Chris

Banjo

Banjo is a former defensive back and core special teamer, spending 10 seasons in the NFL before joining the Broncos as a special teams assistant in 2023. He previously interviewed with the 49ers and Cowboys, but now joins new Jets head coach Aaron Glenn in New York as special teams coordinator. Glenn continues to round out his coaching staff after adding DC Steve Wilks and now Banjo to the group.

It’s the second interview for Banjo this week after he interviewed with the 49ers on Monday. Banjo seems to be a hot commodity after also being linked to the Jets and new head coach Aaron Glenn. It remains unclear if Sean Payton and the Broncos would promote Banjo to special teams coordinator this offseason, something that could influence Banjo’s coaching scenery heading into 2025.

Banjo is a former safety who has spent his two-year coaching career serving as the assistant special teams coach for the Broncos. The 49ers continue their coaching roster purge as they look to return to prominence in the NFC.

A linchpin special teamer, Banjo had to step in for 437 snaps on defense last season. On the wrong side of 30, Banjo will hunt for third unit work after teams’ final cuts are finalized this week.

It’s a surprising move after the Cardinals poached special teams captain Shawn Williams from the Bengals. Banjo, 31, re-joins a packed room with Budda Baker, Jalen Thompson, Deionte Thompson, Charles Washington, Chris Miller, and Williams at the position.

Typically a linchpin special teamer, Banjo ended up playing 437 defensive snaps this season. He was decent in the process, but that probably won’t happen again in 2021. The 30-year-old is headed back to free agency.

Banjo signed with the Cardinals after Week 3 last year and went on to appear in all 13 games. The core special teamer turned 30 last month.

Banjo likely won’t be asked with playing defense; he’s more of a special teams ace dating back to his time with the Saints, but the Cardinals have had some of the worst safety play in the NFL to this point. It’s not out of the question.

Banjo is a core special teamer who could come back after Week 1 when salaries for veterans are no longer guaranteed.

It’s a solid payday for the standout special teamer. Banjo has been with the Saints since 2016.