Trent Cannon might not be the answer at special teams

With organized team activities and mandatory minicamp officially in the books for the New York Jets, things aren’t so good when it comes to running back Trent Cannon and his ability to do punt returns.

When it comes to the special teams unit of the New York Jets, it leaves much to the imagination. They haven’t had a quality kickoff or punt returner in what seems like forever now. So far during organized team activities and mandatory minicamp, rookie running back Trent Cannon has been given opportunities to use his speed as a special teams returner but hasn’t done well so far with punt returns.

Cannon is no stranger when it comes to kickoff returns but punt returns haven’t been an easy transition for him. The Jets are trying out many players for both kickoff and punt return duties but haven’t been able to find a player that consistently stood out.

As Cannon was doing his best during OTAs and mandatory minicamp to prove his worth, he struggled with punt returns as it’s all new to him. Mostly a kickoff returner in his collegiate career at Virginia State, when the Jets selected Cannon as a sixth-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, it was primarily to see if he could finally be the answer they’ve been looking for in a special teams returner. It’s early but so far things aren’t looking good for Cannon.

More from The Jet Press

• NY Jets should target TE Hunter Henry in free agency
• NY Jets: Why the team should target cornerback Shaquill Griffin
• NY Jets reportedly non-tendering linebacker Harvey Langi
• NY Jets: Why the team should not cut Jamison Crowder
• NY Jets should try to sign Kenny Golladay in free agency

Hopefully, things turn out well for him as he has a few weeks off from now until training camp to hone his craft and get ready for the real competition ahead. Since the running back situation of the Jets is crowded at the moment, special teams might be the only area for now that Cannon can excel in for him to make the final roster.

Nothing is guaranteed as head coach Todd Bowles continues to preach that every position is up for grabs with all players competing for their roster spots. Cannon could very well come back strong in training camp and show he can handle both kickoff and punt return duties but at this point in time, he’s looking like he might not be the answer.

Overall, Cannon has a long way to go but there is still plenty of time for him to work on what he needs to perfect and come out the gates swinging. He’s got the skill set to get the job done but now it’s a matter of executing where it matters most to be a complete package whether returning kickoff or punt returns.