Undrafted free agent running back Chip Trayanum signed a deal with the Jets, reportedly featuring $195,000 in guaranteed money, a figure that's definitely raising eyebrows around the league. That's a significant commitment for an UDFA, especially when earlier whispers said he wasn't getting any guarantees. It tells you everything about what New York thinks they might have on their hands with the 24-year-old out of Toledo.
From College Wanderer to MAC Star
Trayanum's journey through college football was a wild one before he landed that UDFA deal. This dude was a four-star high school recruit who started at Arizona State, pulling in 290 yards and four touchdowns in just four games as a true freshman before redshirting due to a pandemic-shortened schedule. The next season, he had a couple of fumbles, saw his playing time drop, but still put up 402 yards and six scores in nine games. Then came the move to Ohio State, where they actually tried to convert him to linebacker. He stacked up 13 tackles there before switching back to running back late in the season, even ripping off 83 yards on 14 carries against Michigan. In 2023, he was a full-time rotational back for Ohio State, starting three games and netting 373 rushing yards and three touchdowns, plus adding nine catches to his previously tiny career total of six. The transfers kept coming, though. In 2024, Trayanum hit Kentucky hoping for a starting gig, but injuries limited him to just three appearances and 101 yards. It wasn't until 2025, after yet another transfer, that he finally got his shot at Toledo. And boy, did he make it count! He exploded for 1,015 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, earning first-team all-MAC honors. He even added 21 receptions for 212 yards and two more scores. Despite that monster season, performing well at his pro day, and getting an invite to the East West Shrine Bowl, the April draft passed him by. What a story, right?What He Brings to the Big Apple
So, what kind of player is the Jets' new back getting that chunk of change? Trayanum's got solid size at 5'10" and 224 pounds, and he backs it up with some seriously athletic numbers. We're talking a 37-inch vertical, 27 bench press reps, and a 4.52 40-yard dash, plus those "solid agility numbers." He's primarily been a conventional running back, which makes sense given his size and power. He hasn't really produced much out of the slot or lined up wide, so don't expect him to be a gadget guy there. But remember that linebacker stint? He played that in college and high school, plus safety and cornerback in his youth. That versatility could be huge, showing he understands different sides of the ball. The Jets putting down $195,000 in guaranteed money for Chip Trayanum is a huge vote of confidence. It means they're not just kicking the tires. They're telling him, "We think you can make our squad." With that kind of investment, Trayanum needs to prove that his breakout 2025 season wasn't a fluke. It's time for him to show up, lay it all on the line, and fight for a spot on that 53-man roster.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.