The Jets’ search for additional outside linebacker help will now include John Simon. The edge defender made the Jets his first free agent visit since being released by the Colts, Field Yates of ESPN.com reports (on Twitter).
Simon spent one season with the Colts, but in their new 4-3 defense, he was not viewed as an ideal fit. He spent the prior five seasons of his career with 3-4 teams — the Ravens and Texans — and has worked in a starting role for the past three years.
Gang Green’s outside-rush situation has been mentioned as one of the most glaring weak spots any team’s facing. The Jets do not return a player who registered more than three sacks last season. Projected outside linebacker starters Josh Martin and Jordan Jenkins combined for 4.5 sacks in 2017.
The second-place finishers in the Khalil Mack sweepstakes, the Jets did sign Jeremiah Attaochu after the 49ers cut him. A Simon route to New York would be a similar addition. The 27-year-old defender started all nine Colts games he played. His single-season sack high is five, set with the 2015 Texans — for whom he worked as a part-time starter.