Getty Former New York Jets running back Tevin Coleman catching a pass during training camp.
The surprise roster cuts by the New York Jets continued on Tuesday, August 30.
NFL Insider Jeremy Fowler of ESPN shared the news on social media that Gang Green is releasing veteran running back Tevin Coleman.
Jets are releasing RB Tevin Coleman, per sources.
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An Interesting Move
This one raised a lot of eyebrows on social media including that of Connor Rogers:
“A surprise cut here, staff loves him and was a solid third running back role last year.”
The 29-year-old has followed Kyle Shanahan or a branch on his coaching tree at every stop of his career from the Atlanta Falcons to the San Francisco 49ers to the Jets most recently.
That is where he had a relationship with head coach Robert Saleh, offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, and offensive line coach John Benton.
A system guy that the coaching staff seemingly loved. Not only was he a locker room guy but he also showed some surprising pop last year when given opportunities.
The 4.2 yards per clip was his highest since 2018 and he even contributed on special teams as a return ace.
What Could This Mean?
Coleman wasn’t expected to go, he was in some people’s eyes a lock to make the roster.
At a minimum, the Jets were keeping three running backs and two of them were former draft picks: Breece Hall and Michael Carter.
Now with Coleman on the way out, it seemed like the decision came down to Ty Johnson and/or Zonovan “Bam” Knight for that final spot.
Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic said as much on Twitter:
Johnson was the darling of training camp last year, but the shine wore off during the season. TJ suffered through an array of drops and played consistently when relied upon.
So much so that his roster spot is very much in jeopardy. That is one of the main reasons why Gang Green decided to make history in the 2022 NFL draft.
When the Jets selected Hall, he became the highest drafted running back in over 31 years. Gang Green might not have done that if Johnson lived up to the hype in 2021.
Now, this offseason a new toy has risen to the top of the pile. Knight was a highly thought-of undrafted free agent and he has carved his path to a roster spot.
Not only has he delivered multiple splash plays during camp and the preseason as a running back, but Knight shined as a return man.
The more feathers you have in your cap, the more attractive you’re to an NFL team. That is very much the case with Knight who has really impressed.
Both Knight and Johnson reported to practice on Tuesday, August 30. It is still to be determined if any waiver claims change their job status, but at this moment in time, both are employed by Gang Green.
Rosenblatt did leave the door open for a potential Coleman return after placing another player on injured reserve after the initial 53-man roster is set.
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