Leger Douzable combines with Calvin Pace for a sack of Ben Roethlisberger.
Credit: Getty Images
After an unheralded signing this offseason, the Jets may have found an integral part of their defensive line rotation in Leger Douzable. The Jets were the journeyman’s fourth team in six years but he may have found a home.
In limited snaps, Douzable had 19 tackles this year, the second-highest total in his NFL career. His 1 1/2 sacks was a career best and his two half sacks in Week 16 against the Browns showed a player improving as the season wore on.
Douzable signed a one-year deal with the Jets when he joined the team and said he has already spoken with general manager John Idzik and head coach Rex Ryan about the possibilities of a return.
“We’ve been doing some talking. I’m going to let free agency play out the way it plays,” Douzable said. “I remember two years ago when I was a true free agent for the first time, I stressed out. I have a good agent in Drew Rosenhaus so I’m just going to let things unfold the way that they unfold.”
The Jets have a young and deep rotation along their defensive line. With Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson the emerging stars and Quinton Coples, Kenrick Ellis and Damon Harrison all strong pieces, Douzable must realize he is a role player. But after a solid 2013 season, he is ready for that role and he’d like it to be in green and white.
“I love playing for Rex; I love John,” Douzable said. “This is a great organization to play for and I love it here.”
Follow Jets beat writer Kristian Dyer on Twitter @KristianRDyer.
