The New York Jets have added a new defensive tackle to their roster as they continue training camp.
According to SNY’s Cameron Hughes, the Jets have claimed defensive tackle Junior Tafuna off of waivers from the Houston Texans.
Tafuna is an interesting player for the Jets to take a chance on. The 6-foot-3, 305-pound defensive tackle has yet to appear in an NFL regular season game, but the possibility of him changing that is certainly there.
There is ultimately no risk in the Jets bringing in Tafuna with this waiver claim. Now, they will get a chance to see what he can do at training camp.
Taking a Look at Jets’ Newest Defensive Tackle Junior Tafuna’s Career at This Point
Tafuna kicked off his career by signing as an undrafted free agent with the Texans last year. After being waived by the Texans following training camp, he was on their practice squad for the 20-2025 season season. With this, he has yet to play a game in the NFL at this point.
Before spending last year on the Texans’ practice squad, Tafuna spent four collegiate seasons with the Utah Utes. In 53 games with the school from 2021 to 2024, he recorded 7.5 sacks, two interceptions, three fumble recoveries, and 108 tackles. He was also named Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2021 and was named to the Second-team All-Pac-12 three times during his collegiate career. With this, he had a strong collegiate career.
Given the promise that Tafuna showed playing for Utah, it makes sense that the Jets are willing to give him a look at training camp. He will now be looking to impress after being claimed by New York from here.
Jets Waive DT Patrick Jenkins After Claiming Tafuna From Texans
With the Jets claiming Tafuna off waivers from the Texans, they have made a roster cut of their own. According to Hughes, the Jets are set to waive fellow defensive tackle Patrick Jenkins to make room for Tafuna.
Jenkins was just signed by the Jets on Wednesday, but his time with the team is already coming to an end. The 22-year-old spent last season in the UFL with the Columbus Aviators, where he recorded 1.5 sacks and 12 solo tackles.
Jenkins spent three seasons with Tulane University from 2022 to 2024, where he recorded 13 sacks and 107 combined tackles.
With Jenkins being so young, it is certainly possible that another NFL team could look to bring him in through waivers. It will be interesting to see what happens on that front with the 6-foot-2 defensive lineman from here.
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