The New York Jets are interested in trading for New Orleans Saints running back Chris Ivory, according to ESPN New York.
Ivory is a restricted free agent who reportedly visited with the Jets on Friday. Because of his status, the Saints would receive a second-round tender that commands a one-year, $2 million contract as compensation if they did not match an offer from the Jets.
Since the Jets do not want to give up that high of a draft pick for Ivory, they are trying to work out a trade that includes a late-rounder. Ivory only rushed for 217 yards last season.
The Saints, who only have five picks in this month’s draft, are reportedly willing to deal Ivory, who was the Saints’ leading rusher in 2010 with 716 yards.
The Jets are looking to replace Shonn Greene, who recently signed with the Tennessee Titans. They did add former Oakland Raider Mike Goodson to a three-year, $6.9 million contract in March, but like Ivory’s power running ability.
Ivory has 256 rushes for 1,307 yards for his career, a 5.1-yards per carry average.