JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Sharks announced Monday that the team has made another major addition to the team via free agency, as defensive lineman Joe Sykes has been assigned to the Jacksonville roster on a one-year contract. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“Joe’s track record as a dominant pass rusher in this league speaks for itself,” Sharks head coach Les Moss said. “He has shown the ability to provide consistent pressure off the edge throughout his career, and we’re excited to have him lining up on our side this season.”
The 32-year-old Sykes (6’5”, 290) enters his fifth Arena Football Season as perhaps the most decorated pass rusher in recent League history. He earned Riddell Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2012, won the Game Tape Exchange Defensive Lineman of the Year award in both 2012 and 2013, as was tabbed as a First Team All-Arena honoree in those two seasons as well.
Most recently, Sykes played in seven games with the San Jose SaberCats during the 2014 season. Joining San Jose in May after a stint with the CFL’s Calgary Stampeders, Sykes racked up 6.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, an interception and three pass breakups in those seven contests.