The Jets might look to their cross-town rivals to sure up their running back rotation.

Orleans Darkwa, the former Giants runner and pending free agent, has drawn interest from the Jets down in Indianapolis, a source close to the situation told NJ Advance Media. The individual spoke on the condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to speak publicly about the negotiations.

Darkwa, 26, enjoyed a breakout season for the Giants last year. He ran for 751 yards and five touchdowns in 15 games, averaging 4.4 yards per carry. Darkwa began the season as Paul Perkins' backup, before taking over as the starter in Week 5.

In the Giants' win over the Redskins in the season finale, Darkwa had the best game of his career. He ran for 154 yards on 20 carries, including a 75-yard touchdown.

All numbers were career-highs for Darkwa, who entered the season with just 75 career carries for 287 yards and four touchdowns.

Darkwa, who played college ball at Tulane, is considered a bruising, physical back. The Jets don't have a guy with his skillset on the roster. Veteran Bilal Powell and rookie Eli McGuire, the two under contract for next year, are effective (1,434 combined yards in 2016), but more elusive runners.

The Jets haven't had a physical back since Chris Ivory, who left for the Jaguars in 2015.

After the retirement of running back Matt Forte and release of defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson, the Jets have a little over $90 million in salary cap space.

Connor Hughes may be reached at chughes@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connor_J_Hughes. Find NJ.com Jets on Facebook.