Are the New York Jets preparing to make former Washington coach Ron Rivera their next head coach? Rivera, who was fired in January after going 26-40-1 in four seasons, is scheduled to interview for New York’s vacant head coaching position on Thursday.
On Tuesday, the Jets announced multiple roster moves, with some familiar names to Washington fans. The Commanders released 2022 second-round Phidarian Mathis on Saturday to make room for the return of defensive tackle Jonathan Allen.
The Jets also announced the signing of linebacker Jamin Davis — a 2021 first-round pick by Washington. The Commanders released Davis in October, and he signed with Green Bay’s practice squad. After four weeks with the Packers, the Minnesota Vikings signed Davis to their 53-man roster. He appeared in four games for the Vikings, who released Davis on Saturday.
What does this have to do with Rivera? Well, Rivera, who ran football operations in Washington, selected both Davis and Mathis. Three of Rivera’s four first-round picks were jettisoned by new Commanders general manager Adam Peters since August. The other, Chase Young, was traded last season.
Davis appeared in nine total games this season between the Commanders and Vikings.
Mathis played in a combined 11 games in his first two seasons. This season, Mathis appeared in 12 games for Washington, but his playing time decreased in recent weeks, with veterans Sheldon Day and Carl Davis outperforming him.
Roster Moves:
Signed DL Phidarian Mathis & LB Jamin Davis to active roster
— New York Jets (@nyjets) December 31, 2024
The Jets also signed veteran offensive tackle David Sharpe to the practice squad. Sharpe spent the 2020 season with Washington.
New York wasn’t done adding former Commanders signing kicker Greg Joseph. While Joseph didn’t play for Rivera, he did kick in one game for Washington this season.
The signings likely have nothing to do with Rivera’s pending interview, but it’s certainly interesting timing.