Prior to free agency, the New York Jets made a significant re-signing.
On March 10, Adam Schefter of ESPN NFL Insiders revealed that the green and white “are bringing back” veteran safety Chuck Clark for a single season. He tore his ACL during OTAs, which kept him out of the game for the whole previous season.
Retaining Clark Is a Low Risk vs. High Reward Decision for the JetsÂ
The Jets and Baltimore Ravens made a deal in 2023 before the latter’s free agency. In return for Clark, New York sent a seventh-round draft pick in 2024.
Clark was anticipated to be a crucial component of the defense’s back line.
Clark was in the midst of an incredible iron man streak before moving to New York, having played “1,248 consecutive snaps dating back to Week 16 of 2021.”
Clark brings flexibility from his Ravens days in addition to his durability. He’s recorded strong safety, free safety, linebacker, and even some nickel snaps.
The Ravens were the team that 28-year-old Clark played for six years in his career. He recorded over 384 total tackles, 32 pass deflections, and five interceptions throughout that time.
The Jets are taking a small risk with this move. You only signed him for a one-year contract if he isn’t the same player he was before the ACL tear. If he is the same player, the Jets scored a steal on a capable veteran and captain of the squad.
Jets Still Require One or Two More Moves at the Safety PositionÂ
General manager Joe Douglas made a wise decision in moving Clark, but the green and white team’s safety situation isn’t completely resolved.
The only other reliable player on the Jets roster that is at safety is Tony Adams. It is anticipated that he will play a starting role. It’s difficult to say for sure that Clark will start at the other safety position because he recently suffered an ACL tear.
Due to their upcoming free agency, Jordan Whitehead and Ashtyn Davis may decide to return to New York, one or both of them. Bringing in another veteran from the open market is the other option.
Due to a number of unexpected cap casualties throughout the league, that position is brimming with quality in free agency.
Names like Micah Hyde, Eddie Jackson, Jordan Poyer, Jamal Adams, Justin Simmons, and Kevin Byard are on that list. Maybe one of them may be persuaded by New York to sign a one-year contract to pursue a ring.
In the event that the Jets decide to reserve their resources for the offensive end of the field, they may always target this position in the NFL draft in 2024.
If a good defensive back is selected on the third day of the draft, Gang Green may use him as the third safety. In that capacity, there would be less pressure, and they could use this season to absorb lessons from the Adams-Clark combination.
By 2025, the rookie might be prepared to replace Clark in the starting lineup and lead the Jets to victory.
