The New York Jets added some explosiveness to the backfield.
Gang Green announced on social media that they signed undrafted free agent running back Chip Trayanum. He was one of 12 UDFA signings by the green and white following the 2026 NFL draft.
Trayanum, 24, is listed at 5-foot-10 and weighs 224 pounds. He is coming off the best season of his college football career. He finished with 182 carries for 1,015 rushing yards and scored 12 rushing touchdowns. Through the air, he caught 21 passes for 212 receiving yards and scored two receiving touchdowns.
According to Pro Football Focus via Zack Rosenblatt, “Trayanum had the ninth-most runs of 10-plus yards (33) among all running backs in 2025.”
Path to an NFL Roster Spot
Rosenblatt did a column for The Athletic where he ranked the chances of the 12 UDFAs who could make the roster.
He listed Trayanum as the second most likely player of the group to make the cut.
“According to [Dane] Brugler, Trayanum was the only draftable prospect of this Jets UDFA class — and he was graded as a seventh-round/priority free agent value. NFL.com had him graded as a sixth-rounder,” Rosenblatt wrote.
“He’s an intriguing prospect with some size (5-10, 224), athleticism (4.5 40, 37-inch vertical), and strength (27 bench press reps). He’s a strong runner with some special-teams experience,” Rosenblatt added.
The good news for Trayanum is that the Jets didn’t add a running back in free agency or during the 2026 NFL draft. The only new competition he will be battling with is fellow UDFA RB Sam Scott out of Wyoming.
There are three roster locks at the running back position: Breece Hall, Isaiah Davis, and Braelon Allen.
The Jets also have Kene Nwangwu, who is technically listed at running back. However, he only has 40 career carries. Nwangwu’s real contributions to the team come on special teams.
So if the Jets are looking for another capable guy in the backfield, specifically, Trayanum might have a shot.
For what it’s worth, NBC Sports draft analyst Connor Rogers believes Trayanum could make the team if the Jets suffer an injury to the backfield.
Opportunities come in all shapes and sizes. Recently retired quarterback Chris Streveler joined me on “Boy Green Daily” last week. He explained that he got his shot in the Canadian Football League because a guy ahead of him on the depth chart retired, and then the starter got injured.
You don’t question your opportunity, or how you got it; you just seize it.
A Difficult Path
It was a long road for Trayanum. He started his college career in 2020 at Arizona State. After spending two years there, he joined Ohio State. After spending another two years there, he jumped to Kentucky. The final stop on his college voyage was at Toledo this past year.
Throughout his career, he has played linebacker and running back. He appeared in 50 games and made 18 starts.
“Trayanum is a big, competitive back who runs with energy, average speed, and upright pads. His upside on third downs and special teams will be his path to an NFL roster spot,” Dane Brugler of The Athletic wrote in “The Beast.”
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