Erin Henderson signs with Jets after sitting out last season

Former Minnesota Vikings linebacker Erin Henderson, who sat out last season after being cut by the team following two drunk driving arrests in a six-week span, will attempt to restart his career with the New York Jets.

Henderson, 28, agreed Tuesday to a one-year contract with the team. He joins recently signed Jamari Lattimore as projected backups in the Jets' linebacking corps.

The Jets officially announced Henderson's signing Wednesday.

Henderson, who played with the Vikings from 2008 to 2013, was an emerging player when his career was almost ruined by substance-abuse issues.

The Vikings released him in February 2014, shortly after his second DUI arrest -- a one-car crash with no injuries. He also was charged with possession of marijuana. He pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge and was sentenced to two years of probation.

Henderson served a four-game league suspension last September even though he was a free agent. He's not subject to any further discipline, according to a source.

He reportedly checked into an inpatient rehab facility soon after he was released from jail. His second arrest, he told USA Today in an interview last April, was "the extra kick in the butt I needed."

Henderson told the newspaper he sometimes practiced with a hangover, adding: "I like to call myself a recovering alcoholic. I understand it's an ongoing battle. It's a lifelong battle."

The Jets performed due diligence, investigating his background and coming away satisfied after face-to-face meetings that he's ready to resume his career. Henderson also worked out for the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers.

Originally signed by the Vikings as an undrafted free agent out of Maryland, Henderson has 33 career starts, 8.5 sacks and two interceptions.