Jets steal 6-foot-7, 306-pound monster from Super Bowl contender amid baffling release decision

The New York Jets have pounced on an opportunity to add some depth to their offensive line ahead of the 2026 season.

On Thursday, Gang Green announced that they had signed former Green Bay Packers OL Brant Banks to their practice squad.

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In a corresponding move, the Jets released offensive lineman Marquis Hayes to make way.

Banks spent part of the 2025 campaign on the Green Bay’s practice squad, before appearing in two regular season games.

He was later waived and claimed by the Tennessee Titans in October, before being waived once again and remaining on the Packers practice squad for the remainder of the season.

He re-upped with Green Bay on a reserve/futures contract in January, but was waived ahead of 2026 roster cuts.

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The Jets offensive line ranked 22nd in the league last year, according to Pro Football Focus.

Their quarterback trio of Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor, and Brady Cook was sacked 60 times, averaging 3.5 per game, the third-worst rate in the NFL.

Addressing those protection issues was an obvious priority upfront, but the front office wasn’t done reshaping the roster.

Beyond tinkering with their unit upfront, New York made a curious tweak to their defensive core by releasing Mykal Walker.

The decision to part ways with the veteran linebacker via an injury settlement leaves a sudden question mark in Gang Green’s rotational depth.

Walker seemed to be a shoo-in to make the 53-man roster and be New York’s third linebacker after an impressive 2025 campaign.

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He initially signing with the Jets practice squad, but ended up appearing in 14 games and made five starts.

He collected 31 total tackles, a pass deflection and a tackle for loss.

After tweaking his calf during training camp, head coach Aaron Glenn said he could miss a couple of weeks, but then he would be good to go for the season opener.

The Jets placed him on injured reserve prior to the roster cut deadline without a designation to return, ruling him out for the entire season.

“Those placed on IR before or on cutdown day, and without the designation to return, are out for the season,” Saad Yousuf of The Athletic explained.

The release now means Walker will now be free to sign with another team and be eligible to play when healthy.