There was a time when Vikings draft pick Kene Nwangwu struck fear in opposing teams’ kickoff coverage units. He was even promoted to All-Pro as a sophomore and made the second team in 2022.
After a few years, he was no longer employed by the Minnesota Vikings. Instead, the task is to burn up yards quickly on kickoff returns as the New York Jets. Recently, he agreed to a new deal to continue doing so. Tom Pelissero NFL Network “According to sources, the Jets will re-sign RB/RS Kene Nwangwu to a one-year contract worth $2 million. He will receive $1 million guaranteed and can earn up to $3 million through incentives,” the source said.
advertise
Vikings draft pick shows off Jets’ speed
Matt Daniels has done a great job as Minnesota’s special teams coordinator.
A major part of the problem is that the NFL significantly weakened kickoff returns when he first took over. Doing so takes away a major aspect of Nwangwu’s value to the team. The emphasis shifts to becoming more dangerous on punt returns, an area where the former Viking won’t shine as much on special games as on kickoffs. Ultimately, Minnesota moved on.
November 24, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Kene Nwangwu and special teams. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports.
At 6 feet 1 inches tall and weighing 210 pounds, Mr. Nwangwu is not the most imposing football player in the world. Despite this, he is still one of the fastest. His RAS score was 9.88, thanks in large part to his amazing 4.32 40-point average. Even in the NFL, which has a lot of fast players, that’s scary fast.
Getting him to the Twins means using the No. 119 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Using the No. 4 on a returner isn’t cheap, but he’s a uniquely dangerous special teams player. He’s never been able to translate his speed into offense (as hoped), but he’s been a constant threat on special teams.
advertise
In fact, Kene Nwangwu scored two touchdowns as a rookie and averaged 32.2 yards per kickoff return. Nwangwu caught another touchdown in 2022 and averaged 26.3 yards per return.
A quieter year in 2023, Minnesota continues to move forward. Nwangwu has played for the Jets the past two seasons and has produced impressive returns for the team. Most notable were the two touchdowns he scored on special teams, but the yardage average was explosive.
October 2, 2022; London, England; Minnesota Vikings running back Kene Nwangwu (26) during the NFL International Series at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter van den Berg-USA TODAY Sports.
Aside from the departure of punter Ryan Wright, the Vikings’ special teams unit is largely unchanged from last year. Returning are All-Pros in kicker Will Reichard and long snapper Andrew DePaola. Cover ace Tavel Thomas also received a new contract.
advertise
Meanwhile, Myles Price is locking down the returning staff job. Ironically, Price is a great option on punt returns but not as dangerous on kickoffs. In other words, the Vikings could use a talent like Ken Nwangwu.
Lately, the Jets have become a team with many former Vikings players. Defensive tackle Harrison Phillips, corner Nashon Wright and linebacker Kobe King are all making a living there.
Former Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn will be looking to build a more promising 2026 season after a disappointing first season as New York’s head coach. It would definitely help to see Nwangwu produce more magic on kickoff returns.
Editor’s note: Information comes from pro football reference and Exceed the upper limit helped complete this piece.