New York Jets: 3 Potential shocking cuts in 2019
By Randy Gurzi
3. Bilal Powell, Running Back
In 2011, the Jets used a fourth-round pick on Louisville running back Bilal Powell. He got off to a slow start, appearing in only two games as a rookie while gaining just 21 yards on 13 rushes. As a sophomore, he started to get into the game much more frequently.
Powell played in 14 games with two starts. He averaged exactly four yards per run and finished with 437 yards and four touchdowns. While he never could hold down the featured back role full-time, Powell continued to get plenty of time on the field and has always been a dual threat that could hurt teams on the ground and as a receiver.
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In 2018, he was off to a good start through seven games but was then sent to the injured reserve after suffering a neck injury. He did re-sign with the Jets but for just $930,000 — and only $90,000 of that is guaranteed according to OverTheCap.com.
While the veteran has become a fan favorite, it won’t be easy for Powell to make the roster this season. The Jets added two talented players to their backfield in Le’Veon Bell and Ty Montgomery. Bell is one of the best backs in the NFL — and may be the best running back in terms of catching the ball out of the backfield — and isn’t going to be taken off the field much at all.
Montgomery is a converted wide receiver who has been a starter in the past for the Green Bay Packers. His addition likely means Powell is the third back at best. That doesn’t bode well for him as teams usually dedicate this spot to a younger player rather than a running back who will turn 31 early in the season.