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Antonio Allen Signs With Jets

By John B
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The Jets had a roster spot open up today when tight end Brian Parker, claimed from Kansas City off waivers, failed his physical. The team only had three safeties and decided to add a fourth. Antonio Allen was signed.

Allen played with the Jets from 2012 up until an injury cost him his entire 2015 season. He was a seventh round pick in 2012 and began 2013 as a starter at safety before the in-season signing of Ed Reed moved him to the bench. The Jets made an ill-fated decision to move him to cornerback after the team failed to address the position in free agency or the Draft that year.

Allen spent training camp with the Texans but failed to make the roster. He should know the system since he spent the offseason with the Jets in 2015 as Todd Bowles was installing his defense. Allen also was in training camp before his injury.

Expectations should be pretty low. Allen is coming off a serious injury and did not make another roster. Even at his peak, he was a less than spectacular player.

I am a bit intrigued to see what Allen can do in Todd Bowles' defense. He came out of college as a linebacker/safety hybrid. He never really fit as a pure safety, lacking the cover skills. He certainly did not fit as a corner. Could he carve out a role in Todd Bowles' defense, which does have a spot for linebacker/safety hybrids?

Only time will tell, but at the least the Jets can say they have a player from the 2012 Draft class on the team again.

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