Jets reach out to former Patriot Asante Samuel

The Jets secondary was perceived as a major weakness even before yesterday's practice, when they lost third round corner Dexter McDougle for the season to a torn ACL and top corner Dee Milliner for at least a few weeks to the dreaded high ankle sprain.

As a result, they've reportedly been talking with an old Patriots frenemy: Asante Samuel.

Per Manish Mehta:

The Jets reached out to 33-year-old free-agent cornerback Asante Samuel, who won two Super Bowls with the Patriots, but it’s unlikely they’ll sign the four-time Pro Bowler, according to a source. The Jets, who have more than $20 million in salary cap space, are expected to sign a younger player.

While the Jets do have a dire need at cornerback, I'm not sold on Samuel being a fit in New York. Rex Ryan has always preferred to trust his corners to play physical, man-coverage, while Samuel is most effective playing zone.

The current situation at corner is a reminder of the disconnect between the coaching staff and front office in New York. GM John Izdik has traded Darrelle Revis and allowed Antonio Cromartie to leave as a free agent in consecutive offseasons, despite the need for strong man-to-man corners in Ryan's defense.

But hey, at least they have Ras-I Dowling to pick up the slack!