The New York Jets are giving running back Tarik Cohen to resurrect his football career after signing him to a one-year deal. The details of the contract remain a secret.
Cohen last suited up for an official NFL game in 2020. Unfortunately, he suffered season-ending ACL and MCL tears in Week 3 against the Atlanta Falcons. Despite signing a three-year $17.25 million extension that offseason, that injury reversed his once-promising career.
He missed the entire 2021 season while recovering from an ACL injury. Sadly, the Bears released him after that season. But he suffered a torn Achilles during training when cleared for a football return.
Last year, Cohen tried his luck with the Carolina Panthers. However, he didn't make it to the active roster.
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. pic.twitter.com/7lBjqEt1Sc
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 29, 2024
Cohen had his best season in 2018, earning Pro Bowl and First Team All-Pro honors. That year, he had 444 rushing yards, 725 receiving yards, 411 punt return yards, and eight touchdowns. During his rookie season, he had 1,578 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns.
The former North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University standout will try to compete for a roster spot in the Jets' loaded running back depth chart. With Breece Hall as RB1, Cohen will likely battle with rookies Braelon Allen, Isaiah Davis, and second-year player Israel Abanikanda.
As for the return specialist position, Cohen will try to unseat Xavier Gipson, Brandon Codrington, and Davis from the depth chart.
-Lance Fernandez