Jets sign free agent RB Ty Montgomery

The New York Jets have added depth to their offensive backfield, signing yet another veteran free agent in former Green Bay Packers and Baltimore Ravens running back Ty Montgomery.

Le’Veon Bell was the big-ticket signing for the Jets offense this offseason, but that hasn’t stopped them from bringing in more depth and experience with another versatile playmaker.

Ty Montgomery is the latest addition to the team:

That lid looks right on you, @_WiFi_Ty_ ? pic.twitter.com/kN5i5zuBBM

— New York Jets (@nyjets) April 11, 2019

A wide receiver at Stanford and into his early NFL career, Montgomery made the switch to running back after a string of injuries left the Packers desperate for help in the backfield. He continued in that role with the Ravens, where he spent the latter half of the 2018 season.

A third-round pick in the 2015 NFL draft, Montgomery was a consensus All-American and first-team All-Pac-12 pick following the 2013 season. He helped lead the Cardinal to back-to-back conference titles in 2012 and 2013, following a multi-sport high school career for the prep track star.

With 42 games under his belt through four NFL seasons, Montgomery’s versatility has allowed him to rack up nearly 2,000 total yards and 10 touchdowns.

While Bell is sure to get the lion’s share of the touches, there should be a tight competition for the backup role. Incumbent Elijah McGuire has a versatile skill set of his own, Montgomery’s experience and track record of production as both a runner and a receiver could give him an inside track to winning the job.

At the very least, expect Montgomery to challenge for immediate action on special teams, particularly in the return game.