The New York Jets terminated the contract of undrafted wide receiver Caullin Lacy on Friday, waiving him from injured reserve as they finalized roster decisions ahead of the regular season.
The move closes a short chapter for the former South Alabama and Louisville standout, who signed with Gang Green immediately after the 2026 NFL Draft.
Lacy, 24, joined the Jets on a three-year undrafted free-agent deal that included a $15,000 signing bonus and roughly $262,500 in guarantees.
New York viewed him as a potential slot receiver and return specialist. On Aug. 23 the team waived him with an injury designation along with running back Sam Scott and edge Nathan Voorhis while adding other depth pieces.
After Lacy cleared waivers, he reverted to injured reserve on Aug. 24. The Jets then waived him from IR on Aug. 28.
The Alabama native built his reputation at South Alabama, where he spent four seasons. In 2023 he posted 91 receptions for 1,316 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 14.5 yards per catch and more than 109 receiving yards per game.
Those numbers ranked among the national leaders and capped a productive Sun Belt career that also featured return work. He transferred to Louisville for 2024 and 2025, totaling 78 catches for 831 yards over two seasons with the Cardinals.
In 2025, he added 60 receptions for 635 yards while leading the ACC in punt-return yardage (454) and scoring two punt-return touchdowns.
At 5-foot-9 or 5-foot-10 and about 180-183 pounds, Lacy is an undersized prospect whose game is built on quickness after the catch, short-area acceleration, and special-teams value rather than contested-catch size or deep speed.
He ran a 4.55-second 40-yard dash at the combine. Scouts saw him as a potential gadget player or fourth/fifth receiver who could contribute on returns. The Jets, who have been thinning a crowded receiver room throughout camp, ultimately decided his injury and the numbers game made him expendable.
Lacy’s college production, especially that 1,316-yard season at South Alabama, showed he can produce when given volume.
Whether another team claims him or he lands on a practice squad remains to be seen. For a player who signed quickly after going undrafted, the Jets experiment lasted only a few months. Roster cuts this time of year are unforgiving, even for productive college receivers who also handle the ball on special teams.
The Jets continue to shape their 53-man roster and practice squad as they prepare for Week 1. Lacy now becomes a free agent again, looking for a new opportunity to translate his college production—particularly that standout 2023 campaign—into an NFL foothold.
