The veteran defender is moving on after four seasons with the New York Jets, as the Chicago Bears will become his third team.
New York Jets secondary defender Buster Skrine is moving on. The free agent cornerback has reportedly inked a three-year, $16.5 million deal with the Chicago Bears. Mike Garafolo first reported the signing, while his NFL Network colleague Ian Rapoport had the financial details.
It’s a 3-year deal worth $16.5M with $8.5M guaranteed, source said. https://t.co/l6eCOqpWhm
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2019
Thus ends Skrine’s four-year term with the Jets, one that began when the Jets signed him from Cleveland in 2015. Over his tenure, Skrine tallied 222 total tackles, including 2.5 sacks. He also picked up three interceptions and forced three fumbles, recovering three others.
During the 2018 season, Skrine’s versatility was on full display thanks to some injuries on the defensive side. The Chattanooga alum lined up at both safety, cornerback, while even taking a few snaps at linebacker. He’d go on to appear in 14 games, missing two games with a knee ailment.
Skrine’s most notable moment in green perhaps came during the 2016 season. In a 24-16 win over Baltimore, a career-long 51-yard return of a Joe Flacco interception set up a Nick Folk field goal, the score that gave the Jets the lead for good.
Skrine becomes the second Jets player to be lost through free agency, the first being center Spencer Long, who signed with Buffalo.
The signing of Skrine, once confirmed by the team, will become official on Wednesday afternoon when the league’s official new year opens.