Jets Sign Kenbrell Thompkins

The Jets announced today that they have signed free agent wide receiver Kenbrell Thompkins.

Don’t read too much into the waived part of the Middleton designation. It is a step the Jets have to take to eventually put Middleton onto injured reserve.

Thompkins was part of the Jets from 2015 through last year. He failed to make the team out of training camp in 2016 and did not catch on with an NFL team. He did recently have a workout with the Jets so there were signs that he was on the team’s radar.

Thompkins’ first stint with the Jets was memorable for two plays late in the 2015 season. A 43 yard catch he made late in regulation against the Cowboys set up a game-winning field goal in Week 15. Two weeks later, Thompkins just missed hauling in what would have been a game-winning touchdown pass that would have sent the Jets to the Playoffs in a bitter season-ending loss to the Bills.

If Thompkins was a more productive player, I would see this as a needed addition to provide veteran stability and add leadership to the core of young receiver the Jets have.

Thompkins may help in the leadership department, but he is no lock to make the team. If he does, his 70 career receptions do not inspire a lot of confidence he will be a difference-maker.