Tarik Cohen Attempting Surprise NFL Comeback With AFC Contender

Former Bears standout RB Tarik Cohen signed a one-year deal with the New York Jets on Wednesday, continuing his attempted NFL comeback after devastating injuries derailed a once-promising career.

Cohen last played in the NFL in 2020, suffering significant knee injuries in Week 3 of that season. He received First-Team All-Pro honors in 2018 for his stellar work in the return game, leading the league with 411 punt return yards.

He'll now join a crowded backfield led by Breece Hall, though it's great to see Cohen get another chance, especially with a potential contender.

Former Bears RB Tarik Cohen Signs With Jets

Originally a fourth-round selection in the 2017 NFL Draft, Cohen had 2,676 yards from scrimmage and 14 TDs as a Bear while adding 1,613 combined return yards and an additional TD. He was considered one of the NFL's most versatile weapons before his injuries and quickly won fans over in Chicago.

Cohen's best season came in that 2018 campaign. Not only did he receive the All-Pro honors as a returner but he also had 1,169 yards from scrimmage with eight TDs. He was particularly dangerous in the passing game, catching 71 passes for 725 yards and five scores.

While he faces an uphill battle to playing time in New York behind Hall, rookie Braelon Allen and 2023 fifth-round pick Israel Abanikanda, though Cohen's prowess as a returner could give him an edge to make the roster.

Bears fans can cheer Cohen on without much regret. Chicago has a remarkably bright future after drafting both QB Caleb Williams and WR Rome Odunze in the first round of the NFL Draft. With D.J. Moore and newly-acquired Keenan Allen alongside D'Andre Swift, Khalil Herbert, and Roschon Johnson, the Bears have one of the NFC's best offenses on paper.

It's unfortunate that Cohen can't be part of this exciting group, though I'm rooting for his comeback nonetheless.

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