The New York Jets haven't done much in the free-agent pool this offseason, but now they are in bargain-hunting mode. Their latest purchase makes a lot of sense.
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Former San Diego Chargers linebacker Antwan Barnes tweeted on Monday that he's joining the Jets. He then quickly followed up with a tweet that the deal isn't quite done yet. It wasn't long before Barnes agreed to a three-year contract, according Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News. Mehta reported Barnes will receive a $900,000 signing bonus and get $1.2 million his second and third year with incentives.
Barnes is a pure 3-4 outside pass rusher who can play on passing downs. Barnes recorded 11 sacks in 2011 but only three sacks in an injury-plagued 2012 season that included five missed games.
The Jets would be buying low on Barnes. They need all the help they can get in the pass rush department, so he was worth a shot. Barnes would join defensive lineman Antonio Garay, running back Mike Goodson and former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive guard Willie Colon as low-cost Jets signings this offseason.
For years, the Jets seemed focused on making big splashes in the offseason. New general manager John Idzik is bringing a different approach out of necessity because of the salary cap.
