The Jets continue to raid the Baltimore Ravens' nest.
The Green and White inked safety
Jim Leonhard to a three-year deal worth $6 million with a $1 million signing bonus.
The Denver Broncos were in hot pursuit of Leonhard's services, but the Jets were able to fend them off. That's a good sign so far -- when the Jets want someone, they land him.
The Jets will plug Leonard opposite Kerry Rhodes in the secondary. Leonhard started 13 games last season for the Ravens and finished with 69 tackles, a sack and one interception. He took over for injured starter Dawan Landry and put together a career year.
Leonhard also averaged 11.6 yards on 20 punt returns last season. Coach Rex Ryan said he envisions
Leonhard being the Jets primary punt returner so incumbent Leon Washington can get more touches in the running game. Shrewd move. Washington is a fantastic kickoff returner and while he has the ability to be a game-changer returning punts, I'd gladly trade his punt-return duties for more rushes during a game. Washington isn't the biggest guy in the world (5'8, 202) and it should theoretically save him some wear and tear.
Speaking of little -- Leonhard isn't that big himself. He's listed at 5'8 and 186 pounds. Not really typical of an NFL starting safety.
But they say good things come in small packages.
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