Jets Trade for Former Gase Pupil, Running Back Kalen Ballage

The New York Jets have reportedly sent a late-round conditional draft pick to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for for running back Kalen Ballage.  The move comes as somewhat of a surprise as many had anticipated the team prioritizing the wide receiver position given their lack of depth at the spot, but instead Joe Douglas made a move for a former Adam Gase draft pick.

Plot twist: The #Dolphins are trading RB Kalen Ballage to the #Jets for a conditional late-round pick, source said. Miami had planned to release him, but NYJ stepped in before it was official and the two have a deal.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 27, 2020

The Dolphins were reportedly set to release Ballage before the Jets made a move to bring him in.  While it’s entirely possible that Ballage won’t make the 53-man roster and the Jets will recoup their pick, but Gase did draft Ballage with the Dolphins, and sometimes coaches make it a priority to bring in “their guys” when the opportunity presents itself.

In two pro seasons, Ballage has averaged 3 yards per carry on 110 attempts.  In 2019 he managed just 1.8 yards per rush after averaging an eye-popping 5.3 yards per carry as a rookie in 2018.

Glenn Naughton

Glenn was Born in the Bronx, New York and has followed the Jets religiously despite being stationed in several different countries and time zones around the world. He now resides in England and has been a JetNation member since 2005. Glenn will bleed green with the rest of us through the highs and lows.

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