Free agent edge rusher Jason Babin paid a visit to the Jets earlier this week, according to Kimberly Jones of the NFL Network, who tweets that Babin was in town on Monday.
Babin, who turned 34 in May, played in all 16 games last season for the Jaguars, racking up 31 tackles, 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and two passes defended. However, after re-signing with Jacksonville in March, the former first-round pick was released by the team last month, and currently remains on the free agent market.
As I observed when I discussed Babin’s stock as a free agent earlier this month, at 34, he probably won’t ever be the same player who piled up 18 sacks for the Eagles back in 2011. Still, despite his increasingly one-dimensional skill set, Babin could provide value as a situational pass rusher, particularly since he likely won’t cost much to sign.
With experience in both 4-3 and 3-4 defenses, Babin would figure to play outside linebacker for Rex Ryan‘s team, if the Jets were to sign him. The club’s projected OLB starters – Calvin Pace and Quinton Coples – and top reserve Garrett McIntyre all graded better against the run than as pass rushers last season, according to Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics (subscription required).
This post was first published on July 23, 2014 at 10:02am.