After a career year with the Giants, Orleans Darkwa may not have to move too far for the next home as the New York Jets are interested.
Having already lost one of their top rushers in the fledgling days of training camp, the New York Jets’ salvation may lay within the confines of MetLife Stadium.
Per ESPN’s Jordan Raanan, the Jets met with ex-New York Giant Orleans Darkwa on Saturday, one of several free agents who could potentially join the summer practices at Florham Park this week.
Free agent running back Orleans Darkwa is visiting with the Jets today, per source. He’s schedule to meet with the Colts next. Darkwa led the #Giants with 751 yards and a strong 4.4 ypc last season. Would be solid summer pickup.
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) July 28, 2018
Darkwa, 26, is coming off the best season of his career, leading the Giants with 751 yards rushing and five touchdowns. Darkwa played behind a much-maligned Giants offensive line, forced to plug holes created by injuries and inconsistency with free agents of both the veteran and rookie variety. Still, Darkwa put up two 100-yard games, the first of his five-year NFL career.
The Giants won both games, as Darkwa set a new personal best with 117 yards in a nationally televised October win over Denver, before topping that with 154 yards and a touchdown in the victorious season finale over Washington, an 18-10 triumph where Darkwa opened the scoring with a 75-yard touchdown run, again beating his previous high.
Darkwa’s 4.4 yards per carry is also tied for ninth among qualifying running backs.
The running back, a Tulane alum, entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2014 with the Miami Dolphins. He signed on with the Giants later in the season, and took over full-time starting duties early in the 2017 season, taking over the job from an ineffective Paul Perkins.
Previously, Darkwa worked out with the New England Patriots this offseason and recently met with the Buffalo Bills. Along with Adrian Peterson, formerly of the Arizona Cardinals, Darkwa is one of two players who led their team in rushing yards that does not have a 2018 home.
Adding to the NFC East flair, the Jets welcomed in Alfred Morris, formerly of the Redskins and Cowboys, in addition to ex-Detroit Lion Tion Green.
