New York Jets sign former Rutgers cornerback
With some success already with one former Rutgers defensive back, the New York Jets are hoping to find another productive player in Saquan Hampton.
Hampton, a multi-year starter at Rutgers, signed with the Jets practice squad on Wednesday. A former seventh round pick of the New Orleans Saints in 2020, Hampton was released this past September having battled injuries since his rookie season.
Roster moves:
– LB Bryce Hager and S Bennett Jackson signed to the active roster.
– OLB Sharif Finch, DB Elijah Campbell and DB Saquan Hampton signed to practice squad.
– WR DJ Montgomery placed on practice squad IR.
– OL Jimmy Murray released.📰 https://t.co/WEJOS7IRHr pic.twitter.com/8ZTLkCzcWg
— New York Jets (@nyjets) November 3, 2020
The safety joins Bless Austin, a former Rutgers cornerback, also on the Jets roster. At 0-8, the Jets are the only winless team in the NFL and in desperate need of help at safety.
Hampton, if he can stay healthy, has a good chance to eventually working his way from the practice squad to the two-deep at some point this season.
During the offseason, the Jets were also heavily-linked with another former Rutgers player, cornerback Logan Ryan. A season ago, Ryan was tremendous and played a major role in the Tennessee Titans advancing to the AFC Championship Game.
Ryan ended up not signing with the Jets but instead across the river with the New York Giants.
Despite their struggles in recent years, Rutgers has been rather prolific at sending defensive backs to the NFL. The likes of cornerback Jason McCourty and safety Devin McCourty – the twins are both with the New England Patriots -along with Ryan and now the emerging Austin, have helped the program earn a solid reputation at producing NFL-caliber talent in the secondary.
Austin is in his second season in the NFL, the former sixth round pick has 31 tackles and two passes defended in seven games (six starts) for the Jets.