Despite what was reportedly a "very attractive offer" from the Jets, veteran wide receiver Dontrelle Inman instead chose to sign with a different NFL team in the AFC on Tuesday.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the sixth-year pro was "impressed" with the Jets' pitch, but will head back to his former team as he signs with the Los Angeles Chargers.
"Inman strongly considered them," Rapoport said of the Jets, who are likely to carry six wide receivers on the 53-man roster under first-year head coach Adam Gase.
After he signed with Jacksonville as an undrafted free agent in 2011, the Jaguars waived Inman, who spent the following three years unsigned. His NFL career took off with the Chargers, spending 2014-16 with them when they were still in San Diego.
He totaled 105 receptions for 1,454 yards and seven touchdowns in his first three years with the Chargers and quarterback Philip Rivers. Rapoport said Rivers "played a big part" in Inman's decision to re-sign there.
A reunion: Free agent WR Dontrelle Inman is signing back with the LA #Chargers, source said. They made an offer that stood as he took visits. The #Jets made an offer, too, but the pull QB Philip Rivers played a big part. So he's back.
- Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 20, 2019
Inman began 2017 with the Chargers in Los Angeles (four games) before the team traded him to the Chicago Bears (eight games) for a conditional seventh-round pick. Inman, 30, signed a one-year contract with the Indianapolis Colts in 2018 -- where he last played -- with 28 receptions for 304 yards and three touchdowns.
The 6-foot-3, 205-pounder started 2019 with the New England Patriots on a one-year deal before they cut him Sunday. His career numbers feature 158 receptions for 2,101 yards and 11 touchdowns.