Overview
- The Jets signed offensive tackle Blake Freeland off the Cincinnati Bengals' practice squad and placed backup and special-teams contributor Max Mitchell on injured reserve.
- Freeland, a 25-year-old former fourth-round pick listed at 6-foot-8 and 305 pounds, has appeared in 25 NFL games with nine starts and now joins New York's active-roster pool.
- Tuesday's signing gives Freeland a clearer path to make the Jets' 53-man roster because teams that sign practice-squad players must add them to the active roster.
- The Bengals are down one practice-squad player and now have 15 players there, which leaves them with two open slots to replenish depth along the offensive line.
- Scouting reports describe Freeland as an athletic but raw prospect who needs better pad level and play strength, so the Jets are acquiring upside for depth rather than a proven starting tackle.