RB/KR Leon Washington visits Jets: report
A serviceable Jets running back for four seasons, Leon Washington also will play against his former team. Credit: AP
It should come as no surprise the Jets are eager to get their old kick returner/running back.
Leon Washington – a fourth-round pick of the Jets, who played for the team from 2006-2009 – reportedly visited the Jets, following a trip to East Rutherford to meet the Giants earlier this week.
During his tenure with the Jets, Washington became a fan favorite. But he was unceremoniously released after he broke his leg in Week 7 of the ’09 season. The Jets, however, are looking to replace kick returner/running back Joe McKnight – whom they recently released. (Currently, receiver Clyde Gates has been returning kicks this preseason.)
Washington – who currently is tied with Josh Cribbs for the most career kickoff-return touchdowns (8) in the NFL – made the Pro Bowl last season with Seattle. But after the Seahawks signed wideout Percy Harvin, Washington was soon shown the door. Following his March release, he signed with the Patriots. But Washington was released over the weekend when the Patriots made their final 53-man roster.
(It's important to note that Jets general manager John Idzik was a front-office executive for the Seahawks for several years, including the two seasons Washington was there.)
The Jets currently have three running backs on their active roster: Bilal Powell, Chris Ivory and newly-signed Alex Green. Mike Goodson, who was suspended by the league, will return after Week 4.
Washington worked out on Tuesday for the Giants, along with fellow running backs Beanie Wells and Jonathan Dwyer.
