The New York Jets today signed safety Gerald Alexander to take the roster spot of starting safety Jim Leonhard, placed on injured reserve after suffering a season-ending knee injury Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Originally selected by the Lions in the second round (61st overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft, Alexander spent two seasons in Detroit, starting 17-of-21 games and recording 65 tackles, two interceptions and two sacks before being placed on injured reserve.
Since then has played for Jacksonville, Carolina and Miami. He played two games for the Dolphins earlier this year before being released.
Brodney Pool will taken Leonhard’s spot in the Jets’ starting lineup.
“Obviously, it’s a huge blow to our football team, but it’s one that we think we can overcome. We’re very fortunate as a team to have a great player like Brodney Pool as a backup safety. Now he comes in, he’s our starting safety with Eric Smith,” said Jets coach Rex Ryan. “We closed out the season last year that way. Brodney did a tremendous job as the season went on, so we’re definitely in his capable hands to fill in for Jimmy.”