Details of the Arrest
In a surprising turn of events, the New York Jets announced on Monday that they have released cornerback Tae Hayes. This decision follows the 26-year-old's recent arrest in Alabama over the weekend. Hayes was arrested in Morgan County at 3:46 a.m. on Sunday and was charged with marijuana possession. The charge is noted as a second-degree misdemeanor. Following his arrest, Hayes posted a $300 bond and was released less than two hours later. Despite the relatively minor nature of the legal issue, the Jets decided to part ways with Hayes.
Career with the Jets
Hayes joined the Jets in early October, signing onto the club's practice squad. He made his debut for New York in Week 6 against the Philadelphia Eagles. In that game, Hayes played 19% of the defensive snaps and 45% of the special teams' snaps, recording two tackles. Despite his limited role, Hayes' presence on the team was noted, adding depth to the Jets' secondary unit.
Professional Journey
Hayes' journey in professional football has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. An Appalachian State product, Hayes entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent. He initially signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019. However, his stint with the Jaguars was short-lived, as he was released by mid-December of his rookie season. Since then, Hayes has had brief stints with multiple teams, including the Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals, Carolina Panthers, New England Patriots, Detroit Lions, and Baltimore Ravens.
In addition to his NFL endeavors, Hayes also played in the United States Football League (USFL) for the Birmingham Stallions. During his time in the USFL, Hayes contributed to the Stallions' championship-winning season.
Stats and Performance
Throughout his NFL career, Hayes has amassed a total of 18 tackles and two pass breakups over 14 regular-season games. These statistics reflect his ability to contribute when called upon, although continuity and sticking with one team have eluded him thus far.
Jets' Statement
The Jets have released a statement via Pro Football Talk acknowledging the incident but refrained from further comment, citing the pending legal matter. The decision to release Hayes might indicate the team’s stance on maintaining a particular standard of conduct among its players. For Jets fans, the release of Hayes may come as a disappointment, especially given the team's current struggles and the need for quality depth in their secondary. However, off-field conduct and legal troubles are often significant factors in roster decisions, and the Jets chose to act swiftly in this instance.
The Road Ahead
As for Hayes, his future in the league remains uncertain. Given his history of moving between teams, it will be challenging for him to secure another opportunity. Nevertheless, the world of professional sports is unpredictable, and there might still be a chance for him to prove his worth on another team.
Conclusion
The release of Tae Hayes by the New York Jets is a reminder of the unforgiving nature of professional sports, where off-field issues can quickly impact a player's career. While his arrest for marijuana possession may seem minor, it has led to significant consequences for Hayes. With his brief tenure with the Jets now over, Hayes will need to navigate the complexities of finding another opportunity in the NFL. Tae Hayes' journey continues, marked by both his on-field abilities and the challenges that come off-field. It remains to be seen where his path will lead next, but one thing is for certain: the road ahead will require resilience and determination.