Jets Sign RB Isaiah Crowell

Isaiah Crowell has found a new home. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports (via Twitter) that the running back has agreed to a three-year deal with the Jets. It’s a three-year, $12M deal for Crowell, but it could be more like a one-year, $4MM pact, as Tom Pelissero of NFL.com (on Twitter) explains. The tailback has a $2MM injury guarantee which becomes fully guaranteed next March. After that, he’s due $4MM cash each year.

ESPN’s Rich Cimini tweets Crowell’s deal includes cap charges of $2 MM in 2018, $5 MM in 2019 and $5 MM in 2020, and includes a $3 MM signing bonus. His 2019 base salary ($4 MM) becomes fully guaranteed on the third day of the 2019 league year.

Despite the presence of Bilal Powell, the Jets had previously been linked to several running backs (including Dion Lewis and Orleans Darkwa). They ultimately landed one of the top free agent options in Crowell, who was listed 41st overall (third among running backs) in Zach Links’ ranking of the top-50 free agents.

The 25-year-old has shown flashes during his brief career, including a 950-yard campaign in 2016. This past season, the former undrafted free agent out of Alabama State ran for 853 yards and two touchdowns on 206 attempts (4.1 yards per carry). He also hauled in another 28 receptions for 182 yards. Despite the modest numbers, Pro Football Focus wasn’t thrilled with his performance, ranking him 47th among 58 eligible running backs. While Crowell performed poorly in the receiving and blocking metrics, the rushing numbers are a bit more encouraging.

Crowell could conceivably slot into the top of the running back depth chart, although he’ll face some competition in Powell. The 29-year-old has rushed for at least 700 yards over the past two seasons, so the Jets have two solid options they can turn to. The team is also rostering Elijah McGuireJeremy LangfordAkeem Judd, and Jahad Thomas.

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