Even though Breece Hall ranked second among NFL running backs in yards from scrimmage in 2023, the New York Jets are clearly looking to bolster their backfield depth for the upcoming season.
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reports that the Jets have inked a one-year contract with free agent running back Tarik Cohen, who last played in the NFL in 2020.
Cohen, who previously spent time on the Carolina Panthers practice squad in 2023, has been out of regular season action due to injuries.
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Cohen, who is 28, made a name for himself as an elite kick returner and was recognized as a Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro selection with the Chicago Bears in 2018, leading the NFL in punt return yards that year. Schefter suggests that the Jets may primarily utilize Cohen in a special teams role, capitalizing on his skills as a return specialist.
“Jets are signing free-agent RB Tarik Cohen to a one-year deal, per source. Cohen was one of the NFL’s top return specialists and a receiving threat before injuries derailed his career. Cohen last played in the NFL in 2020, but now will attempt his comeback with the Jets,” tweeted Schefter.
Joining a Jets backfield that not only features Hall but also recently drafted running backs Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis, Cohen faces a competitive environment. With a crowded roster of talented backs, securing regular snaps from the backfield could prove challenging for Cohen, even if he secures a spot on the final 53-man roster.
As the 2024 season approaches, it will be interesting to see how the Jets integrate Cohen’s abilities and whether he can carve out a significant role within the team.
