Dec 15, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) hands off to running back Braelon Allen (0) against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

New York Jets Weapon Named Breakout Candidate After Aaron Rodgers Split

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Rex Villas | Last updated Jun 27, 2025 7:55 AM ET

The New York Jets are starting over in the 2025 NFL season with notable new faces on the team. For one, quarterback Aaron Rodgers is gone, as the Jets parted ways with him before he took his talents to the AFC North by signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Jets now have former Steelers QB Justin Fields positioned as their starter under center. Fields’ ability to use his legs to make plays gives the Jets’ rushing attack more firepower, but that can be better if running back Braelon Allen gets to the next level after one season in the pros.

Will Allen break out for the New York Jets in 2025?

Dec 15, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; New York Jets running back Braelon Allen (0) warms up before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

In 2024, the former Wisconsin Badgers star tailback played mostly behind Breece Hall, as he racked up 334 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 92 carries through 17 games.

New York’s offense, as a whole, wasn’t spectacular either, even with Rodgers running it, as the Jets were just 24th in both scoring offense (19.9 per game) and total offense (310.3).

The 2025 season brings hope for the Jets’ rushing attack, which was just 31st in the league with only 91.8 yards per contest in 2024, especially with a new offensive coordinator in Tanner Engstrand, who helped the Detroit Lions become an offensive juggernaut.

For Nick Wojton of Jets Wire, Allen represents the best chance among New York players to break out in the coming season.

Braelon Allen nearly had his breakout season as a rookie in 2024, but then the Jets made some changes to their coaching staff. When Nate Hackett lost his play-calling duties last season, Allen’s touches dropped in a big way in favor of Breece Hall. While Hall never broke out himself, Allen still was not leaned on in the same way. Moving forward under head coach Aaron Glenn, Allen’s fate could change because Glenn specifically said it will be a committee approach to rushing the ball moving forward.

A committee approach seems to be a much more ideal scenario for Allen, as that entails a fairer share in touches with Hall, who had 209 carries in 2024. Allen, however, will still have to prove that he can be efficient with whatever volume he gets, as he only averaged 3.6 yards per carry last season.

Buffalo Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard (43) grabs and tackles New York Jets running back Braelon Allen (0) during first half action at the Bills home game against the New York Jets at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park on Dec. 29, 2024.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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