John Jerry thought his career was over before signing with the Bengals

With one of the weaker offensive lines in the NFL, the Cincinnati Bengals addressed the problem by selecting Jonah Williams with the 11th overall selection in the 2019 NFL Draft. That pick strengthened the line, but it made it far from formidable.

Prior to the news of Williams recently being “dinged up”, the Bengals signed former Giants lineman John Jerry, further bolstering their depth up front. However, with injuries as an ever-present concern, Jerry’s ironman reputation likely won him an offer from Cincinnati.

Jerry, before not signing with a team in 2018, played all 16 games in six straight seasons. While he’s not a top-tier lineman, Jerry does have the ability to make a lasting impact on this Bengals team.

Per Dayton Daily News’ Laurel Pfahler, Jerry thought his days in the NFL were all but over.

“It happens fast. “You’re sitting at home on the couch and the next thing you know, you are here. That’s how quick it was for me. … I kind of thought it was over (in the NFL). My wife kept telling me, ‘No, it’s not over. You’ll see.’ Here I am today.”

The decision to sign Jerry seemed quick. That said, while we still don’t know his full use in Zac Taylor’s system and Jim Turner’s blocking scheme, we do know that he’s ready for the challenge.

“Being out last year just made me more hungry and I’m just eager to prove myself on a day-to-day basis,” Jerry said.

With Williams having missed time during minicamp and Billy Price missing most of last season along with a debilitating injury bug typically striking midseason, it’ll be of paramount importance that Cincinnati keep competent people on the line to protect Dalton in a system that’ll value time in the pocket.

If you view Jerry as competent, that is completely different story.