Jets Release CB After Arrest for Marijuana Possession

Tae Hayes’ brief stint with the New York Jets has come to an end. The Jets released the 26-year-old cornerback (CB) on Monday, one day after his arrest in Alabama. According to various sources, the Trinity Police Department detained Hayes early Sunday morning in Morgan County, Alabama, and charged him with marijuana possession. Jail records show he was booked at 3:46 a.m. and released less than two hours later after posting a $300 bond.

Marijuana is legal in Alabama for medical use but illegal for other purposes. According to ESPN’s Rich Cimini on X, on Sunday, a Jets spokesman confirmed that the club was aware of the situation but declined to comment further, citing the pending legal case.

Jets CB Tae Hayes, 26, was arrested early Sunday in Alabama and charged with marijuana possession, a second-degree misdemeanor, per Trinity PD records. An official at the Morgan County jail confirmed the arrest, but declined to give further information. He was booked at 3:46 am…
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) June 23, 2024

Tae Hayes Troubles Cost Him His Job

The Jets initially scheduled Hayes to begin his sixth professional season before ultimately releasing him. According to Cimini, the team considered Hayes a long shot to make this season’s roster. Hayes joined the Jets in October of last year as a practice squad member.

After a series of injuries to the top of the Jets’ cornerback depth chart, the team faced the Philadelphia Eagles without Sauce Gardner and DJ Reed. In response to these circumstances, the Jets promoted Hayes from the practice squad to serve as a backup in the teams’ surprising 20-14 win over the Eagles in Week 6.

The Jets defeated the Eagles for the first time in franchise history, breaking the Eagles’ 12-0 record against them. Following that game, Hayes spent the remainder of the season on the practice squad until signing a one-year contract with the Jets this summer. Despite having a chance to make the 53-man roster, Hayes has now lost that opportunity after his arrest.

Prior to joining the Jets, Hayes’ career followed an unusual path. He played college football at Appalachian State before signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent in 2019. However, after being waived by the Jaguars, he moved between different teams, frequently facing release at the end of each stint.

Hayes has played for the Miami Dolphins, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, Birmingham Stallions, Carolina Panthers, Detroit Lions, and Baltimore Ravens, all between 2020 and 2022. Despite appearing in 14 NFL games, he has not yet made a start. Following his arrest, the Jets released him, effectively ending his chances of making the roster this season.