New York Jets' Undrafted Receiver to Replace Pro Bowl Star on Special Teams

The New York Jets lost special teams ace Justin Hardee to the Cleveland Browns in free agency, meaning the undrafted Irvin Charles will have a chance to become a regular.

New York Jets wide receiver Irvin Charles (19) reacts to a completion in the second half. The / Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com /

The New York Jets let their special teams captain leave in free agency, but not without a replacement plan.

When Pro Bowl gunner Justin Hardee missed time due to a hamstring injury in 2023, Practice Squad call-up Irv Charles seamlessly served as the substitute. With Hardee now a member of the Cleveland Browns, the Jets will seemingly promote Charles to the special teams ace role.

New York Jets wide receiver Irvin Charles (19) reacts to a completion in the second half. The / Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com /

After making his NFL debut as a gameday elevation against the Denver Broncos in Week 5, Charles signed to the active 53-man roster the following week and proceeded to appear in 11 of the next 12 games. He totaled 236 special teams snaps and made seven tackles.

"We've been trying to find ways to get him up and we had an opportunity, and we did it," said Jets' head coach Robert Saleh on the heels of a 31-21 road win over the Broncos.

Charles made an immediate impact running down on coverage in the first quarter against Denver, causing a muffed punt that led to the first points of the game.

"Irv showed it on that first punt forcing that fumble, so he’s an animal on teams and a tremendous asset to this team," said Saleh.

Charles, an undrafted receiver by way of Penn State and Division II member IUP, spent the 2022 campaign on the Jets' Practice Squad. He made the New York's initial 53-man roster out of training camp last year, but temporarily lost his spot when quarterback Tim Boyle was elevated after Aaron Rodgers's Week 1 injury.

"Irv made this team initially because of his special teams ability and it’s just a matter of just trying to get him up, especially as a gunner," said Saleh.

After finally getting his opportunity in 2023, Charles has ascended to the top of the depth chart.