Former Texas Longhorns standout Kris Boyd signed with the New York Jets earlier this week.
Boyd, a cornerback, most recently was a member of the Houston Texans franchise. Boyd played for Texas from 2015 to 2018 before he was selected in the seventh round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings, where Boyd played until they parted ways in 2022. A brief stint with the Arizona Cardinals last offseason, then the Texans, would follow.
Boyd’s Journey from Texas to the Jets
Boyd, a Gilmer, Texas native who played for the Longhorns from 2015-2018, has been seeking a new opportunity after spending the majority of his professional career with the Minnesota Vikings. The former seventh-round pick (2019 NFL Draft) brings veteran experience to a Jets secondary looking to bolster its depth heading into the 2025 season.
During his time in Austin, Boyd established himself as a physical, aggressive cornerback known for his competitive spirit and ball skills. He appeared in 51 games for the Longhorns, recording 191 tackles, 4 interceptions, and 33 pass breakups. His senior season was particularly impressive, as he earned All-Big 12 honors while helping lead Texas to a Sugar Bowl victory over Georgia.
NFL Career to Date
Boyd’s professional journey has been marked by resilience and determination. After being selected 217th overall by the Vikings in 2019, he carved out a role primarily on special teams while providing depth in the secondary. Over five seasons in Minnesota, Boyd appeared in 58 games, recording 93 tackles, 6 passes defended, and a forced fumble.
The cornerback became a free agent earlier this year after the Vikings opted not to extend his contract. After evaluating his options, Boyd has found a landing spot with a Jets team that has been actively restructuring its defensive backfield this offseason.
Fit with the Jets
The signing comes at an opportune time for both Boyd and the Jets. New York has been looking to add experienced depth to their cornerback room, and Boyd’s versatility—he can play both outside corner and contribute on special teams—makes him an attractive addition.
Jets defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich spoke briefly about the signing: “Kris brings toughness and experience to our secondary. He’s a player who competes on every down and has proven he can contribute in multiple phases of the game.”
Boyd joins a Jets defense that has shown promise but struggled with consistency last season. His physical style of play aligns well with the culture the Jets are trying to establish on the defensive side of the ball.
Texas in the NFL
Boyd’s signing continues the strong tradition of Texas defensive backs making their mark in the NFL. He joins a notable list of former Longhorn defensive backs currently in the league, including Quandre Diggs (Seattle Seahawks), Adrian Phillips (New England Patriots), and recent draft picks who have been making names for themselves across the league.
The Longhorns’ reputation for developing NFL-caliber defensive backs remains strong, with Boyd representing another success story from the program’s pipeline to the professional ranks.
Looking Ahead
Boyd is expected to report to the Jets’ facility later this week to begin integration with the team’s offseason program. With organized team activities (OTAs) approaching in the coming months, he’ll have ample opportunity to establish his role within the defensive scheme.
For Texas fans and alumni, Boyd’s continued NFL journey provides another opportunity to follow a Longhorn at the professional level, adding to the program’s proud tradition of sending talent to the highest level of the sport.