Running back Xazavian Valladay was the leading receiver in Saturday's preseason finale between the New York Jets and the New York Giants, but the performance was apparently not enough to earn the second-year pro a roster spot.
With the NFL roster cutdown deadline set for Tuesday, August 27 at 4:00 pm ET, the Jets started paring down the 90-man preseason unit by releasing Valladay according to KPRC reporter Aaron Wilson.
Valladay's dismissal could signal that second-year running back Israel Abanikanda's roster spot is safe. Abanikanda, a 2023 fifth-round draft pick, was rumored as a potential cut candidate early in training camp but appears likely to survive the cutdown to 53 players as the RB4.
Closing out the Jets' 10-6 exhibition win, Valladay saw 40 snaps on offense and 10 more on special teams. The Arizona State product made six catches for 62 yards — both game highs. He also rushed 14 times for 28 yards.
After being released by the Pittsburgh Steelers late last summer, Valladay, an undrafted rookie, landed with the Jets and spent almost the entirety of the 2023 campaign on New York's Practice Squad. The Green & White activated the running back for the Week 18 tilt against the New England Patriots. He made his NFL debut by logging 12 special teams snaps.
Valladay appeared in all three preseason games, totaling 45 yards rushing on 25 carries along with 66 yards on seven receptions.
With Breece Hall locked into the RB1 spot, the Jets have identified rookies Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis as the primary backups.
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