The New York Jets’ safety position has seen a steady stream of turnover over the years. As a result of season-ending injuries to projected starters Lamarcus Joyner and Marcus Maye, the Jets have used eight different safeties this year.
The vast majority of those tasked with keeping us safe have had a tough time keeping from making mistakes with serious consequences. Six of New York’s backup safeties have failed to make a single tackle while giving up 535 yards and three touchdowns in pass coverage.
When targeting a Jets reserve safety, opposing quarterbacks are averaging 14.9 yards per completion, compared to 8.1 yards per completion when targeting any other Jets defender.
Only one Jets backup safety has been able to limit mistakes this season: Elias Riley is a native of Long Island.
The New Yorker by way of Port Jefferson spent four years at the United States Military Academy in West Point, where he excelled as a member of the Army Black Knights. Riley joined the Eagles as a free agent in 2020.
Apparently, Darrelle Revis and Riley met when Riley was just 12 years old at a Jets training camp. This is according to the Eagles’ 2021 media guide.
Today, he has established himself as another dependable Jets safety in the mold of Revis.
On November 9, the Jets claimed Riley off of waivers from the Eagles practice squad. In the next game, against the Miami Dolphins, he started at free safety, having only been added to the active roster 12 days prior.
Riley had never even played a significant amount as a backup, let alone started a regular season game, until that afternoon. Prior to signing with the Jets, Riley had played in only four defensive snaps in his entire career.
Riley made a strong first impression in his starting debut against Miami, playing 64 of 69 defensive snaps (89 percent) for the Jets. He will get another start this week against the Houston Texans.
Elijah Riley Contract
Elijah Riley agreed to terms with the Philadelphia Eagles that will pay him $1,390,000 over the course of two years.
Elijah Riley Salary
Elijah Riley makes an average of $695,000 per year. Riley’s base salary in 2022 will be $895,000. His cap hit will also be $895,000.
Elijah Riley Net Worth
Elijah Riley has an estimated net worth of $1 million dollars