The New York Jets’ versatile defensive weapon will return
According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the New York Jets have agreed to re-sign free agent safety Ashtyn Davis.
The #Jets are re-signing S Ashtyn Davis, source says. The 2020 third-round pick had interest from a few teams after a career-high three INTs in 17 games last season but wanted another year with HC Robert Saleh and DC Jeff Ullbrich. pic.twitter.com/jZav15Wqnq
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) April 11, 2024
The Jets’ 2020 third-round pick found a home in the Jets’ defense during the 2023 season, emerging as a useful situational defender with a knack for big plays.
In 17 games, Davis played 217 defensive snaps (12.8 per game), participating in 19% of the Jets’ defensive plays on the year. Despite the limited playing time, Davis still racked up eight passes defended, three interceptions, three fumble recoveries, three tackles for loss, and 37 total tackles.
While he is listed as a safety, Davis was a jack of all trades for the Jets’ defense. He lined up in the box on 41% of his defensive snaps and in the slot on 36%. Davis only lined up as a deep safety on 21% of his snaps.
Davis’ playmaking ability made him a key chess piece for the Jets. They were able to deploy him as a linebacker in base packages or as a slot corner in big nickel packages, and no matter where he lined up, Davis always seemed to find the football.
Davis may not have been able to develop into a long-term starter for the Jets, but it’s great for the team that he has become a valuable cog, even in a limited role.
In addition, Davis is arguably the Jets’ best player on special teams. Davis ranked second on the team with 396 special teams snaps in 2023 (81.7%), trailing only Jamien Sherwood, and he also led the team with 12 special teams tackles. All the while, he was credited with just one missed tackle on special teams.
The Jets’ safety room now consists of Davis, Tony Adams, Chuck Clark, and Jarrick Bernard-Converse.
