Talk about a brutal blow: the Jets lost edge defender Braiden McGregor for the entire season. He tore a pectoral muscle in their Week 4 loss to the Chicago Bears. Just like that, gone. But here’s the wild twist: replacing him on the active roster is Nate Lynn, a name that started as the longest of long shots this summer.
From Practice Squad Dream to Active Roster Reality
Seriously, Lynn signing with the team just a few weeks into training camp felt like a long shot to even make the team. But he absolutely balled out in the preseason, playing his way into what the coaching staff called “legitimate contention.” Dude racked up 3 sacks in the final two exhibition games! Even though McGregor initially snagged that final edge defender spot on the roster, Lynn still proved enough to land on the practice squad. Now, due to the worst circumstances for McGregor, Lynn’s getting his shot on the main stage.
What Nate Lynn Brings to the Edge
McGregor had started carving out a role on passing downs, but the Jets also leaned on him for the gritty work on early downs, setting the edge. Lynn, though, seems to be a different kind of animal. Everything we’ve seen suggests he’s primarily a pass rusher. It’s going to be fascinating to see if the Jets deploy him differently, leaning into his pass-rushing strengths, or if they try to mold him into a more versatile piece. Either way, get ready for it: Lynn is expected to get snaps this coming Week 5 against the Cleveland Browns. He’s officially in the fire.
The Jets desperately need Lynn to show that preseason form against the Browns. Losing McGregor is a huge hit, and they’re counting on this “long shot” to step up immediately. Can he seize the moment and show everyone why those 3 sacks weren’t a fluke? Week 5 can’t come soon enough.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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