Jets Promote DE Bronson Kaufusi To 53 Man Roster

The New York Jets have replaced suspended inside linebacker Darron Lee on the 53 man roster by promoting defensive end Bronson Kaufusi from the practice squad. This will be Kaufusi’s second stint on the Jets’ 53 man roster; he was briefly promoted from the practice squad in early October before being cut four days later.

Bronson Kaufusi is a 6’ 6”, 280 pound defensive end out of Brigham Young University. He was originally selected by the Baltimore Ravens with the 70th overall pick in the 3rd round of the 2016 NFL draft. Kaufusi spent the 2016 season on the Ravens’ injured reserve list, then played in three games for the Ravens in 2017, recording four tackles. He was cut by the Ravens on September 1, 2018 and the Jets then signed Kaufusi to their practice squad.

Kaufasi put up big pass rush numbers at BYU, with 26.5 career sacks, including 11 in a senior year that included 20 tackles for loss. His primary strength as a defensive linemen is good speed and quickness for a man his size. He lacks bulk and strength to play defensive end in the Jets’ scheme and is too bulky to play outside linebacker, making him a bit of a tweener for the Jets.

Kaufusi will turn 28 years old in the summer of 2019. That puts him square in the middle of his athletic prime for an NFL player. Nearly three seasons removed from his college days, having never carved out more than the tiniest bit role in the NFL, and having spent most of his time this season on the practice squad, it is a little odd that Kaufusi should be the player called up here. It is unlikely he has any future with the Jets. At this point in the season, with the primary goal now being the evaluation of players for future employment with the Jets, a practice squad player who will turn 28 years old in the off season seems more suited to be released than promoted. In any event, Kaufusi is now on the 53 man roster, for the second time this season.