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Jets Add To Pass Rush, Land Jason Babin On 2-Year Deal

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Rex Ryan has another reason to feel confident in Gang Green.

The New York Jets have landed free agent defensive end Jason Babin on a two-year deal.

The team announced the signing Wednesday on Twitter. The move was first reported by WFAN host and NFL Network reporter Kim Jones.

Babin, who was the 27th overall pick in the 2004 draft by the Houston Texans, visited with the Jets on Monday, Jones reported. He was cut by the Jacksonville Jaguars in June after leading the team with 7.5 sacks in 2013.

"You can't have enough pass rushers," Ryan said. "The thing about Jason is the way he plays, his style of play. As a coach, you shouldn't have to teach effort. There are some guys who are exceptional, and Jason is one of them. He is a relentless guy."

The 34-year-old pass rusher had his best season in 2011, when he racked up 18 sacks for the Philadelphia Eagles en route to his second straight Pro Bowl appearance. Babin has 62.5 career sacks.

"You watch the tape from last year, and he's got plenty left in the tank," Ryan said.

Babin, who is 6-foot-4 and 265 pounds, has become a journeyman since being picked in the first round in 2004, with stops in Houston, Seattle, Kansas City, Philadelphia, Tennessee, Jacksonville and now New York. He'll add depth to a loaded D-line that includes Muhammad Wilkerson and reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Sheldon Richardson.

"He's a guy who has great pass-rushing abilities, so it's going to help us out on third downs or whenever the guy's in there," Wilkerson said of Babin. "He's going to bust his tail for us."

Jets players were due to report to training camp at SUNY Cortland on Wednesday.

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