Former Vikings Speedster Re-Ups with Jets
Once an electric member of the Minnesota Vikings’ special teams unit, Kene Nwangwu has found staying power with the New York Jets, signing another contract this week with Aaron Glenn’s team.
Nwangwu’s speed still carries value in New York.
The man with 4.29 speed is on tap to return kicks in New York next season.
Nwangwu Still Fits the Jets
It’s Year No. 3, believe it or not, for Nwangwu with the Jets.
Nwangwu Extended by NYJ
The speed demon is back in the Big Apple. NBC Sports‘ Josh Alper wrote Saturday, “Return specialist Kene Nwangwu is returning to the Jets. According to multiple reports, Nwangwu has agreed to re-sign with the team. It’s a one-year deal worth $2 million with $1 million guaranteed and another $1 million available in incentives.”
“Nwangwu joined the Jets in 2024 and he has returned two of the 21 kickoffs he’s fielded over the last two seasons for touchdowns. Nwangwu also had three kickoff return scores during his three seasons with the Vikings and his five career touchdowns are tied for the ninth most in league history.”
Nwangwu isn’t used all that much as a running back, but he’ll for damn sure be a threat on special teams.
The Jets’ RB Room
For now, Nwangwu will nestle in the Jets’ RB room as the RB4. Here’s the complete group:
- Breece Hall
- Braelon Allen
- Isaiah Davis
- Kene Nwangwu
Many believed Hall would leave the club in free agency — it had a fire sale last year before the trade deadline — but New York swerved and placed the dreaded franchise tag on him. He’ll run the show once again in New York’s backfield, barring a trade.
The Jet Press‘s Charlie Baduini noted on the Nwangwu transaction, “There weren’t many things the New York Jets could hang their hat on in 2025, but special teams was certainly one of them. Under the guidance of first-time special teams coordinator Chris Banjo, the Jets were ranked in the top 10 in almost every major category for the often-forgotten third phase of the game.”
“Their latest move, the re-signing of former All-Pro kick returner Kene Nwangwu, signals that New York is doing everything it can to maintain that continuity heading into 2026. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that the Nwangwu contract is a one-year, $2 million deal with $1 million fully guaranteed and a max value of $3 million.”
Nwangwu’s Career and Time in Minnesota
Nwangwu’s NFL journey took a couple of turns after the Vikings released him in August 2024. After a very brief stint with the New Orleans Saints, which ended after he failed a physical, he re-entered free agency. New York quickly signed him, capitalizing on the diminished value of return specialists leaguewide.
The new kickoff rule, which allowed teams to fair catch and receive the ball at the 25-yard line in 2024, had contributed to Nwangwu’s initial release from Minnesota as the team finalized its 2024 roster. However, the Jets benefited from the rule change, as evidenced by a kick return touchdown that season.
Even before his release, Nwangwu’s role in Minnesota had been declining. Despite his exceptional speed, he never secured a significant offensive role. In his three seasons with the Vikings, the former Iowa State Cyclone had only 33 offensive touches, accumulating just 118 scrimmage yards — underwhelming production given his athleticism. Vikings fans had long hoped he would develop into a more prominent offensive weapon. No luck.
The Vikings drafted Nwangwu in the 4th Round of the 2021 NFL Draft primarily for his return abilities, and he delivered, recording five career kickoff return touchdowns so far. One memorable touchdown occurred on Thanksgiving night in 2022 against the New England Patriots, shifting the game’s momentum when Minnesota struggled to contain Mac Jones and create turnovers.
Looking ahead in Minnesota, the Vikings have entrusted the return duties to Myles Price, an undrafted free agent acquired after the 2025 NFL Draft, who now handles both kick and punt returns.
The Jets’ Other FA Moves
New York added five new players last week — three more than Minnesota. Here’s the full list of signings:
- Andrew Beck (FB/TE) NYJ → NYJ
- Dane Belton (S) NYG → NYJ
- Andre Cisco (S) NYJ → NYJ
- Demario Davis (LB) NO → NYJ
- Kingsley Enagbare (EDGE) GB → NYJ
- Max Mitchell (LT) NYJ → NYJ
- Xavier Newman-Johnson (G) NYJ → NYJ
- Kene Nwangwu (RB) NYJ → NYJ
- Joseph Ossai (EDGE) CIN → NYJ
- Chukwuma Okorafor (RT) NYJ → NYJ
- Nahshon Wright (CB) CHI → NYJ
Then, these men from the Jets’ 2025 roster found new employers:
- Tony Adams (FS) NYJ → TEN
- Michael Clemons (EDGE) NYJ → IND
- Nick Folk (K) NYJ → ATL
- John Metchie (WR) NYJ → CAR
- John Simpson (G) NYJ → BAL
- Alijah Vera-Tucker (T/G) NYJ → NE
- Quincy Williams (LB) NYJ → CLE
All told, the Jets employ four former Vikings: Kobe King (LB), Harrison Phillips (DT), Nahshon Wright (CB), and Nwangwu.
Nwangwu turned 28 last month.
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