With Damon Harrison, the defensive tackle affectionately known as "Snacks," playing for the other team that utilizes MetLife Stadium for home games, the New York Jets wasted little time re-stocking their defensive line. The six-foot-five, 350-pound defensive tackle left the Jets for the New York Giants, leaving a literally and figuratively large hole on the defensive line.
On Wednesday, the Jets signed defensive end Jarvis Jenkins to a two-year, $7-million contract and nose tackle Steve McLendon to a three-year deal worth $12 million. The Jets sought to keep Harrison, but bidding for his services drove the price up too high for a team dealing with little cap space.
The Jets have not announced the two recent signings, but are expected to do so soon. Jenkins and McLendon are not likely to start, as they join a defensive line already featuring Muhammad Wilkerson, who the Jets retained with the franchise tag, Sheldon Richardson and Leonard Williams, both of whom were first round draft selections in recent years.
McLendon played 79 games over six seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, totaling 68 combined tackles over the last three years. Jenkins is entering his fifth season in the NFL after playing three years for the Washington Redskins and one for the Chicago Bears. He missed the 2011 season with a torn ACL. Last season, Jenkins had career bests in combined and total tackles with 32 and 22, respectively, in addition to four sacks.
McLendon is the third player at least 30 years old the Jets have signed this offseason, joining running back Matt Forte and tight end Kellen Davis. The Jets are known to be trying to lower their average age, but McLendon will not be leaned on as a regular starter. The team hopes Williams can step up to play more downs while Richardson and Wilkerson are relied upon more.
The Jets still need to address their quarterback and running back needs. The Jets lost running back Chris Ivory and are in danger of losing quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick if they decide not to pony up to meet his asking price. The team has two young, inexperienced quarterbacks on their roster with Geno Smith and Bryce Petty, and resigned Bilal Powell and brought on Khiry Robinson to add depth at running back.
