Jets Bring Back ‘Old Friend’ With Surprise Reunion, Sign Ex-Seahawks Pass Catcher

Heavy on Jets

The New York Jets have brought back a familiar face.

NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero shared on social media that the Jets are signing veteran running back Zonovan ‘Bam’ Knight to the practice squad.

“The Jets are also bringing back an old friend,” Pelissero described.

He also revealed that the Jets signed former Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Easop Winston Jr.

Jets Add Some Depth to the Offensive Skill Positions

Knight originally joined the Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2022.

In that rookie campaign, Knight appeared in seven games and made four starts. He toted the rock 85 times for 300 rushing yards and he scored one rushing touchdown. The former NC State product also had 13 receptions for 100 receiving yards.

He was with the team through the 2023 offseason, but was released just ahead of final roster cuts. The talented running back quickly found a new home with the Detroit Lions. He was with the team for the next year and a half, but was dumped ahead of final roster cuts in late August.

Knight had been a free agent until he just signed with the Jets this week.

Gang Green also added a new receiver to their pass-catching group. Winston, 27, entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2020.

Over the last five seasons, he has spent time on the Los Angeles Rams, New Orleans Saints, Cleveland Browns, and most recently with the Seahawks from 2022 through early September of 2024.

The 5-foot-11, 190-pound receiver hasn’t gotten on the field much at all. Winston only has one reception for five yards in his career. He also brings some return ability to the table. As a punt returner exclusively he averaged 11.9 yards per return during his only NFL action back in 2021.

Knight Breaks Silence on Returning to the Jets

“God is good🫶🏾! Been a rough year but I’m more than grateful to be able to continue my journey ✝️🦋 #AGTG,” Knight posted on X previously Twitter in response to the news that he signed with the Jets.

The Jets have had an incredibly inconsistent 2024 campaign in all three phases. Specifically, the offense has had flashes of brilliance but long periods of mediocrity. The bright moment when things have been going well is Breece Hall being featured.

Since Todd Downing took over as the Jets playcaller, something has clicked.

Hall throughout that six-game stretch has 435 rushing yards on 87 carries. That is an average of five yards per carry.

Despite that level of success, Hall hasn’t had a game this season with more than 19 rushing attempts (h/t Matt O’Leary).

Heading into the season the Jets wanted to be a team that leaned on the run. However, they haven’t lived up to that billing this season. Hall has played great over the last six games but he hasn’t gotten the ball nearly enough considering all of his success.

If the Jets leaned on the run game, which is performing well, that would open up so many more opportunities for Aaron Rodgers. Play action game? Protect Rodgers? Create balance for the Jets offense?

The possibilities would be endless. If the Jets want to finish their season strong than featuring more Hall on offense could be a winning recipe.