As has been the trend ever since former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan went on to become the head coach of the New York Jets, Interstate 95 has been the path for many former defensive players to follow after leaving the Ravens in free agency. The next target for the rotund and outspoken leader of the Jets could be Ravens free agent outside linebacker Jarret Johnson.
According to a story at SportingNews.com, the New York Daily News says the Jets, along with the Indianapolis Colts, now with another former Ravens defensive coordinator, Chuck Pagano, plan to make a run at signing the nine-year veteran. JJ played six seasons under Ryan when he was here in Baltimore.
Johnson's first wish is to stay with the Ravens and finish out his career here, but knows this is also a business. In Baltimore, he has played in a franchise-record 129 consecutive games, which only increases his value as a durable as well as solid player. While most fans want to see him return to Baltimore, he may be the same sort of victim of the numbers game that claimed fan favorites Todd Heap and Derrick Mason last year. If so, we wish him well, at least until if and when he plays the Ravens.