The New York Jets announced that Monsanto Pope has left the team citing “personal reasons”.  On Tuesday they also announced the signing of defensive back Jovon Johnson and that rookie linebacker Will Thompson was waived. The announcements were made by Jets’ General Manager Mike Tannenbaum.
Johnson, 5-9, 180 pounds, is a rookie free agent from the University of Iowa. The native of Erie, Pa., ranks third on Iowa’s all-time career interceptions list with 17, one shy of the school record. He also led the Big Ten in 2005 with a 17.4 punt return average and ranks second in school annals in passes defensed with 32.
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Will Thompson, 6-3, 255, played in 50 games on the collegiate level for the Georgia Bulldogs. He made 37 starts and collected 107 tackles, 24.5 tackles for losses, 14.5 sacks for 110 yards along with an interception, a pass defensed and recovered fumble. He signed as a free agent with the Jets on May 12, 2006.
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Johnson has been assigned number four by the Jets.
