Through the summer, we will be counting down the Jets roster player by player. We continue the series by discussing Jamaal Pritchett.
Name: Jamaal Pritchett
Number: 81
Year With Jets: 2nd
Projected Role: Depth wide receiver and backup return man
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His 2025: Pritchett was signed as an undrafted free agent out of South Alabama.
Not much was expected from him, but his performance in the preseason was noticeable. Pritchett led the Jets in targets through the three exhibition games and posted 7 catches for 70 yards. He also got an opportunity to perform as a return man and registered a solid 11.4 yard average on 9 punt returns.
None of this was enough to earn Pritchett a spot on the active roster, but the Jets did sign him to the practice squad where he spent the season. Unfortunately for Pritchett, the return game was one of the few areas where the Jets were legitimately strong in 2025 so he didn’t get his chance.
2026 will be a success if: Pritchett can find his way onto the roster and stick. It doesn’t have to be on the initial 53 man roster. He might start the year on the practice squad. At some point injuries will happen for the Jets at wide receiver and/or return man. Pritchett is unlikely to get much playing time at receiver unless the team is decimated, but he might be one or two injuries away from getting a shot as a return man.
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In any event, Pritchett remains a developmental player. He did well to earn that training camp slot a year ago and earn enough belief to get a camp invite this year. The next step is becoming part of the active roster.
Odds of making the roster: Unlikely (26-49%)
