To alleviate their woes at cornerback, the Jets signed former Detroit Lions CB Marcus Cooper on Tuesday.
The Jets found themselves in desperate need of a veteran corner like Cooper after injuries depleted an already thin group. Staring CB Trumaine Johnson is week-to-week with a hamstring injury, UDFA CB Kyron Brown is also sidelined with a hamstring and Derrick Jones was waived.
Cooper is a well-traveled, seven-year veteran who the Jets hope will help stop the bleeding. Now that he’s a member of Gang Green, here are four things to know about New York’s newest cornerback.
Around the Block
Coming out of Rutgers University, Marcus Cooper was taken by the 49ers in the seventh round of the 2013 NFL draft.
He competed for a backup job but was subsequently waived during final roster cuts. The Chiefs immediately claimed Cooper and he continued to play three seasons as the team’s No. 4 cornerback. After falling down the depth chart in Kansas City, Cooper was traded to the Cardinals in exchange for a conditional seventh-round draft pick.
The Cardinals allowed Cooper to test free agency and he later signed a three-year, $15 million deal with the Bears. Cooper’s stint in Chicago didn’t last long, as he was quickly supplanted on the depth chart and waived. The Lions claimed Cooper on waivers back in October and re-signed him to a one-year deal this past offseason. He was waived on Monday.
Hasn’t started since 2017
Marcus Cooper has not started a game since September 2017 when he was with the Bears.
Cooper has only started 28 games in 74 career appearances, but the Jets can’t be picky right now. They need experience, and Cooper has it.
For his career, Cooper has recorded seven interceptions, 36 pass defenses and 154 tackles.
High school standout
Marcus Cooper attended Bloomfield High School in Bloomfield, Connecticut, where he was a two-sport star in football and track.
Cooper finished his high school career as the school’s all-time leader in receiving yards, touchdowns, receptions and consecutive games with a touchdown.
Homecoming
Marcus Cooper returns to the state of New Jersey, where he played his college ball at Rutgers University.
Cooper played all four years for the Scarlett Knights but saw very limited playing time as a starter during his first two seasons. He transitioned to cornerback in his final year with Rutgers, increasing his playing time and making himself an NFL prospect.
He joins Bless Austin as the only other former Rutgers players on the Jets roster.
