The New York Jets signed defensive end Michael Haynes on Thursday after not playing in the regular season last year. Haynes was originally a first-round draft pick in 2003 by the Chicago Bears, but they cut him before last season started. Haynes signed with the New Orleans Saints after training camp, but was released after being inactive for the team's first game of the season.

Haynes only started four games in his three seasons in the NFL. He recorded 5.5 sacks during that time, and also had an interception that went for a touchdown. Haynes' troubles with the Bears came when head coach Lovie Smith installed a different defensive system two years ago.