The New York Jets officially sign veteran free agent safety J.J. Wilcox after he rebuffs the San Francisco 49ers while in the Bay Area.
No, it’s not Kenny Vaccaro. It’s J.J. Wilcox.
Todd Bowles and the New York Jets defense finally filled a major void on Wednesday with the signing of the five-year veteran of the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers. Wilcox will most likely serve as the all-important third safety alongside Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye in certain nickel, dime and quarter sub-packages.
In addition to the signing, the team also announced it’s parted ways with EDGE Freddie Bishop, via Randy Lange of the Jets official website.
We have signed safety J.J. Wilcox and waived LB Freddie Bishop.
DETAILS → https://t.co/P2JRKyu9T6 pic.twitter.com/Q01uCG1GUI
— New York Jets (@nyjets) June 6, 2018
Wilcox, 27, is originally a third-round selection circa the 2013 NFL Draft by way of Dallas. He started five games and dressed for 13 during his rookie campaign in Big D as a strong safety.
Standing at 6-foot-0 and 212 pounds, Wilcox is more comfortable as a strong safety yet can also play centerfield a bit if called upon. This is the perfect prototype the Jets defense is in need of as that third safety in certain nickel and dime packages.
Wilcox has tallied six interceptions, 16 passes defensed two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and 165 tackles in 70 total games (39 games started).
The interesting footnote coming out of this signing comes from ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Former Cowboys’ and Steelers’ S JJ Wilcox was in 49ers’ offices to sign today…and then he “flipped”, in word of one source, and decided he wanted to play for HC Todd Bowles. “He got stage fright,” said another source. Now Wilcox is on flight to NJ to sign with Jets – if no flip
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 5, 2018
The Schefter report makes it clear that Wilcox suddenly “flipped” while actually in the Bay Area. He specifically used the name of Todd Bowles and now, has his wish.
J.J. Wilcox will be competing with Rontez Miles, Terrence Brooks and Doug Middleton for that critical third-safety spot.
