Matt Forte may be the running back to take the majority of the carries for the New York Jets next season, but the team is bolstering its depth at the position. The Jets brought back Bilal Powell Thursday and signed Khiry Robinson shortly after.
While the Jets' signings of Forte, Powell and Robinson does not mean they will not consider drafting a running back it is a clear indicator they are prepared not to take one. The signings also let the Jets check a major box for the offseason areas of need.
Forte may be replacing Chris Ivory, who left the Jets for the Jacksonville Jaguars, but Powell and Robinson will serve as relievers for the 30-year-old running back. Powell, 27, was reportedly entertaining interest from the Patriots, Ravens and Cowboys, while the market for Robinson seemed relatively quiet.
Robinson, 26, broke his leg last season and was limited to 56 rushing attempts in eight games. In three season with the Saints, Robinson totaled 766 yards and eight touchdowns on 186 carries. Despite the small sample size, Robinson's 4+ yards-per-carry over those three seasons are promising for a third-string running back.
Forte and Powell still figure to get most of the touches for the Jets, as they can contribute to the passing game. With former Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott's draft stock rising, the Jets may be preparing for him to not be available for them at the 20th overall selection. Like Forte and Powell, Elliott has an well-rounded skill set.
The next big task for the Jets this offseason is figuring out who will play quarterback. Their selection of Bryce Petty last season would indicate they no longer consider Geno Smith the future of the franchise, but they do not appear ready to let those two compete for the starting job. They seem like they want to bring back Ryan Fitzpatrick, but are "far apart" in their negotiations with him.
The alternative to both scenarios may well be pursuing Colin Kaepernick, who apparently wants to leave San Francisco. If the Jets are serious about Kaepernick, they will have to do more than just absorb his massive contract and will likely need to give up their second- and third-round draft picks.