RB Josh Adams returns to the New York Jets on new deal

New York Jets
ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 29: A general view of a New York Jets helmet before a game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on December 29, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. Jets beat the Bills 13 to 6. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)

The New York Jets have retained rusher Josh Adams, a Notre Dame alum and former Philadelphia Eagle who previously worked with Joe Douglas.

The New York Jets have announced the re-signing of running back Josh Adams. Adams, 24, earned over five yards a carry last season with 157 total yards on 29 attempts, two of which went for scores.

Adams burst onto the national scene with a stellar career at Notre Dame, departing South Bend as the program’s fifth all-time leading rusher (3,201 yards in three seasons). He went undrafted, but finished amongst the top ten in rookie rushers after collaborating with current Jets general manager Joe Douglas, then working in the Philadelphia Eagles’ front office. Adams earned 511 yards and three scores as the Eagles went to the playoffs and earned a win in the Wild Card round over Chicago.

The Jets added Adams to their roster when the Eagles dismissed him at the end of training camp in 2019. He had only eight carries in three games during his debut year but found an opportunity to impress when injuries and departures depleted the New York rushing attack. Adams would go on to partake in one of the most prolific Jets rushing days in recent memory when he had 74 yards to go with Ty Johnson’s 101 in December against the Raiders at MetLife Stadium. He was the Jets’ top rusher during their season final in New England, picking up 47 yards on 11 carries, one of which went for a touchdown, in the 28-14 defeat.

With Adams re-signed, the Jets now have him paired with Johnson and La’Mical Perine, each of whom is under contract. Veteran rusher Frank Gore, currently third on the NFL’s all-time rushing list at exactly 16,000 yards, remains a free agent. Gore, the Jets’ top rusher from last season after Le’Veon Bell’s release, is 726 yards away from tying Walter Payton for second place behind Emmitt Smith.

Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags