Jets release CB Tae Hayes after his arrest for marijuana

After his weekend arrest for possession of marijuana, cornerback Tae Hayes was dismissed by the New York Jets on Monday. In Morgan County, Alabama, Hayes, 26, was charged early on Sunday morning with a second-degree misdemeanor. In 2023, he made one appearance with the Jets and recorded two tackles in a victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 6. Hayes, who was not selected out of Appalachian State in 2019, has 18 tackles in 14 games (no starts) with six different clubs.

Jets release Tae Hayes following arrest for marijuana possession

The New York Jets released cornerback Tae Hayes on Monday, one day after he was taken into custody in Alabama on charges of marijuana possession.

Less than two hours after being arrested at 3:46 a.m. on Sunday, Hayes, 26, of Decatur, Alabama, was freed on a $300 bond. The Trinity (Alabama) Police Department states that the possession charge is a second-degree misdemeanor.

While marijuana is legal in Alabama for medical use, it is not decriminalized for any other purpose.

The Jets did not comment on Hayes’ release. On Sunday, a team spokesman said the club was aware of the situation, but declined further comment because it was a pending legal matter.

Hayes was considered a long shot to make the team. He signed with the Jets’ practice squad last Oct. 3, played a reserve role in an upset victory over the Philadelphia Eagles and spent the remainder of the season on the practice squad. He re-signed on a one-year contract after the season.

Since breaking into the NFL in 2019, Hayes has played for the Miami Dolphins, Jacksonville Jaguars, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots and Carolina Panthers, totaling 14 games.