Quinton Jefferson signs with the New York Jets
The New York Jets announced they have signed defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson, filling one of their most significant needs on defense.
OFFICIAL: More strength to the squad! Welcome to NY, Quinton!! ✈
📰: https://t.co/TWDSZoqaiI pic.twitter.com/PmQQ1C1DUp
— New York Jets (@nyjets) April 6, 2023
Following the departure of Sheldon Rankins (who signed with the Houston Texans), the Jets had a glaring hole in the middle of their defensive line. While Quinnen Williams is coming off a career year where he was named a first-team All-Pro at defensive tackle, the Jets needed someone who is capable of starting next to him.
Jefferson fills that hole in a big way following a career year at 30 years old.
Despite ranking 41st among defensive tackles in pass rush snaps (360), Jefferson ranked 16th in pressures (43) and 19th in sacks (6). Most impressively, Jefferson’s 11.7% pressure rate was the fifth-best among 105 DTs with at least 300 snaps.
Over the last two seasons, Jefferson has racked up 93 pressures across 845 pass-rushing snaps.
Together, Jefferson and Williams will form an elite pass-rushing duo at defensive tackle.
While Jefferson provides plenty of pass-rush upside, he leaves a lot to be desired against the run. In 2022, his run stop rate of 3.7% ranked 149th out of 166 defensive tackles with at least 50 run defense snaps.
Jefferson fills the need at defensive tackle but the Jets still need a run stuffer. Outside of Williams, every other defensive tackle on the roster is considered below-average or worse against the run. To try and address this, the Jets are hosting Jefferson’s former Seahawks teammate Al Woods on a visit.
Contract details have yet to be released at the time of this article.
