Jets sign defensive linemen Jenkins, McLendon

NEW YORK (AP) The New York Jets refilled their defensive line after losing ''Snacks.''

Free-agent defensive lineman Jarvis Jenkins and nose tackle Steve McLendon signed deals Wednesday, helping the Jets offset the departure of nose tackle Damon Harrison, who signed with the Giants last week.

Jenkins' contract is for two years and $7 million, with $3 million guaranteed, according to a person with direct knowledge of the deal. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Jets had not announced the signing.

McLendon signed a three-year, $12 million deal, according to agent Richard Kopelman.

The Jets also officially announced the re-signing of running back Bilal Powell, who agreed to terms on a three-year, $11.25 million deal last week.

Jenkins, 27, had four sacks for Chicago last year after spending his first three NFL seasons with Washington. He was a second-round pick by the Redskins out of Clemson in 2011. Jenkins missed his rookie season after tearing a knee ligament in the preseason, but played in every game the next year.

He was suspended the first four games of the 2013 season for violating the NFL's policy on performance enhancing substances. Jenkins signed a one-year deal with Chicago last offseason, registering a single-season career high in sacks.

Jenkins will help provide depth behind Muhammad Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson and Leonard Williams.

McLendon, 30, was signed by Pittsburgh as an undrafted free agent out of Troy in 2009, and has five career sacks. He is a run-stuffing presence up front who is the likely candidate to replace Harrison as the Jets' starting nose tackle.

McLendon was a backup for much of his first few seasons with the Steelers before he took over as a starter for five-time Pro Bowler Casey Hampton before the 2013 season. He has started 30 games over the past three years.

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