Jets sign Tarik Cohen

The New York Jets have announced the signing of former Chicago Bears running back Tarik Cohen.

The Bears picked Cohen in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft out of North Carolina A&T. His first few years in the league were productive. His best season was 2018 when he posted 1,169 yards from scrimmage and earned First-Team All Pro honors for his work as a return man.

Unfortunately his career was soon derailed by a series of serious injuries to his knee and Achilles.

Cohen last played in the NFL in 2020. He attempted an NFL comeback a year ago with the Carolina Panthers, signing a contract to join the practice squad. He was unable, however, to earn a promotion to the active roster during the season.

Head coach Robert Saleh expressed excitement about the signing when speaking to the media on Wednesday.

Saleh did, however, indicate Cohen will need to pass Xavier Gipson on the depth chart.

By the standards of May in the NFL, this signing is sure to draw attention. However, it would probably be wise to limit expectations. Cohen last played in a game four years and many injuries ago. It has been a long time since he looked explosive, and it is fair to wonder whether he will ever regain his old form. Saleh himself indicated that the Jets view Gipson as the top guy for the job.

Of course, teams need to bring 90 players to training camp so kicking the tires on Cohen to see whether there is an outside chance of a renaissance for his game isn’t a terrible idea.