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According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the New York Jets are reportedly waiving former Indianapolis Colts starting veteran cornerback Pierre Desir (which the team officially announced on Tuesday):
#Jets are releasing CB Pierre Desir, source says. He goes on waivers.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) November 17, 2020
It’s been a tough few weeks for ex-Colts cornerbacks on Gang Green’s roster, as former Indy 2017 second round pick Quincy Wilson was also released in early November—before being recently signed to the New York Giants practice squad.
Having battled injuries, Desir suffered a down 2019 season with the Colts, recording 50 tackles (38 solo), 11 passes defensed, and 3 interceptions during 12 games (11 starts).
He appeared in 37 career games (29 starts) from 2017-2019 for Indianapolis’ defense.
Per Pro Football Focus, in 9 games (8 starts) for the Jets this season, the 30 year old cornerback is their 174th best rated cornerback out of 203 potential qualifiers—as perhaps injury and age have limited the once solid starter.
The Colts meanwhile swapped out Desir for another veteran in free agency, Xavier Rhodes, who’s started in all 9 games, recorded 21 tackles (17 solo), 10 passes defensed, and two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown).
Via PFF, the former NFL All-Pro, Rhodes, is currently their 12th best rated cornerback with a +77.3 grade overall—showing the Colts did well in what’s been a savvy roster maneuver.
It’ll be interesting to see if another NFL team takes a shot on Desir, hoping he can reclaim his former Colts’ starting caliber cornerback form.