Jets sign Quinton Jefferson to bolster DL

The New York Jets bolstered their defensive line Thursday, announcing they have signed veteran lineman Quinton Jefferson.

Jefferson set career highs with 5.5 sacks and six tackles for loss with the Seattle Seahawks last season. He also racked up 29 tackles in 17 games. The Seahawks released him this offseason to save $4.48 million in cap space.

The 30-year-old had one of his best games of the 2022 campaign against the Jets in Week 17, amassing 1.5 sacks and three quarterback hits to help Seattle beat New York.

Jefferson said he's excited about New York's defense ahead of the 2023 season, adding that the potential arrival of quarterback Aaron Rodgers will have a major impact on both sides of the ball.

"It is a great opportunity to showcase my skill set and to get back into a defense that has an attacking front," Jefferson told Josina Anderson of CBS Sports. "I think the sky is the limit with that group. I think we are about to take over the division."

He added: "Then when you add in Aaron Rodgers and that type of offense with him leading it, you already know that that is a defensive dream."

A fifth-round pick in 2016, Jefferson spent his first four NFL seasons with the Seahawks before one-year stints with the Buffalo Bills (2020) and Las Vegas Raiders (2021). He rejoined Seattle last season on a two-year contract.

The Jets, who lost linemen Sheldon Rankins and Nathan Shepherd in free agency, reportedly also showed interest in Calais Campbell before he signed with the Atlanta Falcons last week. They roster defensive linemen Quinnen Williams and John Franklin-Myers, among others.

New York missed the playoffs for the 12th straight season last year despite boasting a top-five defense. The Jets have been aggressive this offseason and are still expected to trade for Rodgers; the 39-year-old said in March he intends to play for New York in 2023 after almost two decades with the Green Bay Packers.