Oct 1, 2020; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets cornerback Pierre Desir (35) returns an interception for a touchdown in front of Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (10) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the New York Jets are releasing cornerback Pierre Desir. The defender was signed to a one-year deal by the Jets last spring after his release from the Indianapolis Colts.
Desir, 30, earned 47 tackles and three interceptions during his brief New York tenure. His most memorable moment came in the Jets’ Thursday night tilt against the Denver Broncos at the start of Week 4, when he tallied the second multi-interception game of his career, as well as his first touchdown. Desir also had an interception in the Jets’ Week 2 loss against San Francisco.
Despite these turnovers, Desir mostly struggled in a Jets uniform. According to Pro Football Focus, receivers covered by Desir have earned 35 catches, the ninth-worst in football. Desir was also called out by New York Daily News reporter Manish Mehta for not appearing to give a full effort during a crucial moment in the Jets’ latest loss, a narrow 30-27 defeat at the hands of the New England Patriots. The aforementioned Denver game also saw Desir victimized on a highlight reel touchdown catch by Jerry Jeudy in the Jets’ 37-28 loss.
With the reported departure of Desir, the Jets have bid farewell to a trio of former Indianapolis Colts in their secondary, joining Nate Hairston and Quincy Wilson. The previously released duo has since respectively signed with the Ravens and Giants.
The departure of Desir will likely lead to extended opportunities for the Jets’ rookie class. Fifth-round rookie Bryce Hall came in for Desir during the New England game, while the Jets are also experimenting with undrafted first-year man Lamar Jackson and sophomore Bless Austin in primary roles. New York is allowing over 281 passing yards per game, 29th in the NFL.
The Jets (0-9) return to action on Sunday late afternoon against the Los Angeles Chargers (4:05 p.m. ET, CBS).
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
This post was published on 2020-11-17 15:59
