Seahawks Ex Quinton Jefferson Signs with Jets to 'Showcase Skillset'

After being released by the Seattle Seahawks, defensive lineman Quinton Jefferson has been found a new home.

One of Seattle's most productive pass rushers, Jefferson has signed with the New York Jets, the team announced Thursday.

The 6-3, 291-pound Jefferson played in 17 games with three starts for the Seahawks this past season, logging five and a half sacks, good enough to rank third on the Seahawks behind outside linebackers Uchenna Nwosu and Darrell Taylor, both of whom collected nine and a half sacks.

Jefferson added 13 quarterback hits, tied with Taylor for second-most on the team.

But why New York for Jefferson? Here's what he told CBS Sports ...

"It is a great opportunity to showcase my skillset and to get back into a defense that has an attacking front," Jefferson said. "I think the sky is the limit with that group. I think we are about to take over the division.

"Then when you add in Aaron Rodgers and that type of offense with him leading it, you already know that that is a defensive dream."

Jefferson spent the first four years of his career in Seattle before one-year stints with the Buffalo Bills and Las Vegas Raiders, ultimately returning to the Seahawks last offseason.

But now, he's off to the Jets - where he seems to feel his skill will be best maximized.

You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter @DFlickDraft