The Jets have added another former Dolphin to their running back room.
New York traded a conditional late-round pick to Miami for Kalen Ballage on Thursday, according to multiple reports. The Dolphins were planning to release Ballage, but the Jets swooped in with the opportunity for Miami to possibly get something in return for the running back.
Ballage, 24, is entering just his third year in the NFL after the Dolphins made him a fourth-round pick in 2018. The Arizona State product did little for Miami last year, rushing for 135 yards and three touchdowns in 12 games. However, Ballage proved useful over limited looks as a rookie when Adam Gase was still the Dolphins’ head coach. He averaged 5.3 yards per carry on 36 attempts in 2018.
Ballage, who also has some experience returning punts, is likely a longshot to make the Jets’ 53-man roster. With Le’Veon Bell, Frank Gore and La’Mical Perine all locks to make the team, there’s not much room in New York’s backfield. Gore also played for Gase and with Ballage in Miami.
In addition to Ballage, the Jets have Pete Guerriero and Josh Adams as depth pieces.