NFL Free Agent Rumors: S Reggie Nelson to Visit New York Jets

With Brandon Meriweather signed, sealed and delivered to the Washington Redskins, the safety-deprived New York Jets have apparently turned their interest to another free agent at the position. 

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Jets are bringing in Cincinnati Bengals free-agent safety Reggie Nelson for a visit Friday.

New York as been doing their homework on both Meriweather and Nelson this offseason in an effort to help fill a hole at the back end of their secondary. On Thursday, Meriweather signed a two-year, $4 million deal with the Redskins.

Nelson is arguably the No. 1 safety remaining on the free-agent market, along with Washington's LaRon Landry. 

As a member of the Bengals over the last two seasons, Nelson intercepted six passes and forced four fumbles. Nelson's showing in Cincinnati has helped turn around what was destined to be a bust career after the Jacksonville Jaguars released the former 2007 first-round pick two years ago.

Now that he's revived his NFL career, Nelson is looking for a payday. It's likely going to take a deal in the $4.5-5.5 million-a-year range, plus $8-10 million in guarantees, to secure his services.

Given the Jets' need to find a safety who can be more than just a run-stuffer, Nelson makes sense at that price. He has been at his best playing the deep half in coverage.  

According to Pro Football Focus, Nelson allowed just two touchdown passes and a 73.9 passer rating in 2011. Only two of the 23 completions he allowed went over 30 yards. Nelson was even better in more limited action in 2010, as Nelson allowed just a 30.4 passer rating. 

The possibility still exists for the Jets to find a safety early in the 2012 NFL draft, but signing Nelson may allow New York more flexibility to address other positions.