After several stints with the Buffalo Bills, defensive end Kingsley Jonathan will make his return to Highmark Stadium next season — with a rival team.
The New York Jets announced on June 14 that they signed Jonathan, giving the 27-year-old the chance to compete for a roster spot. Jonathan spent several years with the Bills on the practice squad, earning stints on the active roster when the team was hit hard by injuries.
Kingsley Jonathan Returns to the AFC East
Jonathan spent parts of the last three seasons with the Bills, appearing in 15 total games and making 10 tackles and three quarterback hits. He spent most of his time on the practice squad but saw significant action in the 2023 season, when he was on the active roster and appeared in 13 games.
The Bills were shorthanded in the pass rush that season, with veteran Von Miller slow to return from a torn ACL from the previous season.
Jonathan had signed a reserve contract with the Houston Texans but was released on May 21. As the Jets noted in their announcement of his signing, Jonathan had an unusual path to the NFL.
“The Syracuse product went undrafted in 2022 but was the first overall pick in the 2022 CFL Global Draft, which is limited to a pool of non-Canadian and non-American players,” the team noted. “Kingsley, who grew up in Baltimore was born in Nigeria. Jonathan signed with the Bills in 2022 and had a stint with the Bears as a rookie before he returned to Buffalo.”
He will now have the chance to compete for a roster spot with the rebuilding Jets, who moved on from quarterback Aaron Rodgers after the season. If he makes the team, Jonathan will face the Bills twice in the 2025 season.
Bills Add Youth to Edge Rushing Group
The Bills made some significant changes to their edge-rushing group this offseason, parting ways with Miller and adding youth and athleticism with rookie Landon Jackson.
The third-round pick told GNN Sports that he is learning how to use his 33 ¼-inch arms to shed blockers.
âThey canât get their arms on you (in the run game),â Jackson said after practice Wednesday. âItâs easier to sit them down and just not get driven off the ball. And then also in pass rush, youâre really able to just keep them away from you and work a move.â
The Athleticâs Nick Baumgardner and Scott Dochterman praised the Bills for taking Jackson, giving the team a grade of “B+” and saying he has the potential to grow into a key player for the defense.
âOne of the biggest edge prospects in the class, Jackson can play a bit high and stiff, but heâs an outstanding athlete,â the pair noted. âA very versatile defensive lineman whose production doesnât quite match his traits, Jackson is nonetheless an exciting prospect who could be a fixture in Buffalo for a while.â
The Bills went heavy on defense in the NFL draft, looking to shore up a unit that fell flat against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship game.
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