After going undrafted in Pittsburgh last month, former Virginia Tech linebacker Jaden Keller was invited to minicamp with the New York Jets. He was one of 31 rookie tryouts at the Jets minicamp who were looking to make an impression to potentially get a contract.
Well, as it turns out, apparently Keller made a good enough impression. On Monday, the club announced that they waived linebacker Ochaun Mathis and signed Keller.
Former Virginia Tech linebacker Jaden Keller signs with the New York Jets
It wasn't surprising that Keller wasn't drafted; however, he was one of a handful of former Hokies players who were going to be signed at some point, if not invited to someone's minicamp with an invite. For Keller, it was the Jets.
We've signed LB Jaden Keller and waived LB Ochaun Mathis
— New York Jets (@nyjets) May 11, 2026
Mathis spent last season on the Jets' practice squad after he was drafted in the 2023 NFL Draft in the sixth round by the Los Angeles Rams. During the 2023 and 2024 seasons, he played in a total of 14 games between the Rams, New England Patriots, and Philadelphia Eagles.
As for Keller, he played in 52 games during his time in Blacksburg and was a steady presence at the second level for the Hokies. He registered 181 tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. He had 50 tackles this past season after registering 80 in 2024 with a career-high 35 solo tackles as a junior.
It will be interesting to see what happens with Keller in New York. They are a rebuilding AFC East team that really is still behind the pecking order in the division, behind the Buffalo Bills, Patriots, and Miami Dolphins. They have been stuck there for a while, and it seems like they are spinning their tires in the middle of nowhere.
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