Jets Send Safety Will Parks Packing, Create Speculation of Potential Free Agent Addition

Gang Green released the veteran defensive back who played in 14 games last year

© Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Jets subtracted from their safeties group on Thursday.

The team released seven-year veteran Will Parks, first reported by ESPN's Field Yates.

The move immediately sparked speculation that Gang Green could be freeing up a roster spot with the intention of making a play for impending free agent running back Dalvin Cook. The Minnesota Vikings are in the process of releasing the four-time Pro Bowler, who will be free to sign with a new team after 4:00 pm ET on Friday.

Meanwhile, Parks faced stiff competition for a roster spot with the Jets, who added veteran safety Chuck Clark in free agency and drafted versatile defensive back Jarrick Bernard-Converse. 

Undrafted rookies Trey Dean and Marquis Waters were also added to the mix, which already featured incumbent starting strong safety Jordan Whitehead along with Tony Adams and Ashtyn Davis.

The Jets have released DB Will Parks.

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) June 8, 2023

The 6-foot-1 Parks played a higher percentage of special teams' snaps compared to defensive reps in 2022. He made 14 appearances, totaling 210 plays on defense (22 percent) while logging 148 snaps on specials (39 percent).

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Parks accounted for 17 total tackles and did not intercept a pass over a 17-game Jets' tenure that began when he was claimed off waivers late in the 2021 regular season.

The Denver Broncos' 2016 sixth-round pick has played in 90 career games with 66 coming for the team that drafted him.

Jets' Safety Depth 

Starters: Jordan Whitehead (3) [SS], Chuck Clark (23) [FS]

Second Team: Ashtyn Davis (21), Tony Adams (22)

Third Team: Jarrick Bernard-Converse (29), Trey Dean (35), Marquis Waters (40) 

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