The New York Jets have signed veteran linebacker Bruce Carter to a one year deal. The former second round pick will either carve out a larger role for himself in this defense or become a bridge player for the middle linebacker position.
The Jets have been fairly active this free agent period as they have acquired several players they hope are the base elements for a playoff run. They signed former Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte, defensive tackle Steve McLendon, running back Khiry Robinson and cornerback Darryl Morris.
The Jets have seemingly lost more than they have gained this offseason as they have seen the departures of starting defensive tackle Damon Harrison, starting running back Chris Ivory, inside linebacker Demario Davis, cornerbacks Darrin Walls and Antonio Allen, and wide receiver Jeremy Kerley.
The Jets still have to either re-sign or replace starting quarterback - now free agent - Ryan Fitzpatrick as that situation should come to a head in the upcoming weeks prior to the draft. Carter was a crucial signing as he will provide some solid backup production from the middle linebacker position.
He was replaced in the Tampa Bay defense by playmaking linebacker Kwon Alexander. Carter was originally drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 2011 and was their second overall pick.
He spent four years with the Cowboys, but when his rookie contract ended, he decided to hit free agency after one of his most productive seasons as a pro. He eventually went on to sign with the Buccaneers.
He had a pretty solid 2015 season despite only starting in three games, as he recorded 47 combined tackles, two sacks and two pass defenses. Carter could have been the starter and remained with the team if Alexander had not come in and outplayed him.
Considering Alexander will be a sophomore during the 2016 season and his contract is only a fraction of Carter's, it made the most sense to go with the cap friendly option and release the five season veteran.
Carter has a couple of seasons of solid productivity under his belt, and the Jets had a desperate need for some added depth at the linebacker position. He has had somewhat of a mixed bag when it comes to production over the course of a season.
For the Cowboys, he started in double digit games throughout the 2012-2013 seasons but only recorded two sacks, five pass defenses and no interceptions. Hopefully he can find his home in this Jets defense as he should have an opportunity to start with this unit.
