making the team following initial cuts which was somewhat of a surprise. The Jets, in need of a serviceable tight end on their 53-man roster signed Brenden Bates from the Bears after he was cut and in a subsequent move, waived Brownlee to make room on the roster.

The 6’4” 246 lbs Bates signed with the Bears in April as an undrafted free agent out of Kentucky. He had 6 receptions for 100 yards in the preseason for an average of 16.7 yards per catch. Bates, who grew up in Cincinnati, spent six seasons with the Wildcats and totaled 26 receptions, 272 yards and 2 touchdowns. He was invited to the Hula Bowl in the pre-draft process.

The Jets were in need of a tight end after Kenny Yeboah was placed on IR keeping him out at least four weeks. The Jets backup tight end, Jeremy Ruckert, is also dealing with some nagging injuries in camp leaving the team thin at the position behind starter Tyler Conklin.

There is still a chance that Brownlee could return to the Jets on the practice squad if he clears waivers, but his size and ability to make the highlight catch will likely have some team making room on their roster for the youngster.