The Jets crowded backfield took its’ first significant hit today when the team released Musa Smith.
The Jets signed Smith in the offseason, after he served as a backup for five years with the Ravens. Smith saw his snaps diminish as the preseason progressed, getting one carry for three yards against the Giants Saturday.
In the three exhibition games Smith totaled 24 yards on 10 carries. The Jets still have Thomas Jones, Leon Washington and Jesse Chatman on their depth chart. The team waived rookie safety Ron Girault out of Rutgers. Girault, who was originally signed as a rookie free agent with the Chiefs, is from nearby Montvale, NJ.
Girault recorded 271 tackles and had 10 interceptions as a four-year starter with the Scarlet Knights.
“Weâve been working different people at safety and some different combinations at safety. Heâs a great kid. He worked really hard, studied hard and gave effort every day,” Eric Mangini said of Girault.
“I think with anybody that’s released at this time, the one thing that you always talk to them about is, âjust because it didn’t work out here doesn’t mean it’s not going to work out for you, and you need to keep pursuing your dream and your passion. This is by no way saying that things are (not going to work or that you canât do it), it’s just not going to work out here right now.â I’ve seen so many guys move to different spots, and it fits better and it works out great for them.”
Jets also waived OT Thaddeus Coleman and RB Rodney Kinlaw and placed LB Jason Trusnik on the PUP list.