New York Jets: Meet LB Erin Henderson

Sep 22, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker

(50) celebrates his interception during the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Browns defeated the Vikings 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Jets have been hard at work making changes to their roster. They have been making improvements and adding depth on both sides of the football, attempting to field a franchise that will be ready to compete in 2015. Earlier this week, they signed a linebacker named Erin Henderson. I have to say, I wasn’t too familiar with this player when I heard the name, so I thought it would be nice to learn who Erin Henderson is.

So, let’s meet one of the newest members of the New York Jets, linebacker Erin Henderson.

Erin Henderson was born July 1, 1986, and raised in Aberdeen, Maryland. After helping lead his high school to the first state title in football history, he played his college ball for the University of Maryland. Here are Henderson’s college stats:

Defense & Fumbles

In that 2007 season, Henderson was a semi-finalist for the Dick Butkus award, given to the nation’s best linebacker.  Henderson was also first team All-ACC that year.

Henderson went undrafted, and signed on with the Minnesota Vikings prior to the 2008 season.  Here are his NFL stats to date:

Defense & Fumbles

For those that like measurables, Henderson stands at 6’3″ and weighs in at 244 pounds.

The biggest questions about Erin Henderson come from off the field concerns.  He was suspended for four games in 2009 for violating the league’s banned substance policy.  Henderson’s release from the Vikings came in early 2014, after two arrests for DUI.

This move comes at a low cost to the Jets as noted by Dom Cosentino:

Erin Henderson Jets deal a minimum-salary benefit (as expected): $745K base with nothing guaranteed, cap hit $585K.

— dom cosentino (@domcosentino) April 10, 2015

This move creates competition at the position, which will only make the Jets better. Erin Henderson has shown in the past that he can play. If he stays clean, he could be a good addition for a minimal price. If he doesn’t, the Jets can get rid of him and be on the hook for very little.

But Erin Henderson will get his shot to make the team, and the crowded linebacker position will be interesting to watch.

Next: Potential Draft Sleeper: Kevin Monangai

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