Two days ago, cornerback Craig James was released by the Philadelphia Eagles. It was reported late in the afternoon on July 20th that the New York Jets signed James.
This report came from Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network. He announced that it is a one-year deal.
Jets signed Craig James to one-year deal, per a league source
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) July 20, 2022
James is going into his fifth NFL season. In April, he turned 26 years old. As an undrafted free agent, he started his career in 2018 with the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings waived him at the end of training camp in 2019. Shortly after, he was claimed by the Eagles. James went on to spend three seasons, from 2019-21, with the Eagles.
James is listed at 5-foot-10, 195 pounds. He has good 4.5 speed. To this point in his career, James has played in 21 total games. He played three in his rookie year with the Vikings, a career-high of 14 in 2019 with the Eagles, and four in 2020. In 2019, James recorded 15 total tackles and one pass breakup. Defensively, he has played 83 snaps throughout his career, with 68 of those coming in 2019.
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Where James will likely come in and contribute for the Jets is on special teams. He has recorded 342 career snaps on special teams from 2018-20. Most of those snaps, 237, came in 2019.
Considering all of the depth the Jets have at cornerback, James will gain his best opportunity to earn a roster spot this training camp and preseason for Brant Boyer on special teams. Adding competition to round out the roster with quality special teams play is always a logical approach. It will be interesting to see what James can provide to the Jets this summer.