The Jets claimed former Giants WR Quadree Henderson on Friday afternoon, according to ESPN’s Field Yates.
Henderson, a return man, was released by the Giants on Wednesday. They now have Jabrill Peppers to serve as their primary return man with Corey Coleman serving as the secondary return man. That made Henderson the odd man out.
Last season, Henderson helped stabilize the Giants return game after being promoted from the practice squad. Before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury, Henderson averaged 7.6 yards on nine punt returns and 22.4 yards on five kick returns.
The specialist is expected to compete to replace Andre Roberts, who left for the Bills this offseason. The Jets did not show much interest in re-signing the Pro Bowl return man because they believe in Brant Boyer’s ability to develop special teams players.
That’s why the Jets sought out a 22-year-old like Henderson instead.
Henderson played college football at the University of Pittsburgh, where he was a dynamic returner. He was named a Consensus All-American and First-Team All-ACC selection due to his work on special teams.
In 2016, Henderson led the FBS with 1,166 total return yards. His 15.8 yards per punt return and 30.5 yards per kick return were good enough for third and fifth in the country, respectively.
The addition of Henderson allows the Jets to use Trenton Cannon and Josh Bellamy as gunners, rather than to force them into returning duties, which neither has excelled at during their careers.
