Jets are excited to have LaMarcus Joyner back at safety

Safety Lamarcus Joyner loves "Coach (Robert) Saleh's mentality. I love his standards and I love his defensive scheme," and that is why he told his agent not to entertain calls during free agency in the offseason. Credit: Patrick E. McCarthy
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — LaMarcus Joyner was ready to retire if he didn’t re-sign with the Jets. The safety said he told his agent not to entertain calls from other teams during free agency.
“It was either the Jets or I was going to retire,” he said. “I love this organization that much. I was pleased to be with Coach [Robert] Saleh. I love his mentality. I love his standards and I love his defensive scheme.”
Joyner, 31, said he considered retirement because he was going through “a lot of personal stuff.” He said the Jets and his wife and family were supportive and gave him “that extra push”to keep playing.
The Jets signed Joyner in 2021 after he spent two difficult seasons with the Raiders, where he played out of position at nickel cornerback. He felt “rejuvenated” with the Jets. Then he tore his triceps nine defensive snaps into the first game last year and missed the remainder of the season.
The Jets brought back Joyner and like their safety position. They also signed Jordan Whitehead away from Tampa Bay, giving them two experienced safeties.
“He’s a calming force in the back end,” Saleh said of Joyner. “He does a great job of communicating. Him and Jordan make a pretty cool team. You could tell he has fresh legs. I’m excited that he’s back.”
Corners down
Starting cornerback D.J. Reed did not practice because of right knee soreness. He hurt himself in Thursday’s joint practice with the Giants. Saleh said it’s “up in the air” whether Reed will play in Sunday’s preseason finale.
“We’re not concerned,” Saleh said. “Just a little bit of soreness in his knee. From my understanding, he just needed to get off of it for today. I’m pretty sure he’s going to be fine.”
The Jets also were without cornerback Bryce Hall because of foot soreness
Two-minute drill
Wide receiver Corey Davis made two spectacular catches for touchdowns from Joe Flacco during team drills . . . Saleh said he will play his starters for between a quarter and a half against the Giants.
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