The New York Jets have signed wide receiver Dexter Jackson to the practice squad and released defensive tackle Jarron Gilbert from the practice squad. The announcements were made by general manager Mike Tannenbaum.
Jackson (5'9", 182) spent time with the UFL's Virginia Destroyers during the 2011 season before being released. He was selected by Tampa Bay in the second round (58th overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft. Jackson played in seven games for Tampa Bay in 2008, returning 20 punts for 97 yards and 14 kickoffs for 327 yards. He was signed by Carolina on Oct. 12, 2009, after being waived by the Buccaneers on Aug. 31, 2009, and spent the final 12 games of the 2009 season on the Panthers' practice squad. Jackson also saw time with Carolina in 2010 training camp before being waived Aug. 31.
He played 55 career games (25 starts) for Appalachian State, where he helped the school to three consecutive NCAA Division-I Football Championship Subdivision titles.
Gilbert (6'5", 285) was signed to the Jets' practice squad on Sept. 4 after being waived the day before at the end of the preseason. He initially signed with the Jets practice squad last season (9/7/10), and was signed off the practice squad to the active roster twice during 2010. Gilbert played in one game against Buffalo on Jan. 12, recording one tackle for loss, and was inactive for five games as well as the three postseason games. He was drafted by Chicago in the third round (68th overall) of the 2009 draft and played in four games for the Bears, contributing on defense and special teams before being waived Sept. 4, 2010.
An All-America first-teamer in 2008, Gilbert started 38 of his 48 career games at San Jose State and is the school's all-time leader with 22.5 sacks.
