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New York Jets Rumors: Morris Claiborne Close To Signing

By Kenneth Teape

Dec 7, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Morris Claiborne (24) reacts after breaking up a pass intended for Washington Redskins tight end Jordan Reed (86) during the second quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Morris Claiborne (24) reacts after breaking up a pass intended for Washington Redskins tight end Jordan Reed (86) during the second quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Jets rumors: Adam Schefter reports that the Jets are closing in on a contract with free agent cornerback Morris Claiborne.

New York Jets rumors have picked up in recent days. With a lot of the big fishes signed in free agency, it is time for the second and third tier players to get their looks. For a team such as the Jets, this is where they will get busy.

The Jets came into the offseason with plenty of holes to fill, but not much money to do so. Quarterback is a big need for the Jets, but cornerback was also a big problem spot to fill.

The Jets pass defense struggled mightily this past season. It was expected to be the strength of the team but never got going. A big problem in the defensive backfield was Darrelle Revis. Revis came into camp out of shape and was never able to get going. His poor play and off-field actions resulted in him being waived this offseason.

With Revis no longer in the picture, the Jets are in need of some veterans at cornerback. It was selected as the biggest hole to fill this offseason by ESPN. With the big money options already signed, the Jets are going bargain hunting to fill the hole.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Jets are closing in on signing former Dallas Cowboys cornerback Morris Claiborne.

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Claiborne was a highly touted prospect coming out of LSU in 2012. The Cowboys traded up in the draft to select Claiborne, but he hasn’t lived up to expectations.

Claiborne looked like he was going to be a major bust his first few seasons in the NFL. He is a penalty machine, being flagged 32 times in 47 games. He also struggles to stay healthy. Claiborne has played in only 22 out of a possibly 48 games the last three seasons. He played 15 games in his rookie year but has never played more than 11 after that.

Claiborne was putting together a good season in 2016 before a groin injury derailed him, ending his season early. The Jets know the risks in signing Claiborne but are hoping that he has turned a corner production wise with his play last season.

Next: New York Jets Recent Mock Draft Predictions

At this point in the offseason, it is slim pickings for the Jets. This is a high risk, high reward type signing for New York. Claiborne has the talent to be a difference-maker; the question is can he stay healthy and put it together mentally.

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