Four year veteran wide receiver Keelan Cole signed a one-year, $5.5 million deal with the New York Jets. Cole, a former undrafted free agent, spent the first four seasons of his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Former Jaguars’ WR Keelan Cole to the Jets on a one-year, $5.5 million deal, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 18, 2021
Keelan Cole, New York Jets, Agree to Contract
Cole found himself as the longest-tenured wideout on the Jaguars in the 2020 season. In a rebuilding year, he was the veteran of the group. If anything, he provided consistency. The fourth year player started in just five games, but played in all 16. He recorded 55 receptions on 88 targets for 642 yards and five touchdowns. Cole had career highs in both receptions and touchdowns last year.
Cole started his NFL career in 2017 as an undrafted free agent. He was buried on the depth chart behind players such as Marqise Lee, Allen Hurns, Allen Robinson, and Dede Westbrook. However, he still found a way to make an impression as a rookie. For the 2017 season, Cole hauled in 42 passes for 742 yards (a career high) and three touchdowns.
Cole’s solid rookie campaign was rewarded with 11 starts in the 2018 season (five more than the year prior). Unfortunately, his production took a dip along with playing time as the season went on due to some fumble issues. He finished that season with 38 receptions for 491 yards and one touchdown.
The 2019 season was a year for Cole to prove his dedication to the game despite being more buried on the depth chart than his rookie year. He got just one start and played for only 34 percent of offensive snaps. He’s had a minimum of 66 percent of snaps each of his other three seasons. He made the most of little playing time, though. That year, Cole made 24 receptions on 35 targets for three touchdowns.
Cole is from Louisville, Kentucky. He played high school football at Central High School in Louisville and played for Kentucky Wesleyan for college. Cole will be 28 at the start of the 2021 season.
Main photo:
Embed from Getty Images
