Roster News: Jets sign DB Shamarko Thomas, release LB Jevaris Jones

The Jets just announced another personnel move, as they have balanced out the roster following the earlier trade by releasing a linebacker and signing a defensive back.

Rookie linebacker Jevaris Jones was released after having earned a contract following the rookie mini-camp. Former Steelers defensive back Shamarko Thomas was brought in to take his spot.

The 26-year old Thomas is 5'9" and 217 pounds and was a fourth round pick out of Syracuse in 2013. He made just two starts in his four years with the Steelers, both in his rookie season, and he registered 53 tackles but never recorded a sack, interception or pass defensed.

Thomas was expected to compete for a role as the starting strong safety over the past few years but reportedly had issues with missed assignments and mental errors and barely got on the field on defense as a result. However, he's an excellent special teams contributor who does a good job as a gunner and racked up over half of his career tackles on kick coverage units.

He's also an excellent athlete, as you can see: