NFL star who had nine different teams at just 26 years old was left unemployed after roster cuts following arrest

The New York Jets released a 26-year-old quarterback shortly after his arrest on Sunday.

Cornerback Tae Hayes, who played for nine different teams, was cut by the New York Jets one day after his arrest on Sunday morning.

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Hayes was arrested in Alabama on marijuana possession charges, according to the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office.

The charge is a second-degree misdemeanor.

He was booked and released after posting $300 bail.

The same day, the Jets released a statement about the 5-foot-10, 200-pound Hayes.

“We are aware of the situation and will refrain from further comment as it is a pending legal matter,” the Jets said.

A day later, New York cut ties with Hayes.

Last October, he was signed to the Jets’ practice squad and was promoted for the team’s Week 6 contest against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Hayes posted two tackles during New York’s 20–14 victory.

During the game, he played 19% of defensive snaps and 45% of special teams snaps.

Hayes spent the rest of the season in the Jets’ practice quadrant.

After the 2023-24 season, he signed with New York on a one-year contract.

Hayes entered the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019 after being an undrafted free agent out of Appalachian State.

However, he was released in mid-December by that year’s Jaguars.

Hayes also had stints with the Miami Dolphins, Carolina Panthers, New England Patriots, Minnesota Vikings and Baltimore Ravens.

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After his first two stops, the Alabama native hasn’t stayed in a single destination in more than five months.

He played in 14 games, recording 18 tackles, two passes defended and no interceptions.

Hayes also played for the Birmingham Stallions, who now resides in the United States Soccer Turns on.

He played for the Stallions’ 2022 USFL championship squad.

And Hayes was a star defensive back at Appalachian State, playing soccer to Decatur High School in Alabama.