The Jets might be nearing a trade, just not the one everyone’s been anticipating.
This one does not involve Darrelle Revis. The Jets have made an offer to the Saints for running back Chris Ivory, a source confirmed. Ivory, a restricted free agent, signed his $2 million tender yesterday, clearing the way for a trade.
Ivory visited the Jets last week, according to sources, but the team never planned on surrendering its second-round pick to sign him as a free agent. Instead, the Jets hope to trade a low-round pick in next week’s NFL Draft for Ivory. It has been reported a fifth-round pick might get the deal done.
Ivory, 25, would escape a crowded backfield in New Orleans and join one with the Jets in search of firepower. Ivory is currently behind Mark Ingram, Pierre Thomas and Darren Sproles on the Saints’ depth chart. The Jets have Mike Goodson, Bilal Powell and Joe McKnight, none who have been a lead back.
The Saints used Ivory sparingly last year. He had 40 carries for 217 yards and two touchdowns. His best season came as a rookie in 2010 when he rushed for 716 yards and five TDs on 137 carries.