The former first-round pick and reserve receiver is the third member of the New York Jets to opt-out of the upcoming campaign.
Wide receiver Josh Doctson has become the third member of the New York Jets to opt-out of the 2020 season as the NFL prepares to operate in the wake of the ongoing health crisis. The team confirmed his placement on the reserve/opt-out list on Thursday afternoon.Â
Doctson, 27, was signed to a one-year deal this spring. valued at $825,000 that will carry over to next season. He joined the league as a first-round pick of Washington in 2016 (22nd overall). He dealt with an Achilles injury during his rookie season but recovered to score six touchdowns during the 2017 season. The TCU alum was Washington’s second-leading receiver with 532 yards the following year, but the team would not pick up his fifth-season option. Doctson was later among the last cuts last summer.
He joined up with the Minnesota Vikings shortly after, but injuries limited to only one game in November, after which he was released. Doctson becomes the third member of the Jets to opt-out of 2020, joining linebacker C.J. Mosley and offensive lineman Leo Koloamatangi.
Doctson’s opt-out leaves the Jets razor thin on experience at receiver. Veteran Breshard Perriman was chosen to be the top option alongside second-round rookie Denzel Mims. Tenured slot receiver Jamison Crowder will return for his second year in green, as will younger veterans Vyncint Smith, Braxton Berrios, and Jeff Smith. Undrafted free agents and first-year players make up the rest of the catching corps, including Lawrence Cager, George Campbell, Josh Malone, and Jehu Chesson.
The departure of Doctson also leaves the Jets with exactly 80 players on their active roster, putting them at the number sought for NFL training camps this summer. They still have three players (Bryce Hall, Shyheim Carter, Ahmad Gooden) on the COVID-19 reserve list, which accounts for players who have either tested positive or have come into close contact with someone who did. They are eligible to come off after proper medical clearance.
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags