Former Pitt DE Signs Deal with New York Jets

Former Pitt defensive end Rashad Weaver has landed a new NFL contract on the free agent market.

Weaver, 27, signed a one-year deal with the New York Jets on Wednesday, according to a report from Tom Pelissero.

The Cooper City, Fla. native is now with his fourth team after starting his career in Tennessee. Weaver was drafted by the Titans in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft with the 135th overall pick and spent three seasons with the organization.

A converted outside linebacker, Weaver’s best season came in 2022 when he appeared in 16 games and made four starts with the Titans. He totaled 27 tackles (18 solo), 5.5 sacks, six passes defended, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. In 2023, the 6-4, 259-pounder registered 20 tackles (11 solo) and one pass defended.

Weaver was cut by the Titans at the end of training camp prior to the 2024 season. He would then join the Houston Texans and play in four games before he was released on Nov. 20. He finished the season on the Los Angeles Rams’ practice squad.

Pitt signed Weaver in the Class of 2016 as a three-star recruit. After redshirting as a freshman, Weaver made an impact in his second season with the Panthers as he played in 12 games and started five. He totaled 28 tackles, six tackles for loss, three sacks and three pass breakups on the year.

In 2018, Weaver turned into a standout defensive end for the Panthers with 14 starts. He compiled 47 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, four pass breakups, three fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles.

After missing the entire 2019 season with an injury, Weaver became an All-American in his final season with the Panthers. He earned First-Team destinction from the Associated Press, American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) and Walter Camp Football Foundation. He was also selected First-Team All-ACC.

Weaver finished with 35 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in 2020.