The New York Jets are still hoping to bolster their defense through free agency
It’s mid-May and the 2022 NFL draft is already long behind us, but general manager Joe Douglas and the New York Jets are reportedly still trying to make substantial additions to their roster.
According to Connor Hughes of The Athletic, the Jets are “very interested” in two veteran defensive free agents: defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi and linebacker Kwon Alexander.
Jets very interested in both, per sources. Comes down to them making a decision. https://t.co/Y7MQ2iTgWB
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) May 11, 2022
Hughes adds that it “comes down to [Ogunjobi and Alexander] making a decision.”
Ogunjobi played and started in 16 games for the Cincinnati Bengals last season, enjoying a career year as he recorded 7.0 sacks, 16 quarterback hits, and 49 total tackles (12 tackles for loss). He suffered a season-ending foot injury in the playoffs that required surgery.
Following his impressive 2021 season, Ogunjobi was one of the top defenders on the 2022 free-agent market. Ogunjobi agreed with the Chicago Bears on a three-year, $40.5 million deal shortly after free agency opened in March, but the contract was rescinded after Ogunjobi failed his physical.
Ogunjobi will turn 28 years old in June. He was selected by the Cleveland Browns as a third-round pick out of Charlotte in 2017.
A former Pro Bowler (earning the nod in 2017 with Tampa Bay), Alexander played in 12 games for the New Orleans Saints last season, starting eight. He recorded 3.5 sacks, seven quarterback hits, 50 total tackles (7 tackles for loss), and one interception.
Jets head coach Robert Saleh knows Alexander from their days together in San Francisco. Alexander was a member of the 49ers in 2019 and 2020, participating in the 49ers’ post-2019 run to Super Bowl LIV.
Alexander will turn 28 in August. He was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers out of LSU in the fourth round of the 2015 draft. Alexander showed high-end potential early in his career but injuries have been an issue for him, as he has not played more than 12 games in a season since 2016.
Defensive tackle and linebacker are two of the thinnest positions on New York’s roster, so it’s no surprise to see Douglas exploring options to solidify the depth at each spot. We’ll see if the Jets can reel in one or both of these players.
How about an update!!! I didn’t know either of these guys from Adam till the rumors came out but after reading about them, Ojunjobi and Alexander fit two of the weakest parts of the team and seem like they can be the closest thing to the final pieces to a playoff contender.
If they get these two signed I would say the Jets are a playoff contender if not for most ridiculously difficult schedule given to a team that won 4 games last season.
What are the details on the injuries these guys are coming off of?
When will we find out about these guys…let’s go! Want to be on the next dominant team? I’m drooling. Let’s go Alexander and Ogunjobi add experience and talent.
You cant put a price on buying that experience for a team that was the youngest in football last year and just drafted 4 guys who will either start of get plenty of reps.
I don’t know much about either player except what this and bios say but what I do know is that they are both positions of need.
Despite the outstanding job JD did the playoffs will be difficult this year.
I’ve never seen a 4 win team have such a difficult schedule the following year.
Away
Cleveland Green Bay Miami Minnesota New England Pittsburgh Denver Seattle Buffalo
Home:
Buffalo Miami New England Baltimore Cincinatti Chicago Detroit Jacksonville
Even have an extra road game.
Sign these two guys Joe!
love both players, especially Larry. Yes, please.
I like Larry , but foot injuries scare me. It’s all about price. It’s possible that you have to cut Rankins and save 5.5 million, in order to sign Larry. Both players are horrific against the run, just saying.
I’m not sure Larry is bad against the run….u sure about that?
Not sure , has gotten some bad grades against the run, but he is a penetrating 3-Tech DT. Foot surgery was late, not sue he would be ready for the start of the season. Signed a 40 million contract with the Bears and failed the physical.
Hope they make these signings, would be great additions to an already stout defense! Just win THIS season!