Lamarcus Joyner, originally drafted by the Los Angeles Rams, joins the New York Jets after two seasons with the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders.
Per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the New York Jets have signed defender Lamarcus Joyner to a one-year deal.
It’s a 1-year deal for Lamarcus Joyner who will now play the Jimmie Ward role in #Jets coach Robert Saleh’s defense. https://t.co/pv9lNnTyn9
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 19, 2021
Joyner, 30, spent the last two seasons with the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders, earning 115 tackles (nine for a loss). He’ll join a safety group consisting of Marcus Maye, Ashtyn Davis, and very little else.
Prior to his NFL entry, Joyner partook in the final BCS National Championship run with Florida State. He was later chosen in the second round of the 2014 draft by the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams, spending the next five seasons with the team.
Joyner notably earned the interception that helped seal the Rams’ 54-51 win a Monday night thriller against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2018.
A versatile option capable of playing both safety and cornerback, Joyner should be a welcome project for new head coach Robert Saleh, who helped veteran Richard Sherman regain his elite form, and Jimmie Ward become a strong coverage man during his time as the 49ers’ defensive boss.
Having taken part in both a national championship game and a Super Bowl (the Rams’ visit in the 53rd edition against New England), Joyner will serve as a strong veteran prescience for the New York secondary, which is laden with youth after the departure of Jamal Adams.
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
