The logjam in the Jets’ backfield has been cleared. New York is moving on from running back Zonovan Knight, reports NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. 
New York’s situation at the running back position was clouded by the Dalvin Cook signing. His addition, along with 2022 second-rounder Breece Hall, left the team with a highly-regarded tandem at the top of the depth chart. With those two in place, however, it seemed inevitable that only one of Knight or 2021 fourth-round pick Michael Carter would make the roster.
The latter, who has two years remaining on his rookie contract, will remain in the fold. The same is likely to hold true of fifth-round rookie Israel Abanikanda. That would come as little surprise, though Rapoport notes that Knight drew some interest on the trade front. It will therefore be interesting to see how many teams show a willingness to claim him on waivers. If that does not take place, he will be eligible to remain with the Jets via the practice squad.
Knight, 22, started last season on the taxi squad before Hall’s ACL tear opened the door to playing time. The former UDFA started four of his seven games, recording 300 rushing yards and one touchdown on 85 carries (good for an average of 3.5 yards per attempt). He showcased an ability to produce in the passing game as well, though, recording 100 yards on 13 receptions.
The NC State alum is one of many young backs who could find themselves in a new situation (one which could provide an increase in playing time) in the near future. Unless that happens, the Jets will presumably have a keen interest in again stashing him on the practice squad to begin the campaign.
It’s also clear that their 5th round pick, Izzy Abanikanda, will make the roster.
It’s too bad for New York that they couldn’t get some trade value for Knight, but it probably obvious that the Jets were going to have to release him or Carter. Carter seemed to have slightly more favor from the coaches from the get go, as Knight’s surprise debut was mostly due to injuries to players ahead of him who have returned to reclaim their roster spots. The Jets seem to have good depth at that spot, though much of it is still more in the potential stage than the proven stage behind Cook. They’ll need it, as there are a few injury questions at a few spots there.
Knight is sure to be signed, and should already be fielding several offers. It’ll be interesting to see who adds him, though it’ll certainly be for quality depth.
It says in the article that there was trade interest. If that’s true then I don’t know why it isn’t made. Even a 7th rounder is better than nothing
I would tend to agree. That’s why it’s a little puzzling, though I suspect that whatever New York was offered wasn’t too high. Even so, even a seventh would be better than nothing.
Perhaps they did this as a favor to Knight, or the trade interest never materialized into offers. No clue why the trade wouldn’t have been made otherwise.
Interesting to see the Lions get him. They needed another RB, and with the Lions only having 2 RB on their roster, it gives him a chance to get playing time.
Top landing spots for knight:
Buccaneers
Browns
Ravens
Bears
Steelers
Saints
Colts