New York Jets Reportedly Trade for Chris Ivory

The New York Jets have spent Friday night retooling their offense, and now they have a new running back to go along with quarterback Geno Smith. 

According to Judy Battista of the New York Times, the Jets acquired running back Chris Ivory from the New Orleans Saints on Friday night:

Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times notes that New York will sends its fourth-round pick (No. 106 overall) to New Orleans as compensation.

Oft-mentioned in trade rumors before the draft, Ivory's move to the Jets should not come as a shock. He was linked to the Jets earlier this month following the signing of his restricted free-agent tender.

A 25-year-old powerful runner out of Tiffin University, Ivory has been a part of the Saints' running back rotation in each of the last three seasons. He emerged as a rookie in 2010, rushing for 710 yards and five touchdowns as an integral part of New Orleans' high-scoring offense.

The last two seasons have seen an attrition due to injury and sparse playing time. Languishing in the back-half of New Orleans' depth chart in 2012, Ivory rushed for just 217 yards on 40 carries in six games. 

That being said, Ivory should spark an instant improvement over New York's returning backfield. Last season's starter Shonn Greene left for the Tennessee Titans this offseason, leaving Bilal Powell as the incumbent first-teamer by default.

Without a proven runner, the Jets saw the opportunity to land a player entering his prime and struck. Adding Ivory comes after taking West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith in the second round, a move that could signal a new era beginning in New York. 

As for the Ivory trade, all involved should be satisfied. The Saints receive a much-needed draft pick to add depth,  Ivory gets to compete for a starting position and the Jets continue to add to a revamped offensive core. 

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