The Minnesota Vikings’ final cutdowns to 53 players ahead of the regular season brought few surprises.

However, releasing Kene Nwangwu, a second-team All-Pro kick returner as a rookie just two years ago, could certainly qualify as a surprise.

Two weeks after getting cut, Nwangwu has a new home with Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets.

“Former #Vikings KR/RB Kene Nwangwu is signing with the #Jets practice squad today, per source,” NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reportedon X on September 9.

A running back by trade and one of three Vikings fourth-round picks in the 2021 draft (No. 114 overall), Nwangwu has 27 carries for 88 yards in his career, a 3.3 yards-per-carry average. He also has 6 receptions for 30 yards.

However, he ranked fifth in yards per kick returnand was one of two members of the top five to score in 2022, earning Second-Team All-Pro honors.

Nwangwu was a member of the NFL All-Rookie Team. Pro Football Focus, the Pro Football Writers of America, and Sporting News all selected him as a First-Team All-Pro kick returner in 2021. Sporting News doubled down, naming Nwangwu a First-Team All-Pro in 2022 as well.

He joins a Jets roster that already features second-year standout returner Xavier Gipson.

The NFL’s new kickoff format means teams want multiple options back deep, and the Jets had former Chicago Bear Tarik Cohen on the roster before he retired in August.