According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the New York Jets released running back Elijah McGuire on Friday.
The #Jets have released RB Elijah McGuire, who started three games last season, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 30, 2019
McGuire was a sixth-round pick by the New York Jets back in 2017. He played two seasons for them, amassing 591 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 180 carries (3.3 yards per carry). He also racked up 36 receptions for 370 yards and two touchdowns in that time, proving to be a solid receiving option out of the backfield. This even led to him starting three games last season.
However, the Jets signed Le'Veon Bell in the offseason and now have a very clear number one. With that, they are looking in a new direction.
Bell himself is very adept at catching balls out of the backfield. Due to that, they may not want another majority receiving back as his primary backup.
That leaves Bilal Powell and Trenton Cannon as the two backups. Both have shown they can catch out of the backfield, but Powell has slowed down on that role over the past few years and can give the Jets a lot in the running game.
This was likely a case of the Jets feeling they would have too many similar backs in the offense and wanted to make sure they had a change of pace.
What this means for McGuire is unknown. He's still just 25 and has proven he has value. You'd guess he'll get a look with another team, but which team that is remains unseen.
Although he's struggled on the ground, McGuire's 10.3 yards per reception in his career brings a lot of intrigue. There are definitely quite a few teams that could use a receiving back and he's still more than young enough to mold into the player teams want.
Expect to hear more news on McGuire soon as another team is sure to scoop him up in the coming days.
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