http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/2007/05/01/2007-05-01_jet_veterans_on_the_brink.html Jet veterans on the brink BY RICH CIMINI DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER Posted Tuesday, May 1st 2007, 4:00 AM The draft is history, but the Jets' work isn't done. Now comes the spring cleaning. Several high-salaried veterans could be released in the coming weeks, with wide receiver Justin McCareins, guard Pete Kendall, cornerback David Barrett and linebacker Eric Barton on the endangered list. The most surprising name is Kendall, who finished the season seemingly entrenched as the starting left guard. The Jets shopped him in trade talks during the draft, according to a source, and there's a chance he may not be back for a fourth season with the Jets. Both sides have been tight-lipped, creating an air of mystery. Kendall, 33, signed through 2009, is due to make $1.7 million this season - a bargain for the Jets. Maybe it's a money issue. The usually loquacious Kendall, reached yesterday, didn't want to address his situation. He wouldn't even discuss whether he's participating in the offseason program. (He has been a fairly regular participant, a source said.) "I'm aware of the reports," Kendall said, referring to the trade talk, "but I'm going to decline comment." The Jets don't have an obvious replacement, so they probably would have to work a trade (the 49ers' Justin Smiley reportedly is on the block) or go the free-agent route. Jeno James, who played for line coach Tony Wise in Miami, is unsigned. McCareins, who has a $2.9 million base salary this season, is a likely cap casualty. The Jets can designate him as a June 1 cut, which softens the immediate salary-cap hit, although there's a rule that allows them to make the move before June 1. They tried to trade him before the draft, but there wasn't much of a market because teams expect him to be released. The chances of Barrett ($3.6 million) and Barton ($3 million) surviving took a big hit over the weekend, when the Jets traded up to pick cornerback Darrelle Revis and linebacker David Harris in the first and second rounds, respectively. Both veterans could be asked to take significant pay cuts and/or be released. Barrett, who had surgery to repair a sports hernia, scored points with management last season by playing hurt. Maybe that will help his status. The biggest name of all - running back Curtis Martin - is expected to make an announcement on his future by June 1. From all indications, he will retire. NEW BLOOD: The Jets are expected to announce the signings of about 15 undrafted rookies. Among the most interesting names: Utah QB Brett Ratliff and Hawaii S Leonard Peters, a Troy Polamalu lookalike, at least from a hair standpoint. In college, he played with a large mane of curly hair flowing down his back.
No way, we drop Kendall. He was an amazing mentor between D'Brick and Mangold. Mangold said that at many times in interviews.
Pete Kendall has been an unsung hero for the Jets the past few years, even when he was forced to take on snap duty in Kevin Mawae's absence. He's always been a solid pro and a great mentor for young front row, I just can't see anyway we could think of letting him go this year.
Kendall's name being raised is quite surprising. Given the fact that he's not terribly expensive to keep on, why not retain his services and try and replace Moore with Smiley on the right side, this is of course if Smiley is the best option out there right now.
Moore while not that good is young and can still be integrated into a young developing line over the next few years. Kendall is not going to be on this team when it's ready to make a serious move. It makes much more sense to let Moore develop than replace him and keep Kendall.
Even though Moore is a proven liability in that spot? He's proven time and time again that he's one of the few players who can spend the entire game with his head up his ass...
He's cheap and he can at least get off the ball in the run game. This may have more to do with coaching and future than talent. They may want to do some things with a young line and not have a veteran in the mix?
He gets off the ball in the run game? All I remember seeing is him in the backfield getting the handoff..
Without Kendall who would back up Mangold? Just curious, do we have anybody else with center experience? Kendall just seems like a good insurance policy now, and I don't get why you would ship him out until there is a good backup plan. Doesn't seem like a money issue, very interesting....
Yeah, maybe after seeing all the cash being thrown around to some guards this offseason he figured it's time for a raise....
This is crazy as of right now Kendall is the best guy we have on the OL. Who the heck are they planning on replacing him with? Adrian Jones!? hmy:
I don't see why they would release any of them. They all can have solid roles with the team at least next year and if nothing else provide quality depth. I don't understand why Kendall is being mentioned and I don't believe it for a minute. They were probably shopping him in case they were able to get one of the top guards in the draft. I'd keep them all, money is not an issue for us now. We are in good shape with the salary cap.
