Running back Tarik Cohen is signing a one-year contract with the New York Jets, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Cohen, who turns 29 in July, hasn’t played a down in the NFL since 2020, when he was with the Chicago Bears. The 2017 fourth-round pick suffered a torn ACL, MCL and leg fracture during Week 3 of the 2020 season and missed the entire 2021 campaign.
After being released by the Bears in March 2022, Cohen suffered a torn Achilles tendon during an offseason workout. A year later, he announced he was attempting a comeback to the NFL and in September 2023, he was signed to the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad.
The Panthers released Cohen earlier this month and the Jets already have an idea of ​​how they plan to use him.
“Tarik, explosive playmaker, he’s starting to get healthy again,” Jets head coach Robert Saleh said Wednesday. “With the new kickoff rules, these kick returners are going to touch the ball more than 100 times a year, which is significant. “A guy like him, who is still young and clearly over his injuries, we are happy to have him on board. “
In parts of four seasons with the Bears, Cohen, a 2018 All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection, ran for 1,101 yards on 264 attempts with 5 touchdowns. Out of the backfield, he caught 209 balls for 1,575 yards and found the end zone nine times.
As Saleh mentioned, Cohen’s returning talents are what intrigued them if he were 100% healthy. During his time with the Bears, Cohen returned 30 kickoffs for 628 yards and 96 punts for 985 yards and a touchdown.
