Lamarcus Joyner is now in his second year with the New York Jets. He signed in 2021 free agency on a one-year contract. Shortly before 2022 free agency, the Jets signed Joyner to another one-year deal. Joyner is an established, versatile veteran. He is going into year nine of his NFL career and turns 32 in late November. In 2022, Joyner should provide the Jets with more stability at safety.
Brief review of 2021:
The 2021 season for Joyner was a tough one. He played just nine snaps after a torn tricep in the first game. The Jets missed Joyner. The safety position was a revolving door all of last year and missing a veteran presence.
Skill set:
Joyner is 5-foot-8 and 185 pounds. He offers the Jets great versatility as a former cornerback. As a result, he provides the Jets’ man-to-man coverage ability as a safety. It enables him to also line up in the slot.
Athletically speaking, Joyner is not too much of one. He has average 4.55 speed and possesses some explosiveness. However, Joyner is a highly-competitive player with intelligence.
Projected role with the New York Jets:
Joyner will likely be the Jets starting free safety. With the probable chance that the Jets operate a lot of cover 3 defenses, Joyner will line up as the single-high deep safety. He will complement new strong safety Jordan Whitehead, who looks to predominately play in the box. As mentioned above, Joyner can occasionally come down in the slot to play man coverage.
2022 stat projection:
Throughout his 96 career games played, Joyner has had four interceptions. In 2022, if he could get one interception for the Jets, it would be ideal. He has 33 total passes defended over his eight years (4.1 per season). If he could provide just that this year it would be good for the Jets’ defense. Lastly, Joyner has recorded at least three tackles for loss every year of his career aside from 2017 and, of course last year. Hopefully, he can give the Jets another three stops in the backfield this year.
Final preview thoughts:
Joyner can be a reliable asset to the Jets’ secondary. Hopefully, he can simply prove himself as a consistent player who minimizes mistakes and keeps plays in front of him as the free safety. His smarts, experience, toughness, versatility, and coverage ability will be needed. A few impact plays would be great. In 2022, the Jets’ defense has got to be better. Getting a solid year from Joyner would help.