NFL preseason schedule for each Illinois football rookie

Nov 6, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Kerby Joseph (25) celebrates an interception to win the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the fourth quarter at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Kerby Joseph (25) celebrates an interception to win the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the fourth quarter at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
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Illinois football
WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA – OCTOBER 26: Tony Adams #6 of the Illinois Fighting Illini scores a touchdown after his interception in the first half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium on October 26, 2019 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)

Tony Adams

Free safety Tony Adams Jr. was signed by the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent.


While at Illinois, Adams progressed every year. He started with the program back in 2017, and by the time he finished up in 2021, Adams was one of the best defensive backs on the team. As a senior, Adams would total 63 tackles, five pass deflections, one sack, and one interception.

Adams has much to prove, sitting fifth on the Jets’ projected depth chart by Ourlads.  The defensive back will get his opportunity to fight for a roster spot when the Jets visit Philadelphia to take on the Eagles on Aug 12 at 6:30 p.m. CT.

  • @ Philadelphia – Friday, Aug 12 @ 6:30 p.m. CT
  • Vs. Atlanta – Monday, Aug 22 @ 7:00 p.m. CT
  • Vs. New York (G) – Sunday, Aug 28 @ 12:00 p.m. CT

Owen Carney

After not being picked in the 2022 NFL Draft, Owen Carney was signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent.

The edge rusher is in the third rotation for the Dolphins’ right defensive end spot, according to ESPN.  Like Lowe, earning a starting spot is likely not a possibility given that 2019 first-round pick Christian Wilkins is the team’s starter.

The opportunity for Carney to move into the second rotation will come when the Dolphins visit the 2021 Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Aug 13.

  • @ Tampa Bay – Saturday, Aug 13 @ 6:30 p.m. CT
  • Vs. Las Vegas – Saturday, Aug 20 @ 6:00 p.m. CT
  • Vs. Philadelphia – Saturday, Aug 27 @ 6:00 p.m. CT