Kene Nwangwu: Everything you need to know

The Jets are signing Nwangwu to a one-year, $2 million contract worth up to $3 million with incentives, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. Nwangwu had a small role in New York's offense as a depth RB last year, recording 49 yards on 13 carries in 12 games. However, he was a key player on special teams, logging 604 yards and one touchdown on 18 kickoff returns. Nwangwu has recorded five TDs as a kick returner through his first five campaigns in the league, and that should again be his primary role in 2026.

Nwangwu finished the 2025 season with 13 carries for 49 yards and no targets or touchdowns on offense while adding 604 yards and one touchdown on 18 kickoff returns in 12 games. Nwangwu maintained his status as one of the NFL's best kickoff returners when healthy, as he's up to five kickoff return touchdowns in as many NFL seasons. He didn't record a touch on offense through Week 16 but set a new career high for carries in each of the last two games as the Jets battled backfield injuries, logging six in Week 17 and seven in Week 18. The special teams ace is set to turn 28 years old the day after the Super Bowl and will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason.

Nwangwu rushed six times for 31 yards and wasn't targeted in Sunday's 42-10 loss to the Patriots. He also returned four kickoffs for 114 yards. Breece Hall (knee) and Isaiah Davis (concussion) both exited in the second half, opening the door for Nwangwu and Khalil Herbert to take on larger roles. Nwangwu's contributions are usually limited to special teams, and Sunday's six carries marked a new career high for the 27-year-old running back. He could see an expanded role again in Week 18 against the Bills if Hall and Davis aren't available.