Former Bills DE Kingsley Jonathan Signs With Jets
Former Buffalo Bills defensive end Kingsley Jonathan is returning to the AFC East — but this time, he’ll be wearing green and white.
The New York Jets announced on June 14 that they signed Jonathan, giving the 27-year-old a chance to earn a spot on their 2025 roster. Jonathan spent parts of three seasons with the Bills, mostly on the practice squad, but played in 15 games. He recorded 10 tackles and three quarterback hits during that time.
His most active year came in 2023 when the Bills were short-handed on defense. He played in 13 games while star pass rusher Von Miller recovered from a torn ACL.
Earlier this offseason, Jonathan signed a reserve contract with the Houston Texans but was released in May. Now, with the Jets rebuilding, he has a fresh opportunity — and could face his former team twice this season.
Jonathan’s journey to the NFL was anything but typical. Born in Nigeria and raised in Baltimore, he went undrafted in 2022. However, he became the No. 1 overall pick in that year’s CFL Global Draft, which features international players. He had brief stints with the Bears and the Bills before joining the Jets.
Bills Add Young Talent at Defensive End
While Jonathan moves on, the Bills are reloading on defense. The team released Von Miller and drafted rookie Landon Jackson, an athletic third-round pick with standout physical traits — including 33¼-inch arms.
“They can’t get their arms on you,” Jackson explained after practice. “In the run game, it helps you hold your ground. In pass rush, it lets you create space and beat blockers.”
NFL analysts praised the Bills’ pick. The Athletic gave the selection a “B+” grade, noting Jackson’s athleticism and potential as a versatile defender. Though still developing, he’s seen as a player who could become a long-term piece of Buffalo’s defense.
The Bills went heavy on defense in the 2025 NFL Draft, aiming to improve after falling short against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship.
