As the Jets get closer to training camp, I am examining the roster and giving you my top 25 players. Each weekday, we will reveal another person on the list, leading right into camp. I am not including rookies on this list because I do not feel it is possible to fully evaluate them before they play a game.
No. 16: Vinny Curry
Last year’s ranking: Unranked (not on team)
Position: DE
Age on Opening Day: 33
How acquired: Signed a one-year, $1.3 million free agent contract on March 24
Years left on contract: 1
2021 Salary Cap figure: $1.2 million
Looking back at 2020
Curry had his season interrupted last year by injury and COVID. He played in 11 games for the Eagles, starting three. He suffered a hamstring injury in Week 1 that kept him out of the next four games, then missed another game later in the season while on the COVID-19 list.
Curry was a rotational player in Philadelphia, playing 28 percent of the defensive snaps. His playing time has decreased in each year since 2017, when he started every game for the Eagles Super Bowl championship team.
Vinny Curry with the Eagles in 2019. Getty ImagesLast year, Curry had 16 tackles, 10 quarterback hits, three sacks and a fumble recovery. He was credited with 25 pressures by PFF.
PFF graded him 39th out of 108 edge rushers.
Outlook for 2021
The Jets are searching for someone to play opposite Carl Lawson on the defensive line, and that could end up being Curry. Jets GM Joe Douglas knows Curry well from their days in Philadelphia together. The Jets flirted with signing Curry in 2020, but he wound up back in Philadelphia. This year, Douglas brought him into the Jets, and he could have an interesting role in Robert Saleh’s defense.
Vinny Curry pressures Alex Smith during a game in 2020. Getty ImagesThe Jets ran through a bunch of players at defensive end in the spring, including Curry. Saleh needs his defensive line to be flying around for his defense to work as intended. Curry is older now, but he should get a long look in training camp and could end up winning the starting job. The Jets love what they were able to do along the defensive line, adding Lawson and Sheldon Rankins to play alongside Quinnen Williams. The last piece they need to find is the other defensive end. It won’t be a surprise if that ends up being Curry.
