Report: Jets expressing interest in ex-Titans RB Dontrell Hilliard

Tennessee Titans free-agent running back Dontrell Hilliard remains unsigned and available on the open market — and he is reportedly drawing interest from at least one team: the New York Jets.

According to The Athletic’s Zack Rosenblatt, the Jets have expressed interest in the free-agent back, but they are also waiting for the veteran to receive clearance from a neck injury sustained in 2022.

Hilliard fits the bill. I’ve heard the Jets have expressed interest in Hilliard, but teams are waiting for the 28-year-old to receive medical clearance after he suffered a neck injury late last season. Jets passing game coordinator Todd Downing coached Hilliard with the Titans. He’s an above-average pass catcher with 4.42 speed (in the 40-yard dash) and he averaged 6.3 yards per carry in Tennessee the last two years.

Hilliard was originally brought in by the Titans in 2021 in the wake of the injury to Derrick Henry, making up an impressive 1-2 punch with fellow running back, D’Onta Foreman.

The 28-year-old was brought back in 2022 and once again played well, albeit in a much smaller role with Henry healthy. He managed to lead the team in touchdown receptions and once again proved to be both an asset as a pass-catcher and blocker.

As Rosenblatt points out, Hilliard already has a connection with the Jets, as his former offensive coordinator, Todd Downing, is the passing-game coordinator there.

I’ve been a proponent of bringing Hilliard back to once again play the role as Henry’s backup, but there has been no indication the Titans are interested. It’s possible the team will roll with 2022 fourth-round pick Hassan Haskins in that role.