Jets Find Replacement For Harrison In Free Agent McLendon
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The reality of the salary cap in the NFL is teams simply can't keep everyone. It's how they respond that matters.
The Jets knew re-signing mammoth defensive tackle Damon "Snacks" Harrison would be difficult, so when he bolted to the Giants on a five-year, $46 million deal they already had a contingency plan in place.
That process played itself out Wednesday as the Jets signed veteran nose tackle Steve McLendon to a three-year, $12 million contract, including $4 million guaranteed.
McLendon, 30, will be used primarily as a first- and second-down run-stuffer, the role he did well for the Pittsburgh Steelers over the last six seasons. The 6-foot-3, 310-pounder played on 34 percent of snaps last season as Pittsburgh produced a top-five defense against the run.
MORE: NFL Free Agency Tracker
An undrafted free agent when he signed with the Steelers back in 2009, McLendon has started 32 of the 79 games he's played.
Just $2.5 million under the cap heading into Wednesday, the Jets were expected to make some roster moves to free up space. It's possible they look to restructure the contract of offensive tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson, who carries a staggering $14.1 million cap hit in 2016.
The moves for McLendon and veteran end Jarvis Jenkins, who agreed to three-year deal, allow the Jets to maintain their depth on the defensive line. They will see time alongside versatile All-Pro end Muhammad Wilkerson and rising stars Sheldon Richardson and Leonard Williams.
