The New York Jets have made a roster move during their off day from training camp.
Gang Green announced on social media that they claimed cornerback Ryan Cooper off waivers. In a corresponding move, the team parted ways with punter Kai Kroger.
We have claimed CB Ryan Cooper off waivers.
Additionally, we have waived P Kai Kroger.
— New York Jets (@nyjets) July 27, 2025
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The Dolphins waived Cooper on Saturday, July 26. Gang Green submitted a waiver wire claim for him. If someone higher in the waiver wire priority claimed him, the Jets would have been empty-handed. However, since they were awarded him, they had to make an immediate corresponding roster move to open up a spot on the 91-man roster.
When players are waived, they are subject to waivers. The waiver wire order is currently determined by the 2025 NFL draft order. So the Jets have the No. 7 top waiver wire priority throughout the rest of the offseason until we reach the start of the regular season. At that point, the waiver wire shifts to the reverse order of the current standings.
The 4-1-1 on the Jets’ Newest Addition
Cooper, 23, entered the NFL last season as an undrafted free agent. He originally joined the Baltimore Ravens in May of 2024, but didn’t make the final 53-man roster in August. The Ravens did bring him back on the practice squad after he cleared waivers.
Cooper was elevated from the practice squad for a game last season, but only appeared in six special teams snaps. He got cut by the Ravens in November of 2024. Days later, he joined the Seattle Seahawks practice squad.
Cooper stuck with the Seahawks for the rest of the season. After signing a reserve/future contract with the team in January, he got dumped again in February. He most recently was with the Dolphins, who claimed him off waivers from Seattle.
Cooper is listed at 5-foot-11 and tips the scales at 190 pounds.
The Bigger Story at Play Here for the Jets
After adding Cooper, the Jets dumped one of their punters. Kroeger got handed his pink slip, which means Austin McNamara is the only punter left on the roster, as ESPN’s Rich Cimini pointed out on social media.
Competition over?
#Jets roster moves: Waived P Kai Kroeger and claimed CB Ryan Cooper on waivers from the Dolphins.
It leaves Austin McNamara as the only punter in camp.
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) July 27, 2025
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The Jets had two big position battles going on in camp on special teams.
They still have two kickers duking it out with Harrison Mevis and undrafted free agent rookie Caden Davis battling.
It appears the competition could be over at punter with McNamara being the last man standing. Even though he is the lone soldier at this point, it seems premature to crown his [expletive] as the late great Dennis Green would say.
There are still three preseason games left, and we are only through the first week of camp. Expect a roster move shortly to add some more competition to that room.
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