What Releasing Pierre Desir Means For the Jets

The New York Jets released cornerback Pierre Desir on Tuesday. That opens the door for rookies, like Bryce Hall, to gain experience for the rest of the season

When the Jets signed cornerback Pierre Desir in free agency this offseason, he was meant to be a veteran presence among a young group of defensive backs in New York. 

Jets general manager Joe Douglas and the entire organization surely envisioned Desir would carry over the numbers he produced over his previous few seasons with the Indianapolis Colts

Instead, Desir was released by the Jets on Tuesday just nine games into his one-year, $3.75 million deal.

The corner, in his seventh season in the NFL, had three interceptions (tied for sixth-most in the league), eight defended passes, 47 tackles and one forced fumble across nine games.

Desir's biggest game of the season came in Week 4 against the Broncos when he had two interceptions including a pick-six.

What those numbers don't tell you, however, is the 30-year-old found himself on the bench during two different games this season. 

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

Rather than focusing on what might have led to the decision to let Desir go, let's peek ahead at the final seven weeks of the season and beyond for this defense. What does this decision, along with fellow cornerback Brian Poole landing on the injured reserve, mean for this team going forward. 

The immediate answer is more playing time for rookie Bryce Hall. 

Hall made his debut on Monday night against the Patriots last week after working his way back from an ankle injury he sustained last year at Virginia.

The fifth-rounder played in just 39 snaps against New England. He now has an open door to plenty of reps through the remainder of the 2020 regular season. 

Ideally for New York, Hall can shake off the rust from his college injury and make adjustments to settle into playing in the NFL so he can grow into a starter at the position next fall with half of a season under his belt.

With seven games to go, don't be surprised if the other rookies at cornerback on this roster get in on the action going forward as well. 

READ: Jets' Darnold Is Still 'Very Confident' He'll Play Again This Season Despite Enduring Shoulder Injury

Bless Austin is in his second year in the league and will continue to start, but rookies Lamar Jackson and Javelin Guidry will be used more frequently as well. Otherwise, Arthur Maulet and recently-claimed Corey Ballentine will provide depth at the position.

It's worth noting just how much turnover we've seen with who will be playing for the Jets on defense this year. Before the trade deadline, New York said goodbye to linebacker Avery Williamson, defensive tackle Steve McLendon and defensive end Jordan Willis. 

Plus, of course, the Jets dealt safety Jamal Adams to Seattle in the offseason.

With another rookie Ashtyn Davis settling in nicely at safety, this young secondary will gain plenty of valuable experience going forward. The only question now is will this group experience a victory before this season comes to a close.

Follow Max Goodman on Twitter (@MaxTGoodman), on Facebook (also @MaxTGoodman) and be sure to bookmark JetsCountry and check back daily for news, analysis and more.


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Max Goodman
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.