BY DAN BEGNOCHE
Earlier this week, the New York Jets brought in a pair of free agent prospects at two spots that desperately could use some padding.
Apparently, they liked what they saw.
A day after hosting wide receiver Jacoby Ford and cornerback Dimitri Patterson for visits, the team signed the two Tuesday, per multiple media reports. The deal for Patterson is for one year and $3 million, according to Manish Mehta of the NY Daily News, while details of Ford's deal have yet to be dislosed.
Patterson, who's a familiar face around the division after spending the last two years in Miami, only played eight games the past two seasons and fought through a groin injury in 2013 before hitting the Injured Reserve list. Despite the abbreviated season, the 30-year-old was able to haul in four interceptions and tally six passes defended in six games.
If he can stay healthy, he'll likely see a fair amount of playing time given the team's depth chart question marks at corner, and he'll provide a veteran presence in the absence of Antonio Cromartie.
Ford, meanwhile, will add competition at two positions. The speedster has proven to be sometimes deadly as a kick returner, and he could also make a run at a starting receiver spot. The 26-year-old had a stellar rookie season, combining his skills for a total of seven touchdowns, though he's struggled since.
A foot injury kept him out the entire 2012 season, and he played in only eight games the year prior. Health will again be a key factor here, as well as the reunion of Ford with his wide receiver coach Sanjay Lal from Oakland.
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