Veteran defensive end Vinny Curry, an edge rusher Joe Douglas is familiar with, is visiting the New York Jets.
Joe Douglas continues to rebuild the New York Jets from the inside-out. Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, free agent veteran defensive end Vinny Curry is visiting with the Jets Wednesday.
#Eagles veteran DE Vinny Curry is currently on a visit with the #Jets, source said. Obviously GM Joe Douglas is quite familiar with him…
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 24, 2021
The two sides are very familiar with each other. Douglas was the Philadelphia Eagles VP of Player Personnel from 2016 until taking the Jets’ general manager job in 2019. Curry has been a member of the Eagles for the entirety of his career—sans a stint in Tampa Bay in 2018.
Curry has been a reliable rotational player on the defensive line throughout his NFL career. Despite playing only 28% of snaps in 2020, Curry’s PRP (pass rush productivity) was an 8.5 per PFF, tied for ninth among all edge defenders (min. 130 snaps). In 2019, he was equally efficient, placing 10th under the same criteria.
Curry has become more efficient as a pass rusher as his career’s progressed. Being a rotational player has brought out his strength, and he couldn’t be a better fit for a Jets defense looking to bolster its pass-rushing attack opposite newly-signed Carl Lawson.
Bringing in Vinny Curry to the Jets would instantly establish the credibility of depth at a position the team desperately needs to add value to. As a collective unit, the Jets were 18th in the league in pass-rush grade per PFF.
Adding a legitimate situational pass rusher would do wonders in a Robert Saleh-led defense. Taking pressure off the linebacker and cornerback positions—both spots that remain less than stellar at the moment—would also be a huge deal for the Jets if Vinny Curry signs.