The Jets are closing in on a deal to bring back outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins, the Daily News has learned. Jenkins, the team leader in sacks last season (eight), weighed a few options, but he was always interested in playing for Gregg Williams again.
Although the finer points of the deal are still being hammered out, Jenkins makes most sense to return on a one-year deal before hitting the open market again next season.
Gang Green's 2016 third-round pick made it clear during this process Williams was the biggest draw to come back. Jenkins, who has improved in each of his first four seasons, had 32 quarterback pressures last season. He was exceedingly pleased with how Williams deployed him in his scheme last season.
The 6-3, 259-pound Jenkins had 15 sacks and 28 quarterback hits in the past two seasons. He has 20 { sacks and 157 tackles in 50 career starts.
Jenkins, a team leader and calming presence on defense, will turn 26 this summer. The Jets initially tried to lock him up to an extension late in the season before talks stalled. Both sides couldn't reach an agreement before the official start of free agency last week, so he tested the waters and found some tempting alternatives.
The Jets also agreed to a one-year deal with non-tendered restricted free agent linebacker James Burgess.
