Jets Sign WR Bergen, Waive Injured Sheffield in Roster Shakeup
New York Jets Make Two Roster Moves: What You Need to Know
The Big Picture
The New York Jets have shuffled their roster by adding a new wide receiver and saying goodbye to a defensive tackle who got hurt. Think of it like a teacher rearranging a classroom seating chart—some students move in, others move out.
New Addition: Meet Junior Bergen
The Jets signed wide receiver Junior Bergen. Here’s what makes him interesting:
His College Superpower: Punt Returns
- Record breaker: Tied for the most punt return touchdowns in FCS history (8!)
- Montana legend: Holds the school record for average yards per punt return (16.71)
- FCS = Football Championship Subdivision (think of it as "college football’s second tier")
He Wasn’t Just a Return Specialist
Bergen was an all-purpose weapon at the University of Montana (2021–2024):
| Stat | Number |
|---|---|
| Receptions | 145 |
| Receiving Yards | 1,777 |
| Receiving Touchdowns | 13 |
| Rush Attempts | 139 |
| Rushing Yards | 577 |
| Rushing Touchdowns | 4 |
Think of him like a Swiss Army knife—he can catch, run, and return kicks.
His NFL Journey So Far
- 2025 NFL Draft: 7th round, 252nd overall pick by the San Francisco 49ers
- Rookie year: Spent the season on the 49ers’ practice squad (the "development team")
- January 2025: Signed a reserve/futures contract with the 49ers (a "save my spot for next year" deal)
- Now: Signed by the New York Jets
Departure: DT Sheffield Waived/Injured
The Jets waived-injured defensive tackle Sheffield.
What "Waived-Injured" Means
Important: This is not the same as getting cut.
- The player is injured
- The team releases him but…
- If he clears waivers (no other team claims him), he goes on Injured Reserve (IR)
- He stays with the team while rehabbing, but doesn’t count against the 53-man roster
Sheffield’s Background
- Signed: May 2025 as an undrafted free agent (UDFA) — one of 12!
- College: One season at Rutgers (2024)
- Rutgers stats: 44 catches, 557 yards, 5 TDs (13.1 yards per catch)
- Also returned kicks: 18 punt returns (200 yards) + 6 kickoff returns (127 yards) mostly at North Texas (2023)
Note: The original report lists Sheffield as a DT (defensive tackle), but his college stats show he played wide receiver and return specialist. This might be a position change attempt by the Jets, or a typo in the announcement.
Step-by-Step: What Happens Next?
For Junior Bergen
- Joins the Jets’ wide receiver room
- Competes for a roster spot in training camp
- Special teams value: His punt return skills give him a leg up (teams love return specialists!)
- Depth chart battle: Will fight for WR4, WR5, or practice squad spot
For Sheffield
- Placed on waivers with injured designation
- Other teams have 24 hours to claim him
- If unclaimed → Reverts to Jets’ Injured Reserve
- Rehabs with team but cannot play this season (unless IR return rules apply)
Why This Matters (The "So What?")
| Move | Impact |
|---|---|
| Bergen signing | Adds special teams ace + versatile offensive weapon |
| Sheffield waived | Opens a roster spot + frees up cap space (tiny amount) |
| Net effect | Jets prioritize special teams and return game |
ELI5 Takeaway: The Jets traded a hurt project player for a guy who scored touchdowns every time he touched the ball on punt returns in college. That’s a win for "hidden yardage"!
Summary
- Jets signed WR Junior Bergen — FCS punt return legend with Swiss Army knife skills
- Jets waived-injured DT Sheffield — UDFA who got hurt; likely heading to IR if unclaimed
- Bergen’s edge: Elite return ability = roster security in today’s NFL
- Roster math: One in, one out — 53-man limit maintained
FAQ
1. What is a "reserve/futures contract"?
It’s a contract signed after the season ends (January) that locks a player to the team for next season. They can’t be signed by anyone else. It’s like calling "dibs."
2. What’s the difference between "waived" and "released"?
- Waived = Player has < 4 accrued seasons. Goes through waiver wire (other teams can claim).
- Released = Player has ≥ 4 accrued seasons. Free agent immediately, no waivers.
3. Why do teams care so much about punt returners?
Field position = points. A great returner gives the offense the ball at the 40-yard line instead of the 10. That’s huge!
4. Can Sheffield play for another team this year?
Only if a team claims him off waivers. If he clears waivers and goes to Jets’ IR, he’s done for 2025 (unless he gets an injury settlement later).
5. Is Bergen guaranteed to make the team?
Nope. He has to beat out other WRs in camp. But his special teams value makes him very hard to cut.
Go Jets!