Jets sign Ben Barten, waive long snapper Grimes

The New York Jets added defensive line depth in training camp by signing defensive lineman Ben Barten to the club’s 90-man roster. The move came after Barten was recently released by the New York Giants, as teams continue to rotate players in and out while evaluating personnel ahead of the regular season.

To create space on the roster, the Jets waived long snapper Garrison Grimes. Grimes, an undrafted rookie from BYU, was the corresponding move in a transaction that also reshapes the team’s special teams depth chart.

Defensive line depth added during camp

Barten entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent after playing at the University of Wisconsin. In his final season with the Badgers, he recorded 24 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and one sack, production that the Jets can use as a baseline as they assess how he fits within their defensive front.

The signing reflects a common training camp approach: add players who can compete for rotational roles or provide emergency depth as coaching staffs sort through position battles. The Jets’ decision to bring Barten in now gives him practice time to learn assignments and compete for snaps during camp evaluations.

Special teams snapper room narrows

The waiver of Grimes leaves veteran Thomas Hennessy as the only long snapper on the active roster, according to the team’s updated roster status. With Grimes departing, the Jets’ specialist depth at long snapper becomes more straightforward, with a single experienced option holding the position group on the roster.

Long snapper decisions can be sensitive because the role is highly specialized and directly tied to field goals, extra points, and punts. By keeping Hennessy as the lone long snapper, the Jets maintain a veteran presence at a position where consistency is typically prioritized during roster trimming.

More moves expected as evaluations continue

Training camp transactions like these are routine as teams adjust to daily performance data, health updates, and shifting positional needs. The Jets indicated a continued focus on monitoring both the defensive line and special teams units in the weeks ahead as they work toward finalizing the roster for the upcoming season.

What remains uncertain is how quickly Barten can translate his college production into a role in the Jets’ system and whether the club will add further competition at long snapper later in camp. For now, the roster change signals an emphasis on defensive line depth while narrowing the specialist group.