Jets Awarded Waiver Claim, Release Fan Favorite to Make Room

The New York Jets made a change to their 53-man roster on Monday, replacing a defensive lineman with an offensive tackle.

The Jets submitted a successful waiver claim for Austin Deculus, who was released by the Houston Texans late last week. In order to make room for Deculus, the team released fan favorite Tanzel Smart.

Deculus, a five-year contributor for LSU, joined the Texans as a sixth-round draft pick in 2022. He saw action in five games as a rookie and began the 2023 regular season on Houston's Practice Squad. 

The Texans moved the 24-year-old bookend to their active roster on September 16. Deculus earned a start at left tackle against Pittsburgh in Week 4 but totaled only 39 offense snaps over seven appearances.

The 6-foot-5 Deculus gives Gang Green another body to work with at offensive tackle. Alijah Vera-Tucker is out for the season and veteran backup Billy Turner is dealing with a surgically-repaired hand.

Meanwhile, Smart, who endeared himself to fans during HBO's Hard Knocks docuseries, finds himself as the odd man out once again. The 2017 sixth-round draft pick (Rams) has spent much of the past four seasons on the Jets' Practice Squad but was signed to the active 53-man roster two weeks ago. He played 28 defensive snaps over the team's past two games.

The 29-year-old Smart, who was on the field for 18 plays in Week 10 against the Las Vegas Raiders, has totaled eight appearances for the Jets since 2020. He has contested 39 regular season games over seven years, including four career starts.

With one opening available on the Jets' Practice Squad, Smart may wind up back with the organization if he clears waivers by Tuesday at 4:00 pm ET.

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