The New York Jets‘ roster features no proven commodities behind Breece Hall at the running back position.
Fourth-round rookie Braelon Allen has created excitement during OTAs as the physically-imposing Wisconsin product flashed RB2 potential according to multiple accounts. Still, it’s considered unwise to rely on a first-year player in the NFL as the only option.
Fifth-round pick Isaiah Davis could also carve out a role, but his jump up to the next level is wider than Allen’s due to a small-school background. Then, there’s 2023 fifth-rounder Israel Abanikanda, who was deployed sparingly as a rookie and earned criticism for his pass-blocking performance.
While Hall is certainly capable of a heavy workload, the days of a primary ball carrier averaging 30+ touches a game are long gone. The Jets have a clear need for a reliable RB2, and even if Allen proves worthy of the role, they could target one of the unsigned veterans remaining on the free agent market.
The case can be made for New York to pursue the controversial Kareem Hunt, who had spent four seasons backing up Cleveland Browns‘ superstar Nick Chubb.
At this point, Hunt, who has totaled 57 touchdowns over 91 career regular season appearances, can likely be had for a relatively low price. The soon-to-be 29-year-old comes with excess baggage, however, stemming from a 2018 video clip that shows Hunt physically assaulting a woman.
Would the Jets find it worthwhile to add Hunt in spite of the negative attention that could ensue?
Considering Hunt averaged only 3.4 yards per carry over his final two seasons in Cleveland, the potential reward isn’t great. In this particular scenario, it may make the most sense for New York to roll the dice with the rookies.
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