Jets have chance to make meaningful RB addition with ex-Cardinals third-round pick

The New York Jets' running back depth chart is pretty much decided at this point, even with some of the injuries the team is currently facing. In reality, they really just need someone to eat carries in the preseason finale to not put too much stress on their healthy backs.

Breece Hall is still recovering from a strained groin he suffered during practice last week, and it's already been decided that he won't see another rep until Week 1 rolls around. Backup Isaiah Davis is currently nursing a knee injury and is also out, but he's trending towards an opening-day return as well.

That leaves Braelon Allen and Kene Nwangwu as the Jets' only healthy options at running back right now, with undrafted free agent Chip Trayanum and the recently signed Dominic Richardson as the only other players on the depth chart available for Friday night's preseason finale.

But it seems another option has emerged, as ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Arizona Cardinals waived running back Trey Benson on Monday, and the Jets should be inclined to give the former third-round draft choice a chance. If he's healthy, of course.

Could the New York Jets target ex-Cardinals running back Trey Benson?

The Cardinals waived Benson with an injury designation, meaning there is certainly something ailing the 2024 draft pick. Depending on how serious his recently reported knee injury is, the Jets should absolutely be keeping tabs on him.

Benson has been a mystery ever since he joined Arizona. Entering the 2024 NFL Draft, he was considered one of the top running back prospects and was expected to be a major addition to whatever team he landed with.

Instead, he was buried on the depth chart with the Cardinals and never really got the chance to show his stuff. In his rookie season, he carried the ball 63 times for 291 yards and scored one touchdown.

This past season, even after an injury to starter James Connor, Benson couldn't capitalize on the opportunity in front of him. He was supplanted by ex-Jets Michael Carter and Bam Knight and unfortunately suffered an injury that ended his season prematurely.

Just because things haven't worked in Arizona doesn't mean they can't work elsewhere, and the Jets should take a gamble on the former Florida State standout if he clears waivers.

He can start on the practice squad and work as a high-upside insurance option if New York's running back injury woes persist into the regular season. After all, he can't be worse than the undrafted free-agent options the Jets are currently working with, right?

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