After missing out on Reggie Nelson, the Jets are turning their attention to former Redskin O.J. Atogwe.
The Daily News has learned that the Jets have expressed interest in free agent safety Oshiomogho Atogwe, who was released by the Redskins last week. The 30-year-old Atogwe spent six seasons with the Rams before being signed by Washington last offseason.
Atogwe's play fell off a bit last year. At his best, he was always a gambler, a guy who could make big plays but who was also prone to allowing big ones when he missed out. I am not sure this is the best fit for the kind of defense Rex Ryan wants to run. He loves to attack up front, which means the safeties in the back need to be able to be reliable to save the day in case things do not work out.
The Jets are in a bit of a desperate spot right now. For all of his flaws, Atogwe seems much better than any alternative and is certainly better than what the team had in 2011. They need to go all in.
It took years of mismanaging the position for the team to get into this spot from trading Kerry Rhodes for 30 cents on the dollar to investing in Eric Smith. When you handle a spot poorly, you end up needing to overpay flawed players in free agency.