NFL Free Agency: J.J. Wilcox leaves 49ers facility to sign with the Jets
NFL Free Agency just took another weird turn with J.J. Wilcox
Nothing during the NFL free agency period has been conventional, and the latest turn of events in San Francisco adds another chapter to a wild offseason.
Former Dallas Cowboy and Pittsburgh Steeler safety J.J. Wilcox has been one of the top remaining free agents on the market since the NFL Draft. Very little news surrounded Wilcox this offseason as the veteran waited for an opportunity to sign with a new team.
Still, just 27-years-old Wilcox started just one game and played in 12 in his only season with Pittsburgh after four years with Dallas. According to reports Wilcox was in San Francisco today to sign a deal to join the 49ers before having “stage fright.”
Despite his intentions to sign with San Francisco as of early Tuesday morning, Wilcox left the 49ers facility and is en route to New York to sign with the Jets. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that sources inside the 49ers office said Wilcox “flipped” on his decision and wants to play for Jets head coach Todd Bowles.
Former Cowboys’ and Steelers’ S JJ Wilcox was in 49ers’ offices to sign today...and then he “flipped”, in word of one source, and decided he wanted to play for HC Todd Bowles. “He got stage fright,” said another source. Now Wilcox is on flight to NJ to sign with Jets - if no flip
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 5, 2018
Wilcox would be a backup in New York behind second year safeties Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye. Both started all 16 games last year with two sacks, two interceptions, and six pass deflections between them.
More from NFL Free Agency
- Ideal landing spots for Dalvin Cook, Ezekiel Elliott and other free agent running backs
- AFC East Buzz: Ezekiel Elliot visits Patriots; Dalvin Cook-Jets rumors heat up
- NFL Free Agency: 5 most intriguing landing spots for Dalvin Cook
- AFC South Buzz: Titans nab DeAndre Hopkins; Engram gets paid
- 5 Teams That Should Sign Free Agent WR DeAndre Hopkins
San Francisco is slated to start Jimmie Ward and Jaquiski Tartt at safety and drafted Tavarius Moore in the third round out of Southern Miss. Wilcox’s deal would have been for one year with San Francisco had he not flipped at the last minute, according to Schefter.
Now the 49ers could potentially turn their safety search toward a familiar face, Eric Reid. The former 49er starter hasn’t signed with a team this offseason and is filing a lawsuit against the NFL for allegedly conspiring to keep him out of the league after kneeling for the National Anthem.
A Pro Bowler his rookie season, Reid started 69 games for the 49ers before entering free agency this offseason.
San Francisco could still turn to former Saint Kenny Vaccaro, former Steeler Mike Mitchell, or former Chief Ron Parker, all of whom are free agents. T.J. Ward, Nate Allen, and Tyvon Branch are potentially cheaper options on the free agent market for the 49ers, who have approximately $37 million in salary cap space despite signing Jimmy Garoppolo to be their franchise quarterback.
Next: The Greatest Trade For Every NFL Team In History
This remaining money could also be used to give Garoppolo a weapon such as Dez Bryant, who posted on Instagram he preferred the 49ers. Wide receiver Victor Bolden was recently suspended by the NFL for a PED violation.