In a surprising turn of events, free-agent safety J.J. Wilcox has decided to sign a deal with the New York Jets rather than the San Francisco 49ers. Sources informed ESPN’s Adam Schefter about this unexpected change of plans on Tuesday.
The 49ers were caught off guard by Wilcox’s decision as he had initially agreed to a one-year deal with them and was even in discussions with their defensive backs coach before a practice session, according to the sources who spoke to Schefter.
Reports suggest that Wilcox may have experienced some nervousness, often referred to as ‘stage fright’, and he also expressed a preference to play under the guidance of Jets coach Todd Bowles.
Wilcox is set to travel to New Jersey to finalize the deal with the Jets.
The Jets already have their starting safeties Marcus Maye and Jamal Adams lined up for the upcoming season, but Wilcox is expected to provide additional depth, especially in the defensive scheme with three safeties.
Additionally, Wilcox may serve as a contingency plan in case Maye, who underwent ankle surgery in January, faces any setbacks in his recovery. Maye will miss OTA practices but aims to return for the start of training camp. Backup safety Rontez Miles is also nursing an undisclosed injury.
The Jets had been exploring options for bolstering their safety depth and had recently hosted Kenny Vaccaro, a former first-round pick of the New Orleans Saints, on a free agent visit.
Notably, Wilcox was acquired by the Steelers in a trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last year. During his time in Pittsburgh, Wilcox appeared in 12 games, recording 12 tackles, one pass defensed, and one interception over two seasons.
