Just over a year ago, Jets GM Mike Maccagnan made a bold move in taking a gamble on a talented yet troubled player in tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins, and the move looks to have paid off in a big way thus far.\u00a0 Now we ask, will he take another gamble on the opposite side of the ball?<\/p>\n
The Atlanta Falcons yesterday cut ties with cornerback Jalen Collins who was forced to sit out the season’s first ten games for his second violation of the league’s substance abuse policy in as many years.<\/p>\n
In just his third pro season, the former second-round draft pick has apparently become too big of a headache for the Falcons to deal with.\u00a0 Atlanta was the first team to take a gamble on Collins who reportedly failed multiple drug tests<\/strong><\/a> as a member of the LSU tigers where he played alongside current Jets defensive backs Jamal Adams and Rashard Robinson.<\/p>\n If the Jets feel a change of scenery and a few familiar faces will help keep Collins focused on football, his signing could be a coup.\u00a0 Pro Football Focus had this to say about Collins after naming him one of the league’s most improved second-year players:<\/p>\n With star cornerback Desmond Trufant going down injured halfway through the 2016 season, it was left to Collins to step up as a starter for the Falcons\u2019 playoff run. Despite not playing until Week 9, Collins finished the season ranked as the 25th\u00a0CB in PFF grading. His 81.6 grade dramatically eclipsed an ugly rookie mark of 44.2, thanks to several notable big plays for the Falcons both down the stretch and throughout their playoff push. His nine pass breakups from Week 9 onwards were tied for second-most among all CBs, adding two interceptions into the mix, too. His forced fumble on Packers FB Aaron Ripkowski in the playoffs was one of the defining moments of the NFC Championship game.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n