Would the New York Jets consider controversial running back for insurance role?

The New York Jets roster does not include a proven commodity behind Breece Hall at running back.

Fourth-round rookie Braelon Allen created excitement during OTAs, as the physically imposing Wisconsin product showed his RB2 potential by multiple accounts. Still, it’s considered unwise to rely on a first-year NFL player as your only option.

Fifth-round pick Isaiah Davis could also play a role, but his path to the next level is broader than Allen’s due to his small-school background. Then there’s 2023 fifth-rounder Israel Abanikanda, who was deployed sparingly as a rookie and was criticized for his pass-blocking performance.

While Hall is certainly capable of handling a heavy workload, the days of a primary running back averaging 30-plus touches per game are long gone. The Jets clearly need a reliable RB2, and even if Allen proves worthy of the role, they could target one of the remaining unsigned veterans on the free-agent market.

A case can be made for New York to pursue the controversial Kareem Hunt, who spent four seasons backing up Cleveland Browns superstar Nick Chubb.

At this point, Hunt, who has 57 touchdowns in 91 regular-season appearances, can probably be had for a relatively low price. The soon-to-be 29-year-old has some additional baggage, though, stemming from a 2018 video clip that shows Hunt physically assaulting a woman.

Would the Jets find it worthwhile to add Hunt despite the negative attention that might come with it?

Considering Hunt only averaged 3.4 yards per carry over his last two seasons in Cleveland, the potential reward isn’t huge. In this particular scenario, it might make more sense for New York to take a chance on the rookies.