Why new Jets S Matthias Farley can make immediate impact in secondary
Though he's experiencing his first taste of cutdown day, Joe Douglas is off to a fast start. The day before 1,184 players are set to hit the waiver wire, the Jets' GM managed to reinforce the backend of the defense with a new addition, signing fourth-year safety Matthias Farley, as confirmed by SNY.
Rookie safety Santos Ramirez was waived in a corresponding move.
Farley, 27, was originally an undrafted free agent signing of the Arizona Cardinals in 2016. Farley found himself in a crowded safety battle, and was ultimately waived on Sept. 3, as the team whittled its way down to 53 players. He was promptly claimed by the Indianapolis Colts the following day.
The former Notre Dame star played in all 16 games as a rookie, totaling 11 tackles for the Colts. He shouldered a much more pivotal role the following season, however, starting 15 of 16 games at safety. He racked up 98 tackles, seven passes defended, two interceptions and a forced fumble, appearing well on his way to becoming a long-term fixture on defense.
The 5-foot-11, 205-pound defender assumed a backup role at strong safety, playing behind rising star Clayton Geathers. Limited to just five games last season (one start), nagging wrist, shoulder and groin injuries ultimately landed him on season-ending injured reserve in October. Finally healthy, Farley fell short of his goal of making the Colts' roster this time, as safeties George Odum and Khari Willis each put together strong summers.
While this move doesn't appear to be all that significant, it could end up paying dividends this season. Farley is known as a ferocious hitter, who acts as a heat-seeking missile on special teams.
More of a box safety than a traditional deep safety, Farley is a sure tackler, intelligent, and aggressive in his pursuit to the football. His 15 starts adds experience to a secondary that can use all the help it can get.
Follow along with our final cuts roster tracker here.
