Former Nittany Lion star on the move in NFL

Like other major college programs, Penn State football has sent numerous players to the NFL. Many a former Nittany Lion star now grace almost every position in the league. 

Running backs Saquon Barkley and Miles Sanders are two of the best running backs in the league. Micah Parsons is an All-Pro linebacker/pass rusher. Safety Jaquan Brisker had a very successful rookie year with the Bears. Chris Godwin is repeatedly one of the best wide receivers every year. Additionally, Jordan Stout had a solid year punting for the Ravens. Robbie Gould has been a great kicker for the 49ers. 

As the NFL offseason is in full swing, several former Penn State football standouts are now on the move. One ex-Nittany Lion star recently found a new home, as Adrian Amos signed with the New York Jets this week.

Ex-Penn State football standouts find new NFL teams

It is no secret that NFL players move around a lot. Free agency is one of the best ways to make your team better. And this offseason, some former Nittany Lions have found new homes.

Arguably Penn State’s greatest quarterback ever, Trace McSorley, has found a new home with the New England Patriots. McSorley was drafted by the Ravens in the 6th round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He was picked up by the Cardinals and played there for two seasons. In the offseason, McSorley signed a one-year deal with the Patriots. 

Tight End Mike Gesicki also joined the New England Patriots. Signing a one-year, 4.5 million dollar contract, Gesicki hopes to be the answer for New England at tight end. Gesicki is known for his versatility at tight end, and can be split wide or used as an in-line. Acting almost as a wide receiver, Gesicki hopes to improve a mediocre Patriots passing game. 

Miles Sanders also found a new home. Miles Sanders was the leading rusher for the NFC Champion Philadelphia Eagles. Sanders exceeded expectations in his rookie deal with Philadelphia. Having been one of the better running backs in the NFL recently, Sanders was expected to have more touches in the Super Bowl. Instead, Eagles coach Nick Sirianni hardly utilized the talented tailback. Sanders signed a 4-year, 25.4 million this offseason with the Carolina Panthers.

Former Nittany Lion star Adrian Amos signs with New York Jets

In recent history, Penn State has done well in the safety position. Jaquan Brisker had a really successful rookie campaign with the Bears. His former Nittany Lion and Lackawanna Community College teammate Ji’Ayir Brown was drafted in the third round by the 49ers. Nick Scott was a Super Bowl champion with the Rams and is now on the Bengals. 

A few days ago, it was announced that Adrian Amos, another Penn State safety, signed with the New York Jets. 

Adrian Amos played at Penn State from 2011 to 2014. A fifth-round draft pick by the Bears, Amos played in Chicago from 2015 to 2018. Amos later moved on to Green Bay, where he cemented himself with his coverage skills and run-stopping ability for the Packers. 

This offseason, the 30-year-old veteran was looking for a new home. After Jets safety Chuck Clark got hurt, New York was looking to add another body to its defensive backfield and subsequentially added Amos to the roster this week.

Jets signing safety Adrian Amos to one-year deal worth up to $4M. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/7et3niqp67

— NFL (@NFL) June 13, 2023

Amos isn’t the only ex-Packer to join the New York Jets. Aaron Rodgers was traded to New York earlier this year. The Jets then signed wide receivers Randall Cobb and Allen Lazard, who played with Rodgers in Green Bay. 

Now, Adrian Amos is the latest Packer to head east to New York. The former Nittany Lion star will look to continue his pro career as he enters his age-30 season.

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