NY Jets add much-needed DT help with Quinton Jefferson signing

The NY Jets have been in the market for defensive tackle help, and they added some on Thursday signing veteran defensive lineman Quinton Jefferson. The exact terms of the contract are unknown at the time of writing.

This comes days after it was reported that the Jets planned to bring in fellow veteran defensive tackle Al Woods for a visit. Per SNY's Connor Hughes, the Jets could still sign Woods, or A'Shawn Robinson, despite the Jefferson addition.

A seven-year NFL veteran, Jefferson has had two separate stints with the Seattle Seahawks, including last season, in which he tallied a career-high 5.5 sacks.

Jefferson is an accomplished interior pass rusher who has ranked inside the top 16 in pressures among all interior defensive linemen in each of the last two seasons.

After missing on Calais Campbell and Fletcher Cox, the Jets finally got a deal done with a veteran defensive tackle.

Quinton Jefferson adds extra pass-rush depth to the NY Jets' defense

Jefferson finished with 50 total pressures in 2021 with the Las Vegas Raiders, ahead of stars like DeForest Buckner, Daron Payne, Leonard Williams, and Fletcher Cox. All of those guys played more pass-rush snaps than Jefferson did that season.

The former fifth-round pick was again an incredibly efficient pass rusher in 2022. Jefferson's 43 total pressures ranked 16th among interior defensive linemen, ahead of the likes of Leonard Williams (again), Derrick Brown, Christian Wilkins, Ed Oliver, and even Aaron Donald.

And yes, Jefferson once again was on the field for fewer pass-rush snaps than any of those players. He played just 49 percent of Seattle's total defensive snaps in 2022, but he certainly made his presence felt.

Now, while Jefferson shines as an interior rusher, he's a liability in run defense. That's why it's so encouraging to hear that the Jets remain interested in signing players like Al Woods and A'Shawn Robinson.

The Jets could really use a true early-down run stuffer to pair with Quinnen Williams and Quinton Jefferson. Add Woods or Robinson to that mix and you're looking at a suddenly very deep and talented defensive tackle group.

In the meantime, Jefferson adds a much-needed veteran body to the Jets' defensive tackle room. He's an experienced and efficient pass rusher who will certainly play a sizable role in 2023. Here is your Sheldon Rankins replacement.