Jeff

Demps

Demps’ deal also includes an $11,000 signing bonus, the second largest for any undrafted free agent this season. Eligible to begin practicing on Wednesday, the former Olympic sprinter will likely be active for Friday’s preseason game against the Bucs.

The extent of the Jets’ interest is unknown, but they’re one of teams in the league most in need of speed on offense. Demps could be an option in New York’s Wildcat packages, with which Rex Ryan and Tony Sparano seem infatuated. Demps will also be a candidate to return kickoffs for the team that signs him.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are reportedly “definitely a frontrunner” for Demps, who took the silver in London’s games on the U.S. 4x100 relay team. The Jets have reportedly reached out as well. Demps is a straight-line speedster lacking lateral movement skills, but he could be an asset on kickoff returns. Demps is not going to be much of a fantasy factor.

A team official concedes it’s a “long shot” that Demps ends up in Philadelphia, likely because other teams could drive up the price. The Bucs are considered the frontrunner to land Demps, though the Jets are asking former Gators teammate Tim Tebow to begin a recruiting effort.

Demps reportedly felt a “tweak” in his leg late in the preseason finale versus the Giants. Given limited prep time after signing in mid-August, the Olympic silver medalist will be afforded a redshirt year. The move takes an explosive return candidate away from the Patriots D/ST.

Demps earned an Olympic silver medal in London as part of USA’s 4x100 relay team. Before that, he was an electric return man and hybrid player for the University of Florida, piling up 2,470 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns during his four-year career. But at 5'7/190, his role with the Patriots is expected to be limited to special teams. Demps averaged 28.8 yards per kickoff return as a Gator. The Bucs and Jets were also interested.

One of several teams interested in the 4x100-meter relay star, the Bucs have been “touching base” with Demps since early summer. The team envisions him as a slot receiver/running back hybrid who can also help on kickoff returns. Demps ran for 2,470 yards and 23 touchdowns while averaging 28.8 yards per kickoff return with the Gators. A speedier version of Dexter McCluster, Demps should find an NFL home quickly now that he’s shifted his focus back to football.

Demps picked up 41 yards on three carries Friday night even though “the guy doesn’t even know where he is” yet. The Globe’s Greg Bedard concedes Demps doesn’t look like a natural pass catcher and must answer durability and ball security concerns, but it looks he does possess the requisite instincts. He’s a good bet to make the final roster as a gadget player.

Demps says he’s concentrating full time on his track and field career. The Bucs have yet to make any decisions about his future, but he won’t be around the team until preseason at the earliest.

It’s bizarre timing, as the Rio Olympics are over three years away. We doubt Bill Belichick will be sympathetic to a player wanting to divide his time between two sports, meaning Demps could be told to take a hike. The former Florida Gator’s three-year deal included $211,000 guaranteed, all of which has already been paid. It’s possible Demps finagled a clause in last summer’s negotiations that would allow him to keep running, but unlikely.