Jets Add Kicker Blake Grupe and LB Trevin Wallace Off Waivers

The New York Jets added two players off waivers on Monday, according to the NFL transaction wire as reported by Pro Football Rumors. The claims brought in kicker Blake Grupe and linebacker Trevin Wallace, moves that reinforce how quickly NFL depth charts can change during late August roster adjustments.

Grupe, a kicker, was reportedly cut by the Colts just before the Jets’ claim. For teams in the season’s final pre-start window, waiver pickups like this often function as an insurance policy. A team that needs stability at kicker can add a specialist with game-day experience and buy time for its longer-term evaluation.

Wallace, a linebacker, was reportedly previously with the Panthers. New York’s willingness to use waivers for a defensive addition suggests it is continuing to refine its linebacker room and coverage plans. In training camp and the opening weeks, linebackers are evaluated not just for run defense, but also for how well they communicate in pass protection, match up in space, and adapt to coordinator-specific scheme cues.

Taken together, the Jets’ two-player claim underscores a common NFL pattern: roster management rarely happens in one lane. One move addresses a kicking position that can swing field position and scoring consistency, while the other targets defensive depth and flexibility. Even when the primary starters are established, NFL teams need reliable backups because injuries and workload management can create sudden opportunities.

The transactions also highlight the waiver wire’s practical value. Players who reach waivers are often not far removed from an active roster environment, which can make them more immediately usable than long-term developmental prospects. That matters for teams trying to lock in depth before roster cuts and the early rhythm of the regular season.

Still, it is important to keep expectations grounded. An off-waiver claim does not, by itself, guarantee a specific role or playing time. How quickly Grupe and Wallace factor in will depend on practice performance, coaching decisions, and how the Jets’ current roster is configured at their respective positions.

For the Jets, the immediate watch items are straightforward: whether Grupe becomes the organization’s preferred option at kicker and whether Wallace earns snaps on defense and special teams opportunities. The Jets’ next practices and any subsequent transaction activity will provide the clearest indication of how these waiver additions fit into the team’s near-term plans.