Orleans Darkwa would be a good free agent pickup for Jets

The New York Jets are in the market to add a running back this offseason and have reportedly been confirmed to be interested in potential free agent Orleans Darkwa. He would be a good pickup by Gang Green in the grand scheme of things.

It’s no secret that with a new offensive coordinator in town, the New York Jets need to add more offensive weapons to the mix. Jeremy Bates takes over as offensive coordinator and should bring a better balance to the Jets offensive playbook.

Last season, former offensive coordinator John Morton did a very good job with what he had to work with but at the end of the day, was a bit too pass happy. When the Jets were a playoff-contending team, they focused on two key aspects to win a plethora of football games. It was all about their stout defense and committing to their ground-and-pound style of offense.

Could Bates bring back such a mentality? It’s expected that he will have the right offensive balance needed and even with that, needs to add one more running back to the mix. Matt Forte officially retired from the NFL and leaves a spot open in the positional group which should be filled this offseason by general manager Mike Maccagnan.

More from Free Agency

• NY Jets should target TE Hunter Henry in free agency
• NY Jets: Why the team should target cornerback Shaquill Griffin
• NY Jets: Why the team should not cut Jamison Crowder
• NY Jets should try to sign Kenny Golladay in free agency
• NY Jets: Jonnu Smith would be a smart free-agent target

Running back Orleans Darkwa is set to be an unrestricted free agent this offseason and ideally, would be a good pickup by the Jets. Not only is Darkwa just 26-years-old but has a lot of gas left in the tank since he hasn’t been used to his maximum potential over the past four years.

Spending time with the Miami Dolphins and most recently the New York Giants, Darkwa is actually coming off his best season yet. Last year with the Giants, Darkwa totaled 751 rushing yards, 171 attempts, and five touchdowns. As a receiving option, he totaled 116 yards on 19 receptions.

Throwing Darkwa into a running back by committee approach with Bilal Powell and Elijah McGuire could create a nice three-headed beast at running back. It’s about time that Powell got the nod to be a full-time starter and then split his backup duties between Darkwa and McGuire. If the Jets want to go back to being a ground-and-pound offensive team, they’ll need at least three running backs that each brings something unique to the table that would compliment the passing game of the Jets.

In an article written by Connor Hughes of NJ.com, he confirmed through a reputable anonymous source that the Jets at this point in time are interested in Darkwa. Here’s what Hughes said about the topic:

Orleans Darkwa, the former Giants runner and pending free agent, has drawn interest from the Jets down in Indianapolis, a source close to the situation told NJ Advance Media. The individual spoke on the condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to speak publicly about the negotiations.

Must Read: Top 10 Jets running backs of all-time

This could all just be smoke and mirrors by the Jets but if it does become reality, Darkwa would be a fine acquisition by the Jets to bolster their rushing attack. Considering that Forte had one of his worst seasons ever in his career last year, bodes well that at least Darkwa would be an upgrade over him. Darkwa has a lot to prove and could potentially thrive on the Jets if given the right opportunities to pick up exactly where he left off from last season with the Giants.