Help is on the way for a New York Jets defense that is slated to lose a whole lot of talent in free agency.
In 2023 the Jets surrendered the 2nd-fewest passing yards in the NFL, and the 3rd-fewest yards overall.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Jets have signed someone who can help keep those numbers at the top of the league, reporting that the Jets are bringing safety Chuck Clark back after he missed all of last season following a torn ACL suffered in OTAs.
Jets are brining back safety Chuck Clark — who missed the 2023 season after suffering a torn ACL during OTAs — on a one-year deal, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 10, 2024
It’s just a 1-year deal for Clark, who now finally gets a chance to debut in New York after playing his first six years in the league for the Ravens before missing 2023.
It was an unusual turn of events for Clark, who missed just two games in his first six years.
Clark has five picks, five forced fumbles, and 384 tackles in his career since Baltimore chose him in the sixth round out of Virginia Tech in 2017.
Jordan Whitehead and Ashtyn Davis held down the safety spots for the Jets last year and each played in all 17 games, combining for seven interceptions.
Both Whitehead and Davis are unrestricted free agents, so there are big shoes to fill for Clark if New York is unable to bring those two back.
The 28-year-old Clark is currently the only safety on the roster along with Tony Adams, who had a breakout sophomore season with 83 tackles and three picks of his own in 2023.
It’s possible Clark was brought back just as a rotational depth option, but if Whitehead or Davis signs elsewhere, Clark will be thrust into a significant role on this defense.
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