Jets sign Goodson, lose Keller to Miami
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The Jets got the running back they think fits in new offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg’s West Coast offense best when Mike Goodson agreed to terms Friday.
Goodson will help replace Shonn Greene, who signed a three-year contract with the Titans on Thursday after an up-and-down four years in New York.
Goodson, a fourth-round pick by the Panthers in 2009, has just three starts in his NFL career and was traded to the Raiders last year after failing to produce much in Carolina. He is, however, a good pass-catching running back, something which is certainly a boon considering Greene’s less than stellar hands.
He had 221 rushing yards on 35 carries and 16 receptions for 195 yards and a touchdown in 12 games last year. He has only played a full 16-game season once in his NFL career.
The news of Goodson signing came on the same day the Jets lost tight end Dustin Keller to the Dolphins. A first-round pick of the Jets in 2008, Keller has been uneven during his five years with the team. While he was a good route runner at tight end, he was plagued by bad drops and was always a mediocre blocker at best. He was a favorite target of quarterback Mark Sanchez though.
Per a source, the Jets were unwilling to meet Keller’s salary demands and “never seriously thought Keller would return” given his contract situation.
Last season, Keller made a shade under $4 million with bonuses and the Dolphins offered him a reported $4.5 million in a one-year contract. During an injury-plagued 2012, Keller had 28 catches for 317 yards and two touchdowns in eight games.
In addition to signing Goodson on Friday, the Jets made official the return of fullback Lex Hilliard, who signed with the Jets during midseason following an injury to fullback John Conner. Hilliard was a solid blocker and versatile, contributing on special teams as well as on offense. He was considered a good locker room presence as well.
Metro has also learned from a team source that the Jets have private workouts coming up with NFL Draft prospects Sierra College wide receiver Courtney Gardner and Eastern Kentucky cornerback Justin Bell.
Follow Jets beat writer Kristian Dyer on Twitter @KristianRDyer.
