Jets bringing back kick returner Kene Nwangwu on one-year contract

Jets bringing back kick returner Kene Nwangwu on one-year contract

Kene Nwangwu is making another return. 

Nwangwu, who had a 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in his Jets debut last season, agreed to terms Friday to return to the team.

The one-year deal is worth up to $2.5 million with incentives, according to NFL Network. 

Nwangwu, 27, nearly led the Jets to an upset of the Seahawks with three kickoff returns for 152 yards and a score when he was first elevated from the practice squad in Week 12 last season.

Kene Nwangwu runs with the ball during the first half when the New York Jets played the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. Robert Sabo for NY Post

But he only made one more appearance before suffering a season-ending hand injury. 

Kene Nwangwu celebrates with his teammates against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. Robert Sabo for NY Post

The Jets have a new special teams coordinator for the first time since 2016, as head coach Aaron Glenn brought in fellow former Sean Payton protege Chris Banjo.

Brant Boyer, who had survived Jets coaching changes from Todd Bowles to Adam Gase to Robert Saleh, followed Saleh to the 49ers. 

Of course, Nwangwu’s résumé is well known throughout the special teams universe.

Kene Nwangwu speaks to the media after practice in Florham Park, NJ. Bill Kostroun/New York Post

He was a Second-Team All-Pro in 2022, when he averaged 26.3 yards per kickoff return for the Vikings. 

The NFL’s Compeтιтion Committee is considering more tinkering with kickoff rules by changing the spot of the ball to further decrease touchbacks and increase the number of returns per game in 2025, so dynamic returners are becoming more valuable again. 

Nwangwu is a running back by trade who took one offensive snap last season and has 27 career rushes.

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