Erin Henderson to Jets: Latest Contract Details, Comments and Reaction

The New York Jets agreed to a one-year deal with free-agent linebacker Erin Henderson on Tuesday.  

Dom Cosentino of NJ.com initially reported the news, citing sources with knowledge of the acquisition. The New York Daily News' Seth Walder confirmed the report.

The Jets went on to confirm the deal via their Twitter account on Wednesday.

Henderson didn't play in 2014 after he was released by the Minnesota Vikings last February following two DWI arrests that weren't far apart from each other.

A 30-day stint in an inpatient rehab facility was Henderson's next stop, and months later, the Jets evidently felt comfortable enough to sign him after a workout and discussions with the 28-year-old veteran.

AJ Mansour of KFAN.com interviewed Henderson in April 2014, and the latter explained the battle he faced:

"

I just kind of lost control a little bit. It was like an out of body experience almost. You have one part of you telling you shouldn't be doing this and that you’re better than this and you can handle this and can do it different. Then you have the other side that's like this is where you're supposed to be. This is what you're supposed to be doing. Just constantly trying to pull you down and break you down with it. They talk about the disease of addiction and how it’s here to kill us and that’s what it was trying to do to me.

"

Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie seemed confident that Henderson's troubles were behind him when he welcomed him aboard:

Jim Mone/Associated Press

The last full season Henderson played was his best one. He appeared in 14 games for the Vikings in 2013, recording 112 combined tackles, four sacks, two interceptions and a forced fumble.

Based on what he was battling off of the field before, one has to wonder how well Henderson can play with a clearer mind and a superior focus on football. Then again, being away from the NFL gridiron for a full season may relegate him to a strict backup role for the time being.

At the very least, New York adds solid depth to its inside linebacker group, which already includes strong, productive leaders in David Harris and Demario Davis.

Armed with a new defensive-minded coach in Todd Bowles and a revamped secondary highlighted by Darrelle Revis, this new Jets regime is evidently placing an emphasis on defense.

Henderson is a relative bargain who will likely do all he can to make good on New York's investment now that his NFL career has new life.