NY Jets add underrated starting caliber outside CB Pierre Desir

NY Jets add underrated starting-caliber cornerback Pierre Desir. Here are all the details and why this was a much-needed addition.

NY Jets general manager Joe Douglas has been quite busy over the weekend. On Sunday afternoon he added another talented defensive back in Pierre Desir on a one-year deal (worth up to $5.5 million).

After releasing a pair of veteran cornerbacks this week in Trumaine Johnson and Darryl Roberts, the team was in desperate need of some help at outside corner.

On Saturday the Indianapolis Colts released Desir and Douglas was quick on the trigger to bring him in. This was an unexpected move by the Indy front office, because Pierre had just signed a three-year $23 million contract in 2019.

The 29-year old cornerback has bounced around the league since 2014. He started out with the Cleveland Browns for two seasons, then jumped over to the then San Diego Chargers and the Seattle Seahawks in 2016.

The Jets Zone w/ @BoyGreen25 feat @RichCimini:– Fact or fiction on #TakeFlight free agency rumors.– Which FAs #Jets are trying to re-sign ahead of next week.– Joe Douglas, Ozzie Newsome relationship details.– Latest on Quinnen Williams.– Tom Brady?!https://t.co/yWFRXUrPzb

— The Jets Zone (@TheJets_Zone) March 12, 2020

Finally, in 2017, Desir found a home with the Colts and had his best years as a pro.

Over the last two seasons, he has started 23 games, has recorded four interceptions, 19 pass deflections, two forced fumbles, and 129 combined tackles.

Despite a career-high three interceptions last season, his play dropped off a tad. He allowed five touchdown passes and a 95.6 passer rating, per the folks over at PFF.

At this moment he’s a projected starter at outside corner along with Bless Austin and Brian Poole in the slot.

Joe Douglas has done a phenomenal job of plugging a variety of holes on the roster with quantity over quality. Instead of lighting money on fire and going on a spending spree chasing the top free agents available, Douglas has opted for a meticulous thoughtful approach.

Also for those who don’t know the Jets and the Colts share a tight connection through Rex Hogan (assistant general manager for Gang Green and a former Indianapolis executive). Desir played a lot of zone with the Colts and Jets defensive coordinator Gregg Williams ran a lot of zone out of necessity last year due to the lack of depth/talent at the position.