Is it Time to Bring an Old Friend Home to the New York Jets?

Aug 1, 2013; Cortland, NY, USA; New York Jets safety Dawan Landry (26) stretches during training camp at SUNY Cortland. Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports

We know the big question that will continue to be addressed tonight, that being the quarterback position. However, one of the other major positions still left unsettled is safety. Specifically, who is going to start opposite Dawan Landry back there?

There are candidates back there in the form of Jaiquawn Jarrett, Antonio Allen, and Josh Bush. One week, Jarrett is with the ones, one week it’s Allen, and Bush is a little behind there. However, here is the question, what do the Jets do if nobody distinguishes themselves? What if nobody clearly earns the starting role? Then what do they do?

I have an idea. Maybe it is time to bring back an old friend.

There is a guy out there, unemployed. He knows our defensive system, as he was here at the beginning of Rex’s term in 2009. As a member of the Cardinals, he intercepted 4 passes, including 2 of them against the Jets last year. He recorded 11 passes defended last year, and 2 forced fumbles.

Rex Ryan saw a lot of potential in this guy, but they parted ways after the 2009 season. Have you figured out who I am talking about yet? If you haven’t, take a look:

Dec. 16, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA: Arizona Cardinals safety Kerry Rhodes (25) celebrates a play against the Detroit Lions at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Lions 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

That’s right. Kerry Rhodes. He is out there, unemployed. Why not bring him in for a tryout? Could it hurt?

For one, he is only 31 years old. It’s not like Kerry is at the end of his career, he is still in his prime. He is a veteran that has the ability to lead, but is still at an age where he can play at a high level. It’s also hard to imagine that he would require anyone to break the bank to sign him, being that he has been unemployed for almost the entire off-season.

Secondly, the guy knows Rex’s system. He was here in 2009, so he has been in this defense, and knows it first hand. He intercepted 3 passes in 2009 to go along with 13 passes defended, and 63 tackles. My point? He has played WELL in the system as well. He clearly has talent, we all know it. We all saw it.

Finally, just the IDEA of Rhodes working with the new and improved Antonio Cromartie is an exciting prospect. Cro, who is concentrating on being the good Cro, and an active ball hawk like Kerry Rhodes, back there together? It has great potential, don’t you think?

Yes, it didn’t end well here for Kerry. Rex had a problem with him, didn’t think of him as a real team guy. He seemed more preoccupied with being a celebrity than with being a football player. However, before that happened, even coach Ryan couldn’t deny his talent, saying he saw him as potentially another Ed Reed.

Why not bring him in for a tryout? If he looks good, bring him in for a low base salary with incentives for one year. If it works out, great! If not, you are no worse off than where they were before. I say give it a shot.