The New York Jets signed a fast wide receiver with dynamic ability on special teams -- but not DeSean Jackson. They finalized a deal Tuesday with Jacoby Ford, formerly of the Oakland Raiders.
Contract terms weren't immediately available. The Jets tweeted a photo of Ford signing his contract:
RT to welcome our new WR @JacobyFord12 to the Green & White- http://t.co/GNUeFee1Y3 pic.twitter.com/HkHUuVEviV
- New York Jets (@nyjets) April 1, 2014
The Jets had been showing interest in Ford, 26, from the outset of free agency and visited with him Monday.
The Jets had been linked to Jackson in recent days, but they decided not to pursue the former Philadelphia Eagles standout, opting instead for Ford.
Ford, a fourth-round pick in 2010, has produced modest receiving numbers in limited action. He missed 26 games in the previous three seasons, including the entire 2012 season due to foot surgery. He has 57 career catches for 848 yards and three touchdowns.
With the Jets, who recently signed Eric Decker to a five-year, $36.25 million contract, Ford is projected as a backup. They're still likely to address the receiver position in the draft.
Chances are Ford will make a bigger impact on special teams. He has four touchdowns on kickoff returns, including three as a rookie in 2010. They went for 101, 94 and 100 yards, as he set an Oakland record for most kickoff-return touchdowns in a season.
The Jets struggled on kickoff returns last season, relying mostly on Josh Cribbs until he suffered a torn pectoral late in the season.
Jets receivers coach Sanjay Lal is familiar with Ford, having coached him in Oakland.