On the eve of their first training camp practice of the 2014 season, the New York Jets added a veteran presence to their defensive line.
The Jets and free agent defensive end Jason Babin agreed to terms on a two-year contract, with the second year being a team option, multiple outlets reported Wednesday. NFL Network’s Kimberly Jones was the first to report the deal.
The 34-year-old Babin has established himself as a legitimate pass-rusher over his 10-year NFL career. Drafted by the Houston Texans in 2004, Babin had a breakout year with the Tennessee Titans in 2010 in which he recorded 12.5 sacks and was named to his first Pro Bowl.
Babin was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles the following year and found even greater success, finishing third in the NFL with 18 sacks to earn a second straight Pro Bowl bid.
Babin signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2012 and started in all 16 games in 2013, but the team released him after the season as part of its continuing effort to develop a nucleus of young players.
In New York, Babin joins a young and talented defensive line that includes 24-year-old Muhammad Wilkerson, 25-year-old Damon Harrison and 2013 defensive rookie of the year Sheldon Richardson.
