Who Should I Start? Deon Jackson or Kene Nwangwu

Wednesday, August 7, 6:33 PM

The New York Jets have signed running back Deon Jackson while releasing wide receiver Hamze El-Zayat in a related move. Jackson, who worked out with the Texans in July but did not sign a contract, will now compete for a depth role in the Jets' backfield during training camp. A Duke product, Jackson signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2021 and has spent most of his career with them, with brief stints at the Cleveland Browns and Giants last season. In 29 career games (27 with the Colts), he has recorded 283 rushing yards, two touchdowns, and 223 receiving yards. The Jets recently experienced a void at running back following Tarik Cohen's retirement. Jackson will compete with Israel Abanikanda, Braelon Allen, Isaiah Davis, and Xazavian Valladay to back up Breece Hall.

Wednesday, August 28, 10:00 PM

The New Orleans Saints have claimed running back and punt returner Kene Nwangwu off waivers from the Minnesota Vikings, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Nwangwu had been cut loose when the Vikings trimmed their roster down to 53 players on Tuesday. The 26-year-old is primarily a return specialist, having attempted just 14 rushes over the last two seasons. On the other hand, he led the NFL with 35 punt returns in 2022 and tacked on another 15 over nine games last year. He owns an impressive 27.6 yards per return and three return touchdowns over 37 career contests. It's no surprise that Nwangwu was claimed off waivers given his special teams talent, but it's an interesting landing spot given that the Saints already have Rashid Shaheed on their roster. Presumably, Shaheed will handle kick returns and Nwangwu will get the nod for punt returns in 2024.