Thoughts on the Jets’ Signing of Jason Babin

Dec 22, 2013; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end

(58) against the Tennessee Titans during the second half at EverBank Field. Tennessee Titans defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 20-16. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

For anybody that missed it yesterday, the Jets made a free agent move, signing 34-year-old defensive end Jason Babin to a two-year contract.

There was the need to add a pass rusher, as Antwan Barnes is beginning training camp on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform list). However, whether Barnes is available or not, Rex Ryan loves to get to the quarterback, and adding Babin to the mix is a great move. Hopefully he makes the team, even with a healthy Antwan Barnes.

First of all, Babin may be 34 years old, but he is a durable 34-year-old. He started every game for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2013, and recorded 7.5 sacks. No, Babin didn’t put up the numbers from 2010 and 2011, when he recorded 12.5 and 18 sacks respectively. But, 7.5 is a good number for a situational pass rusher, which is what Babin would be here.

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And, he is durable enough to play the snaps of a starter if someone gets hurt. Rex loves rotating his defensive linemen around to keep them fresh. He does it now, with the dominating group he has. Add Babin to that group? With what he can add in a situational role? Let it sink in and think about it.

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The rotation is not an issue to gloss over. As I said, Rex loves to rotate his front line, keep them fresh. Not only will it be great to have Babin here, but he will benefit all of the other guys. He will keep guys like Wilkerson, Richardson, Ellis, ..etc., even fresher than now.

Babin will also draw attention from the offensive line, freeing up the aforementioned players to do even more damage. With just the rest he was able to get this year, Mo Wilkerson posted 10.5 sacks. Imagine being out there along the same line as last season, and with the addition of a guy that has the history of Jason Babin. It could take his numbers off of the charts.

Finally, picture this: it’s third and long, maybe eight or ten yards to go. Tom Brady is in the shotgun. He looks over the line and surveys the Jets’ defense. Set up on the line are the following four guys: Muhammad Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson, Antwan Barnes, and Jason Babin. Just the potential of a lineup like that excites me.

Just having Jason Babin on the roster excites me. I really hope he makes this team.