Kene Nwangwu's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

The New Orleans Saints have claimed running back and punt returner Kene Nwangwu off waivers from the Minnesota Vikings, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Nwangwu had been cut loose when the Vikings trimmed their roster down to 53 players on Tuesday. The 26-year-old is primarily a return specialist, having attempted just 14 rushes over the last two seasons. On the other hand, he led the NFL with 35 punt returns in 2022 and tacked on another 15 over nine games last year. He owns an impressive 27.6 yards per return and three return touchdowns over 37 career contests. It's no surprise that Nwangwu was claimed off waivers given his special teams talent, but it's an interesting landing spot given that the Saints already have Rashid Shaheed on their roster. Presumably, Shaheed will handle kick returns and Nwangwu will get the nod for punt returns in 2024.

The Minnesota Vikings are moving on from running back/kick returner Kene Nwangwu, according to a source. The Vikings are expected to cut or trade him by Tuesday's deadline. With Nwangwu and Myles Gaskin out of the picture in Minnesota, the Vikings only have running backs Aaron Jones and Ty Chandler in the RB room, alongside fullback C.J. Ham. The former fourth-round pick in 2021 out of Iowa State has plenty of speed, so at the very least, he should get another opportunity elsewhere as a kick returner on special teams in 2024. The 26-year-old had a career-low five carries for just 13 yards in nine games with the Vikings last year. Nwangwu has been more useful as a returner on special teams than as an offensive asset, as he's totaled just 88 rushing yards and no touchdowns on 27 career carries for a weak 3.3 yards per tote in 37 total games (zero starts).

Minnesota Vikings running back Kene Nwangwu has seen more reps this summer than in years past, according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic. Lewis said he remains the third back on the depth chart behind Ty Chander, but this development is still noteworthy considering Nwangwu has just 27 career carries across 37 games. The speedster has been primarily used as a special teamer early in his career, but he could now have a path toward touches if the injury bug hits the Minnesota running back room. For now, he can be ignored in traditional fantasy setups, but there are deep leagues where almost all backup and third-string running backs are rostered. He should be on the fantasy radar in those formats as a deep handcuff stash. His 4.37 speed could give him a chance to produce spike weeks if he's given any opportunities in the backfield during the regular season.