Jets Solidify Defense, Re-sign CB Morris Claiborne

The Jets have resigned cornerback Morris Claiborne to a one year, $7 million contract, according to reports.

Claiborne is returning for his second season in green and white. He was the Jets lead corner in 2017, but he will likely take the number two spot behind newly added Trumaine Johnson. Claiborne is better off not guarding number one receivers. In all honesty, he just isn’t a lead corner.

The #Jets are re-signing CB Mo Claiborne on a 1-year deal, sources say. He’ll make $7M. A one-year deal last year pays off for both sides as NYJ solidifies its D

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2018

Stats:

Claiborne’s 2017 season was respectable, as he held his own against the number one receivers of all the opponents. Claiborne had eight passes defended and 43 tackles in 15 games last season. He also had one interception.

Give Claiborne credit though. He was thrown into a secondary in an awful situation. With inexperienced safeties and a pretty weak supporting cast at corner, he held his own. This especially in the beginning stretch of the season, where he really thrived. Through nine weeks, Claiborne allowed a passer rating of just 64.4, according to Pro Football Focus. Injuries started to hit him late in the year, ultimately downgrading his performance.

Injury Concerns

The main concern with Claiborne is injuries. He’s struggled to stay healthy throughout his career. 2017 was the first season Claiborne eclipsed 12+ games played since his rookie season in 2012. After all, that is exactly why Maccagnan keeps tossing him one year deals. He wants to make sure that he’s not guaranteeing money to a guy who can get hurt as easily as a glass statue.

Personally, I’m not too worried about injuries in this case. His workload is lessened now that he has some help in the secondary, and he played 15 games last season. Besides, an injury wouldn’t hurt us the way it would’ve last season.

What’s Next?

Now, the question all the fans are asking. “Will this signing hold us back from Tyrann Mathieu?” Simple answer. No.

Mathieu is such a versatile player, he could play anywhere you tell him. Bowles knows Mathieu inside-out, and will capitalize on his abilities if he is signed. The Jets have the money, so why not?

I’m going to throw in a bold prediction here. Claiborne will BALL in 2018. He has Trumaine Johnson across from him, and he’s no longer guarding stud receivers every single snap. Claiborne will have at least four picks in 2018. Calling it here and now.

The Jets secondary is revamped. Jamal Adams, Marcus Maye, Trumaine Johnson, and Claiborne. Add Mathieu to the equation and I’m willing to go as far as the “No Fly Zone.” Welcome back, Mo Claiborne!

– James Cunningham is a staff writer for Full Press Coverage Jets and covers the New York Jets. Like and follow on Follow @nyjfansnationFollow @FPC_Jets