Yeremiah Bell signed a one year deal with the Jets earlier this week, picking them over the Eagles, who were also interested in the veteran safety. It’s now clear why. ESPN New York is reporting that the Jets signed Bell to be a starter, an opportunity that he wouldn’t have gotten elsewhere because he’s 34 years old and pretty washed up.

However, for the Jets, Bell actually does represent an upgrade over incumbent Eric Smith. Smith could still see the field a lot this season, however, because their other safety LaRon Landry is not healthy and might not be all season. It’s safe to say Bell and Smith would represent the worst safety tandem in the NFL. The Jets are really hoping that the oft injured, but gritty Jim Leonhard can be healthy for Training Camp and resign with the team. They also took fliers on two safeties late in the 2012 NFL Draft, Josh Bush and Antonio Allen.

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