C.J. Spiller, Jets on verge of contract, source says
C.J. Spiller #28 of the Seattle Seahawks scores a touchdown against Darron Lee #50 and David Harris #52 of the New York Jets in the second quarter at MetLife Stadium on Oct. 2, 2016 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Credit: Getty Images / Al Bello
C.J. Spiller soon will be reunited with Chan Gailey.
According to a source, the Jets plan to sign the 29-year-old running back, who was drafted by Buffalo in 2010 when Gailey, the Jets’ offensive coordinator, was the Bills’ coach.
The Jets had been in talks with Spiller on Tuesday, but when they didn’t receive a commitment, they instead claimed former Packers running back Knile Davis off waivers. Running back Troymaine Pope was waived to make room for Davis on the roster. The Jets must now wait until 4 p.m. Wednesday to officially release Davis and sign Spiller.
The organization had expressed strong interest in Spiller in February 2015, but a month later he signed a four-year, $16-million contract with New Orleans.
Spiller’s tenure with the Saints lasted only 13 games. He was released on Sept. 13, two days after their regular-season opener. Spiller signed with Seattle before Week 4. He rushed for 9 yards on three carries and caught five passes for 43 yards for the Seahawks before being released last Wednesday. Spiller caught an 8-yard touchdown pass from Russell Wilson in Seattle’s 27-17 win over the Jets in Week 4.
Spiller’s best season came in 2012 when he rushed for 1,244 yards with the Bills.
Offensive tackle Jesse Davis and receiver Myles White were signed to the practice squad. In a corresponding move, center Kyle Friend and linebacker Reshard Cliett were released.
