(WFAN) The NFL's new kick return rules have perhaps convinced the Jets to take a flier on a former All-Pro in that realm.
The Jets have signed former Bears running back/return specialist Tarik Cohen to a one-year contract, according to ESPN, which will hopefully mark Cohen’s first NFL action in four years.
Cohen, 28, played three games for Chicago in 2020, but he tore his ACL and MCL and fractured his leg in Week 3 of that season and hasn't played since. Those injuries cost him the rest of 2020 and 2021 before a torn Achilles sidelined him in 2022. Cohen signed with Carolina in 2023, but a hamstring injury meant he never got a snap.
“Explosive playmaker, he’s starting to get back healthy," Jets coach Robert Saleh said at OTAs on Wednesday. "With the new kickoff rules and these kick returners, they’re going to touch the ball over 100 times a year, which is significant, or at least that’s what we’re anticipating. And a guy like him, he’s still young, obviously coming off his injuries, and we’re excited to have him aboard.”
Cohen was a fourth-round pick of the Bears in 2017 and returned 55 kicks for 850 yards and a touchdown as a rookie. The following season, he led the NFL in punt returns and punt return yards (33 and 411) and was named first-team All-Pro and selected to the Pro Bowl as a return specialist.
He was a big weapon in the Bears’ offense that year as well, rushing 99 times for 444 yards and three touchdowns and catching 71 balls for 725 yards and five scores.
Now, hopefully, he can come back from missing virtually four full seasons and be a weapon for the Jets.