Jets Release RB Isaiah Crowell

The New York Jets have released running back Isaiah Crowell after one up and down season with the team. This move was widely expected after the Jets signed free agent running back Le’Veon Bell to a large deal yesterday.

Isaiah Crowell ends his Jets career with 685 yards rushing on 143 carries for a 4.8 yards per carry average. More than 60% of those yards came in just three games, while in his other 10 outings Crowell failed to produce as many as 50 rushing yards in any one game.

The release of Isaiah Crowell, while expected, leaves the Jets dangerously short-handed at running back behind Le’Veon Bell. If Bell is injured, suspended, or ermmm ... otherwise unavailable, as of now the Jets would have a backfield of Elijah McGuire, Trenton Cannon and DeAngelo Henderson, none of whom have proven as of yet to be an effective runner of the football in the NFL. If his health checks out, it might not be the worst idea in the world to bring back Bilal Powell for one more go around. Powell’s skill set mirrors Bell’s to an extent in that he is an all around back who is good at running, catching and pass protecting, albeit not at nearly the same level as Bell. A role as the backup who gets a few touches a game and is there in a bigger capacity for short stretches of the season if Bell is out might suit Powell well, and the Jets would not have to alter the offense too much because Powell fills much of the same role, at a lower level.

In any event, Isaiah Crowell is now an ex-Jet. The release of Crowell leaves the Jets $2 million in dead money while freeing up $3 million in cap space. Celebrate or mourn depending on how you view his short tenure here.