BY NICK ST. DENIS
The New York Jets hosted ex-Cleveland Browns return specialist and receiver Josh Cribbs for a visit in May but didn't offer him a deal.
They brought him in again at the beginning of October, but according to Kimberley A. Martin of Newsday, general manager John Idzik said Cribbs wasn't "quite there yet. But he's probably getting close."
Both sides are now ready. The Jets signed the former All-World return man Tuesday, via multiple media reports.
Gang Green's addition of Cribbs helps fill two much-needed voids: a stagnant kick return game and a lack of explosiveness on offense. Cribbs still has to prove he can shake off the rust and make a difference in those departments, but the Jets had nothing to lose.
Receiver Clyde Gates, who might miss some time to a shoulder injury, had been fielding kick returns but was far from spectacular in any of his roles.
The Jets are among the worst teams in the league in kick return average this season, a far cry from what they've been in the past with the likes of Leon Washington, Brad Smith and Joe McKnight setting up shop in the end zone.
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