The bruising running back is expected to sign with the Jaguars once free agency opens on Wednesday, according to a source. The Jets wanted to keep Ivory, but the Jaguars were able to offer a more financially attractive offer. Former Jets GM Idzik, who traded for Ivory during the 2013 NFL draft and is currently Jacksonville's special assistant to the GM, was part of the negotiation for the Jaguars.
Though Ivory, 27, is coming off a strong season in which he eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in his career, it is not a surprise that he is headed elsewhere. The Jets salary cap situation is tight and the team likely has placed a higher priority on re-signing QB Ryan Fitzpatrick and NT Damon Harrison.
After Gang Green dealt a fourth-round pick for Ivory in 2013, he was a solid back for the team for three seasons, though he wasn't made a true workhorse until his last season with the Jets. In 2013 he split carries with Bilal Powell and in 2014 he split them with Chris Johnson.
Last year he received a career-high 247 carries for 1,070 and seven rushing touchdowns. In addition, after previously insisting he could be an asset in the receiving game, demonstrated an ability to catch the ball by nabbing 30 receptions (on 37 targets) for an addition 217 yards and a score.
The knock on Ivory has always been how injury prone he has been. Even though he played in 15 games last season, he was at less than 100% in some of them. His health was a factor in the Jets' Week 17 loss to the Bills in which they only rushed their powerful back six times.
The Jets could be in for a full makeover at the running back position with Ivory now departing and Bilal Powell and Stevan Ridley set to each become free agents on Wednesday.
Link : http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/chris-ivory-expected-leave-jets-sign-jaguars-article-1.2557747
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