It didn’t take Izzy Abanikanda long to find a new home after being released by the New York Jets on an unsuspecting Tuesday morning. The news broke swiftly, signaling that the fifth-round pick of the 2023 NFL Draft would go on to test the open waters and try his luck at securing a spot in a different franchise.
At 5-foot-10 and 215 pounds, the running back from Brooklyn, N.Y., entered the professional stage with impressive collegiate credentials to his name. Abanikanda, an alumnus of the Pittsburgh Panthers football program at the University of Pittsburgh, enjoyed a prolific stint of two years as the team's primary running back.
His sophomore year saw Abanikanda's name becoming increasingly popular in scouting circles when he rumbled his way through 1,431 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns on the season. As the sixth-most productive rusher among Power Five programs and the most productive ACC rusher of the season, Abanikanda ultimately opted for the NFL, choosing to enter the 2023 NFL Draft.
With growing concerns regarding the depth at the wide receiver and linebacker positions for the Jets, however, the writing was on the wall. The sheer might of a tightly contested running back depth chart ultimately led to the premature release of Izzy Abanikanda.
However, he would not remain in free agency for too long. Amid what would prove to be countless practice sessions and arduous team evaluations this season, Abanikanda capitalized on the prospect of newfound freedom – inking a favorable deal with the most promising of teams.