New York may have to cut ties with a couple of promising players
The New York Jets are at a breaking point. After 13 consecutive years of missing the playoffs, Gang Green is in danger of reaching a level of embarrassment never seen in the history of North American sports.
That’s why they must continue making the right moves as training camp approaches. Despite the recent media overreaction to Aaron Rodgers’ minicamp absence, New York has had one of its best off-seasons in recent memory. Not only did it bolster its offensive line with the likes of eight-time Pro Bowler Tyron Smith and first-round draft pick Olu Fashanu, but it also added veteran wideout Mike Williams.
Those additions will undoubtedly improve upon an offense that ranked 31st in yards per game last season, as long as Rodgers stays healthy. However, the next step is addition by subtraction.
One of the harsh realities of the NFL is that fringe players could be cut at any moment, especially before Week 1. As teams slowly whittle their rosters down from 90 to 53 men, plenty of talented players will get sacrificed.
Who are some of the most likely Jets to get the ax this summer?
Abanikanda, a Brooklyn native, seemed destined to become a fan favorite when New York took him in the fifth round of the 2023 draft. The Pitt alum, who earned first-team All-American and All-ACC honors in 2022, was highlighted on HBO’s “Hard Knocks” as a diamond-in-the-rough type of player last preseason.
However, it hasn’t quite worked out that way yet. The 21-year-old logged just 22 carries for 70 yards, along with seven receptions for 43 receiving yards. Abanikanda had a chance to establish himself as Breece Hall’s backup in the second half of the year, as Dalvin Cook struggled and Michael Carter was released, but the NFL game may still be too fast for him.
Abanikanda admitted that his first professional campaign had ups and downs, via Eric Allen of the team’s website.
“Definitely, I’d say a roller-coaster,” Abanikanda said. “There was a lot of learning from the lessons and mistakes that I had. I feel like I made strong progress, just learning from my teammates, the vets.”
While this is common for a fifth-round pick, the 5-foot-11, 215-pounder is in trouble due to the Jets’ heavy investment into the backfield. The Jets drafted Wisconsin tailback Braelon Allen in the fourth round, as well as South Dakota State back Isaiah Davis in the fifth. They also signed 28-year-old veteran Tarik Cohen on a one-year deal.
The newest kids on the block usually get the advantage in this scenario. Although Abanikanda is far from an elder statesman, he’s the most likely player to be phased out of Hall’s backup brigade, as New York probably won’t carry five running backs on the final roster.
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