Andre Roberts could finally answer woes on special teams

The New York Jets haven’t had a quality special teams returner in what seems like forever. Andre Roberts could finally answer their woes in the kickoff/return department.

It’s no secret that it’s been years since the New York Jets have actually scored a touchdown from a kickoff/punt returner on special teams. It’s been so historically bad, it’s mostly remembered for botched plays and return specialists that either cost a turnover or simply called for a fair catch time and time again.

Hopefully, all that is about to change this upcoming season. This offseason, the Jets acquired wide receiver Andre Roberts. He’s a veteran of eight years spending time with the Arizona Cardinals, Washington Redskins, Detroit Lions, and most recently, the Atlanta Falcons.

Roberts is a versatile playmaker that can not only be a weapon on offense but excels in special teams. In his career as a kickoff returner, Roberts has totaled 2,907 yards, 23.4 yards per return, and a touchdown. As a punt returner, Roberts has totaled 930 yards, 8.1 yards per return, and two touchdowns.

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Yes, he might not be a touchdown-producing machine but the talent is undoubtedly there. Plus his stats are better than anyone the Jets used as a kickoff/punt returner in years. Add in the fact that Roberts also has playoff experience, means this could be one of the better acquisitions the Jets made this offseason.

So far during organized team activities, the Jets have been using multiple players to hopefully find a diamond in the rough to be the definitive answer at the kickoff/punt returner spot. Roberts is one of these potential starters as he’ll be competing with several other wide receivers and running backs for the starting position.

Keep an eye on Roberts all summer long since not only does he have the most experience as a special teams returner but has the stats to back it up. Hopefully, he turns into a legitimate threat this upcoming season from a position that the Jets have had no luck in over the past few years.