Jets Sign DB Shamarko Thomas

Hours after trading away strong safety Calvin Pryor the Jets have signed another strong safety, ex-Steeler Shamarko Thomas.

Shamarko Thomas is a 26 year old, 5' 9", 213 pound safety out of Syracuse University. Thomas was originally selected in the 4th round of the 2013 NFL draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Thomas was never able to break into the Steelers' starting lineup on a regular basis in his four years with the team.  Over the course of his four years with the Steelers Thomas recorded 38 tackles, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in 48 total games and two starts.  His best year was his rookie year in 2013, when Thomas got substantial playing time as a rotational safety, recording 29 tackles and starting two games.  He has not started a game since 2013, and has rarely played.outside of special teams.  Since 2013 Thomas has only played a total of 27 defensive snaps outside of special teams. Thomas played in only eight games in 2016 as a result of a concussion that ultimately landed him on the injured reserve list and ended his season.

To make room on the roster the Jets cut rookie linebacker Jevaris Jones.  Jones is a  6' 1", 228 pound 2017 undrafted free agent linebacker out of Division II Shorter University who was signed by the Jets after a minicamp tryout.