Six days after Tarik Cohen’s retirement, the New York Jets have added another running back to their 90-man roster.
According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2, the Jets have reportedly signed 25-year-old running back Deon Jackson after working out five backs. Jackson worked out with both the Jets and the Texans.
#Jets signed Deon Jackson per a league source @KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 7, 2024
Jackson was signed by the Colts as an undrafted free agent following the 2021 NFL draft. Throughout his NFL career, Jackson has spent time with the Indianapolis Colts, Cleveland Browns, and, most recently, the New York Giants.
Entering his fourth year in the league, the Duke product has appeared in 29 games, recording 95 rushing attempts for 283 yards and two touchdowns. In 2022, the Duke product led all Colts running backs in receiving as he notched 30 catches for 209 yards.
Jackson was the Colts’ starting running back in Week 1 of the 2023 season, but after losing two fumbles and gaining only 14 yards on 13 carries, he was waived less than two weeks later. He then signed with the Browns’ practice squad, appearing in one game. Jackson was waived by Cleveland and claimed by the Giants, for whom he played one game.
This seems to be a depth move for the Jets. Jackson provides a training camp body that can take up carries. During the preseason, Jackson will compete with second-year running back Israel Abanikanda and Xazavian Valladay for snaps.
Jackson’s best-case scenario is most likely a spot on the Jets’ practice squad. He will have plenty of opportunities to prove himself in the coming weeks as the Jets host their first joint practice against the Washington Commanders on Thursday and will also take on the Commanders in their first preseason contest on Saturday.
