Getty ImagesFree agent safety Jim Leonhard recently declared himself recovered from last year’s torn right patellar tendon, and is ready to work out for NFL teams. But his days as a New York Jet are over.
League sources told ESPN New York’s Rich Cimini that Leonhard “won’t be back with the team,” which is moving forward with Yeremiah Bell, LaRon Landry, and Eric Smith at safety. Leonhard spent the past three seasons with New York, following Rex Ryan over from Baltimore.
Just from a dot-connecting standpoint, the Indianapolis Colts make sense as a potential suitor for Leonhard. New head coach Chuck Pagano was Leonhard’s position coach in 2008.
Indianapolis’ projected starting safeties are Antoine Bethea and Tom Zbikowski.
Leonhard can also return punts.
Channel Finder
hope someone picks him up. good dude.
Could he return to the ravens? they need some safety depth
It’s kind of funny how they bought into Landry’s preseason freak of nature physique, and athleticism. Once the season starts, you will see that monster break down and end up on the IR. You will then look back and say, maybe we should have kept Leonhard. Skins should take a peak at this guy to further the competition they have at training camp.
If he is indeed healthy, the Lions should take a flier on him. I have always thought he was a decent talent back there, and his added versatility makes him a great value.
Packers should really give this guy a look, replacing Nick Collins with any rookie is a big downgrade. (damn shame about such a promising player)
Come on Ravens, get this guy back.
Green Bay seems like a great fit. Come home Jimmy!
Minnesota could use this guy as well.
I like Jim Leonhard. He’s been a good player for a few years now. He’d be a solid pick up for any team
Sorry to hear that, he was a great player and a great Jet! im sure he’ll find another team quickly
Not a statistically amazing player, but Leonard plays his position well. He’s certainly 10x the DB Eric Smith will ever be. Whoever picks him up now is getting a gift.
Will miss you jimmy.
Any team can use a healthy Jim Leonard.
The key word is healthy though.
Jim will be a head coach in the NFL one day. He came up with the plan to beat the Pats two years ago in the playoffs by crowding the middle of the field.
Sad day to be a Jets fan. He was more valuable than advertised.
Bengals need a safety to go along with Reggie Nelson. He’ll sign somewhere.
as a Pats fan I have to say I always liked him even as a Jet. Tough little player.
Been bit by the injury bug lately though
he is a great heads up player. this dude was born with his head on a swivel. prone to injury and cant have that at starting safety.
He must not be back up to speed, or his contract is an issue, he was one of Rex’s favorites. He’s been a great safety, and the Jets have a saftey on their roster Eric Smith who at times has been awful. Good luck Mr. Leonhard!
Raiders can use him, I wonder if we have cap room? I think we are going after Benson.
I will always remember in 2010 when the Jets were 9-2 and Jimmy broke his shin in practice before the Patriots game, the team was so down. Eric Smith replaced him and got flagged early for a long pass interference penalty, and off went the Patriots romping the Jets. Best of luck Jimmy you are a class act, stay healthy.
Same year Jets lost AFC championship @ Pittsburgh when they could not score a TD from the 1 yd. line, I bet Tebow will make a huge difference this year in that respect.
He was the captain of that defense, the smartest guy out there, and was responsible for reads and adjustments. They think they’re gonna get that with Landry? Good lord. The Jets just make one horrible decision after another.
Wasn’t it Jim Leon-hard who got beat by (former) Bronco’s Quarterback Tim Tebow for the winning touchdown run against the Jets when he took a bad angle to tackle him? And that sealed the deal for him not to be resigned?
Wasn’t it Jim Leon-hard who got beat by (former) Bronco’s Quarterback Tim Tebow for the winning touchdown run against the Jets when he took a bad angle to tackle him? And that sealed the deal for him not to be resigned?
——-
No, you’re thinking of Antonio Cromartie, who stood in the endzone holding a receiver trying to make it look like he was being blocked, so he didn’t risk having to make contact with Tebow. I remember it like it was yesterday.
I would absolutely love if Dallas would sign this guy. But they won’t bc the GM is an idiot.
Leonhard is wrecking ball, and has an excellent understanding of the total defense. Whomever signs him, is going to get an incredible upgrade.
This should be a no-brainer. Green Bay!! They need a safety, and he’s from Wisconsin. He’s worth a shot.
Leonhard was a class act, and a hard working, smart player.
But while there are issues regarding durability w/ Landry, it doesn’t change the fact that Leonhard himself has landed on the IR 2 out of the last 3 years.
Fact is the Jets needed a physical presence at safety, and thats why they decided on Landry over Leonhard, w/ the durability issues washing out.
Landry is only signed on for 1 year, so the Jets don’t have a large commitment to him, and my understanding is that there should be some attractive FAs coming onto the market next season at safety.
Also, Landry wasn’t the first choice for the Jets, they were looking at the Bengals safety initially.
Smith can be a good tackler, but he is slow and not as smart as Leonhard.
I wouldn’t keep Smith over Leonhard, I think it’s a mistake.
Landry is fixing his body with magical powers instead of Western medicine, let’s see about that Achilles.
The Eagles should take a flyer on this guy.
Jim Leonhard > Nate Allen (any day of the week)
He was the captain of that defense, the smartest guy out there, and was responsible for reads and adjustments. They think they’re gonna get that with Landry? Good lord. The Jets just make one horrible decision after another.
————————————————–
Smartest guy out there who forgot what “Contain” means against the Denver Broncos on Thursday night football last year. Tebow made him look like a fool.
Loved him as a Bill. Never understood why he was let go. That wouldn’t happen with the current Bills braintrust. The Jets let him go? He must not be able to play then. Not only was he Rex’s guy, but Landry, Smith and Bell are all stiffs. If Revis holds out the Jets won’t be able to stop a nosebleed.
Rex is not the smartest coach cause he talk too much