The New York Jets face a potential problem due to injuries in their secondary. As they try to game plan to address those issues and perhaps add some depth to their roster, the Jets reportedly explored the option of signing veteran free agent Asante Samuel.
At issue for the Jets is the fact that key members of their defensive back field have been going down with dings and dents this week. Dee Milliner sustained a high ankle sprain this week and Dexter McDougle tore his ACL.
According to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News, the Jets reached out to Samuel this weekend.
Source: Jets reached out to veteran free agent cornerback Asante Samuel today. However, #NYJ unlikely to sign him.
— Manish Mehta (@MMehtaSports) August 10, 2014
As for why the Jets are not likely to get serious of signing Samuel, Mehta and Mike Garafolo both report that the Jets would probably like to find a younger and cheaper option at the cornerback position.
It's my understanding that the Jets will add another cornerback. A younger player. Samuel would have been an intriguing option. #nyj
— Manish Mehta (@MMehtaSports) August 10, 2014
Yep. Jets trying to bargain shop + AS not interested. RT @MMehtaNYDN: Jets reached out to Asante Samuel today. However unlikely to sign him
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 10, 2014
Some team will find the veteran Samuel and all of his ballhawking skills to be a way to provide a boost to their defense, but that team will not be the Jets, at least not at this point.