Jets Head Coach Adam Gase Reveals Why New York Released Pierre Desir

The New York Jets released veteran cornerback Pierre Desir on Tuesday. Jets head coach Adam Gase explained what led to the decision before practice on Wednesday

Max Goodman | Nov 18, 2020

The Jets released veteran cornerback Pierre Desir on Tuesday just nine games into his one-year deal with New York.

One day later, Jets head coach Adam Gase provided some clarity as to why the organization decided to cut ties with Desir.

"I think where we’re at right now we’re really looking to play as many of these young guys as possible," Gase said ahead of Wednesday's practice. "We just felt like it was the right decision to give him an opportunity to go try to get an opportunity somewhere else. I don’t think a guy with that experience and a guy that’s been a starter for multiple teams, kind of having him play scout team, and possibly be inactive or a backup really wasn’t fair to him. So, we felt like this was the best decision to make and get these young guys out there and play those guys."

Desir, 30, certainly has the talent to contribute to an NFL defense. In nine games this year, he had three interceptions (tied for the sixth-most picks in the league) along with eight pass break-ups, one forced fumble and 47 tackles. The fourth-rounder in 2014 is currently in his seventh season in the NFL.

He's not the first member of New York's defense to depart in 2020. The Jets made several trades leading up to this month's deadline including shipping linebacker Avery Williamson to Pittsburgh. New York also dealt All-Pro safety Jamal Adams to the Seahawks before the season began.

READ: Jamal Adams Opens Up About Fighting Depression While Playing For Jets

With no Desir, and fellow corner Brian Poole on the injured reserve, look for rookie defensive backs (like Bryce Hall) to have plenty of opportunities to gather experience over the Jets' final seven games.

MORE: What Releasing Pierre Desir Means For the Jets

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Published Nov 18, 2020

MAX GOODMAN

Max Goodman covers the New York Jets for Sports Illustrated and FanNation. He also covers the New York Yankees, publisher of Sports Illustrated and FanNation's Yankees site, Inside The Pinstripes. Before starting out with SI, Goodman attended Northwestern University and the Medill School of Journalism. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism and Master’s Degree in Sports Media, graduating in 2019. While at school, Goodman gathered valuable experience as an anchor and reporter on NNN SportsNight and played on the club baseball team. Goodman previously interned at MLB.com as an associate reporter covering the Miami Marlins. He also interned with ESPN, working as an associate reporter on Mike Greenberg's Get Up. Goodman is from New York City. He grew up in Hell's Kitchen. Follow Goodman on Twitter @MaxTGoodman and connect with him via email by reaching out at maxgoodmansports@gmail.com.