{
  "id": 4171089,
  "title": "PFF names Jets' Mazi Smith among NFL bubble players to watch",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/29/pff-names-jets-mazi-smith-among-nfl-bubble-players-to-watch",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-29T10:45:31.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/pff-names-jets-mazi-smith-104531983.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The New York Jets face crucial roster decisions as they inch closer to the NFL's August 30 cutdown deadline, according to Pro Football Focus. Defensive tackle Mazi Smith has been identified among the 10 players whose future remains uncertain, highlighting the crowded state of the Jets' defensive tackle position. Smith, who joined the Jets last season as part of a trade for Quinnen Williams, entered the league with high expectations but has struggled to make an impact over his first three professional seasons. Despite playing only 975 career snaps and earning a 34.5 overall defensive grade, his draft pedigree and physical attributes continue to draw interest. The Jets have bolstered their defensive front with veterans David Onyemata, T Vondre Sweat, and Jowon Briggs, among others, creating a challenging path for Smith to secure a roster spot. With one preseason game left, Smith still has a chance to prove his worth, but whether he earns a spot on the Jets is a significant question as the final decisions are made.",
  "summary": "Former first-round pick Mazi Smith faces a crowded depth chart and competition as the Jets prepare for final roster decisions.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}