When the New England Patriots and New York Jets square off this Sunday at MetLife Stadium, it won’t just be a clash of AFC East rivals-it’ll be something of a reunion. Despite the ups and downs both teams have faced this season, the rosters still feature a handful of familiar faces who’ve walked both sidelines.
In total, eight players currently on active rosters, practice squads, or reserve lists have spent time with both franchises at some point in their careers. Let’s break down the cross-conference connections that are adding a little extra intrigue to this divisional matchup.
Wearing Green: Former Patriots Now with the Jets
Andrew Beck, Fullback
Beck’s NFL journey began in New England, where he signed as an undrafted free agent in 2019. He didn’t make it through final cuts that summer, but he didn’t stay unemployed for long-Denver scooped him up, and he’s since carved out a solid role in the league.
Now with the Jets, Beck brings 85 games and 24 starts of experience to the backfield. He’s logged 30 catches for 252 yards and four touchdowns, plus a rushing score.
His résumé includes stints with the Texans and Packers, and he’s also a former Salute to Service Award winner-a nod to his off-field impact. The Jets added him in February to bring some veteran savvy and versatility to their offense.
Chukwuma Okorafor, Offensive Tackle
Okorafor’s 2025 season has been a quiet one statistically, but he’s made his presence felt on special teams in 13 games for the Jets. His time in New England was brief-just 12 offensive snaps in the 2024 opener before being replaced and eventually moved to the reserve list.
Originally a third-round pick by the Steelers in 2018, Okorafor started 59 games in Pittsburgh before bouncing around the AFC East. He may not be a starter right now, but his experience adds depth to New York’s offensive line group.
Liam Fornadel, Guard
Fornadel’s path to the NFL has been anything but conventional. After going undrafted out of James Madison, he spent time in the CFL with Winnipeg and won a spring league title with the DC Defenders.
In 2024, he joined the Patriots as a street free agent and spent most of the season on their practice squad before being cut late in the year. The Jets brought him in during training camp, and he’s now on his second stint with their practice squad.
He’s a developmental piece with some intriguing upside.
Ochaun Mathis, Linebacker
Mathis is still trying to find his footing in the league, but he's been on quite the ride. Drafted by the Rams in 2023, he split time between the active roster and IR as a rookie.
He landed in New England in August, earned a few standard elevations, and eventually got promoted to the 53-man roster. The Patriots waived him in November, and he’s since bounced through Philadelphia and Cleveland before signing with the Jets’ practice squad in mid-December.
He’s logged 14 career games, five tackles, a forced fumble, and a QB hit. Not eye-popping numbers, but enough to keep him on the radar.
Nick Folk, Kicker
One of the more recognizable names on this list, Folk is back in green after a successful run in Foxborough. The 41-year-old kicker started his career in Dallas, made his name with the Jets from 2010-2016, and then became a model of consistency for the Patriots from 2019-2022.
During that stretch, he hit 108 of 121 field goals and earned four AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors. He even tied for the league lead in scoring one year and set an NFL record for most consecutive field goals made inside 50 yards.
After a trade ended his time in New England, he’s now back with the Jets-and still delivering, with a career-long 58-yarder and a 56-yard game-winner this season.
Wearing Blue: Former Jets Now with the Patriots
Brandon Smith, Wide Receiver
Smith is the newest Patriot in this group, having just signed to the practice squad ahead of Sunday’s game. The 27-year-old wideout came into the league as an undrafted free agent out of Iowa in 2021, spending parts of two seasons with Dallas before heading to the XFL’s DC Defenders.
From there, he had a brief stay with the Cardinals before landing with the Jets. He saw action in three games for New York this year, logging 22 snaps across offense and special teams.
Now, he’s looking for a fresh start in Foxborough.
Morgan Moses, Offensive Tackle
Moses has been one of the Patriots’ most reliable linemen this season, starting all 15 games and playing nearly 96% of offensive snaps. The 34-year-old veteran signed a three-year deal with New England in March and has brought a steady presence to the right side of the line.
A third-round pick by Washington in 2014, Moses has 181 games and 173 starts under his belt. He’s no stranger to MetLife Stadium either-he played there in 2021 as a free agent and again in 2024 after a trade brought him to the Jets.
Across those stints, he made 30 starts for New York before flipping to the other side of the rivalry.
Leonard Taylor III, Defensive Tackle
Taylor is a young defensive lineman who’s already had a taste of real game action. Signed to the Patriots’ practice squad in October after being waived by the Jets, he was elevated to the active roster in December and made an immediate impact-logging two tackles on just five snaps, including one on Josh Allen.
The 23-year-old broke into the league with the Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2024 and earned a spot on their 53-man roster. He played in 16 games, racking up 27 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two batted passes.
He’s still developing, but his flashes of production show why New England was quick to bring him in.
Final Thoughts
When the Patriots and Jets line up on Sunday, it won’t just be about playoff positioning or pride-it’ll be a reminder of how interconnected the NFL can be. From veterans like Nick Folk and Morgan Moses to rising prospects like Leonard Taylor III and Ochaun Mathis, these players have seen both sides of this rivalry. And for a few of them, Sunday could be a chance to show their former team what they’re missing.
In a league where rosters churn constantly and allegiances shift, this matchup offers a unique glimpse into the human side of the game-where familiarity, redemption, and opportunity all collide on one field.