The New York Jets arrived to training camp Wednesday and immediately made a bit of news.
Gang Green announced the signing of veteran defender Jason Babin, an 11th-year veteran with 62.5 career sacks and 14 forced fumbles to his name.
The 34-year-old outside linebacker joins an already stount defensive front that apparently was in the market for a situational pass rusher given the uncertain health and availability of Antwan Barnes.
Jets coach Rex Ryan likes how Babin fits both in the scheme and from a mentality standpoint.
“As a coach, you shouldn’t have to teach effort, but there are some guys that are exceptional in this, and Jason is one of them,” Ryan said, via NJ.com. “He is a relentless guy. Obviously, he’s got a history of being able to get to the quarterback. Obviously, he’s going to bring a lot to the table in that regard, for sure.”
Barnes, along with guard Willie Colon, was placed on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list with a knee injury.. Ryan said he's "a little bit" concerned about Barnes, which likely had something to do with the team's pursuit of Babin.
The 6-4, 265-pound Babin most recently tallied 7.5 quarterback takedowns with the Jacksonville Jaguars last season, two years after amassing 18 sacks with the Philadelphia Eagles. He tallied 12.5 sacks in 2010 with the Tennessee Titans and has also played for the Houston Texans, Seattle Seahawks and Kansas City Chiefs.
Jets coach Rex Ryan likes how Babin fits both in the scheme and from a mentality standpoint.
“As a coach, you shouldn’t have to teach effort, but there are some guys that are exceptional in this, and Jason is one of them,” Ryan said, via NJ.com. “He is a relentless guy. Obviously, he’s got a history of being able to get to the quarterback. Obviously, he’s going to bring a lot to the table in that regard, for sure.”
Barnes, along with guard Willie Colon, was placed on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list with a knee injury.. Ryan said he's "a little bit" concerned about Barnes, which likely had something to do with the team's pursuit of Babin.
The 6-4, 265-pound Babin most recently tallied 7.5 quarterback takedowns with the Jacksonville Jaguars last season, two years after amassing 18 sacks with the Philadelphia Eagles. He tallied 12.5 sacks in 2010 with the Tennessee Titans and has also played for the Houston Texans, Seattle Seahawks and Kansas City Chiefs.
Babin was a first round pick for the Texans in 2004.
“I think when you look at the tape from last year," Ryan said, "you see that he’s got plenty left in the tank.
“I think when you look at the tape from last year," Ryan said, "you see that he’s got plenty left in the tank.
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