After having auditioned for the Jets earlier this week, Courtney Upshaw has signed with the organization. NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reports (via Twitter) that the defensive lineman has inked a deal with the organization. To make room on the roster, New York has waived defensive lineman Chris Jones (via Darryl Slater of NJ.com on Twitter).
The 2012 second-round pick initially entered the NFL as a linebacker, but he’s since been converted to a defensive lineman. After having spent four relatively productive seasons with the Ravens, Upshaw joined the Falcons back in 2016. He proceeded to play in 26 games (five starts) during his two years in Atlanta, averaging 16 tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble per season. Only the Eagles had expressed reported interest in the 28-year-old.
Leonard Williams and Henry Anderson are currently slotted in as the Jets starters at defensive end, while Steve McLendon is listed as the team’s starting nose tackle. Upshaw will presumably have an opportunity to contribute at either position.
Jones, a 2013 sixth-round pick out of Bowling Green, joined the Jets earlier this month. He hasn’t appeared in a regular season game since 2016, when he compiled 23 tackles in 13 games (six starts) with the Dolphins and 49ers.