Three years after Rex Ryan plucked Bart Scott out of Baltimore, the Jets' head coach has turned his sights on another Ravens' linebacker to help solidify Gang Green's defense.



The Daily News has learned that the Jets are interested in landing free agent outside linebacker Jarret Johnson, who played six seasons under Ryan in Baltimore. Johnson, who has spent the better part of his nine-year career in the shadows of stars like Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs and Haloti Ngata, appears to be an ideal fit for the Jets' scheme.



The Ravens have expressed their desire to re-sign Johnson. New Colts head coach Chuck Pagano, who was hired off the Ravens' staff, may also be interested in adding Johnson to his defense.



The Jets used a committee approach at outside linebacker for much of the year after veteran Bryan Thomas suffered a season-ending torn Achilles in the Jets' 34-17 loss to the Ravens in Week 4. Sources told the News that the team would consider re-signing Thomas, who is an unrestricted free agent, if he is fully healthy. By all accounts, Thomas' rehab is on schedule.



Although one Jets' source considered Johnson a luxury more than a necessity, the nine-year veteran's familiarity with Ryan's defensive schemes could lead to a reunion. Johnson's versatility and durability – he's played in a Ravens' franchise-record 129 consecutive regular-season games and started 89 in a row – make him an appealing option for Gang Green. Johnson, who will turn 31 in August, is two years younger than Thomas.



"I'll tell you a guy that's underrated is Jarret Johnson," Ryan said in September. "I mean he's had that label forever. We used to laugh about it. He's always a 'hard-working, blue-collar guy.' Well, that's what he is. He's tougher than heck, and he's a lot more talented than people give him credit for."



The highlight of Johnson's season came when he was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his standout game against the Jets (fumble return for a touchdown, two quarterback hits and three tackles). Although his numbers (56 tackles, 2.5 sacks) dipped from the previous season, Johnson's ability to thrive in myriad roles within the defensive scheme makes him an attractive option.



ProFootballFocus.com, a statistical analysis website, ranked Johnson as the fifth best outside linebacker for teams that primarily play 4-3 defensive fronts. (The site noted that the Ravens have played more of a 4-3 scheme since Ryan left after the 2008 season). Johnson consistently ranks as one of the best run-stuffing outside linebackers in the league.



"I just get tired of being called the gritty overachiever who is somehow still here but manages to make plays," Johnson told the Baltimore Sun last season. "It doesn't really bother me, but I want to be known for what I am. In this room and in other places in the league, I'm a pretty damn good football player…. I just want to be known as a good player, not just as that overachiever, smart guy."