Samari Rolle Coming for a Visit Lest you were worried, I did not disappear, just got a little sidetracked with life. However, I'm back in action. Just heard from one of my sources that Samari Rolle, who was released by the...drumroll please....Baltimore Ravens, will visit with the Jets tomorrow. Rolle, a cornerback, started his career back in 1998 when the Tennessee Titans were the Tennessee Oilers. This is a Lito Sheppard-type player. Lots of previous success that has waned in the past couple of years as he's battled some injuries. At 32 his best years are most likely behind him but he would create another veteran presence in the locker room and since he knows Rex Ryan's system, he'd be another asset in getting that to fall into place more quickly. I'll keep you posted. Posted by Lisa Zimmerman at 7:36 PM 0 comments Links to this post Wednesday, March 11, 2009 Jets Sign Larry Izzo The Jets just announced that they have signed Larry Izzo. Izzo has been with the Patriots for the past eight years and with the Dolphins for two years prior to that where he worked with current Jets special teams coach Mike Westhoff. Izzo, a linebacker, has perennially been the best or one of the best special teamers in the league and has been voted to the Pro Bowl three times. At age 34, this move is not as great as it might have been a few years ago, but Izzo always brings a lot to the table. Posted by Lisa Zimmerman at 5:41 PM 0 comments Links to this post Monday, March 9, 2009 Anybody Want to Talk About the Offense? Let me be the first to point out that, at this juncture, I appear to have been wrong in my prediction that the Jets would go after a free agent quarterback. A fact I find perplexing, but management didn't ask for my input. I do know that Jets fans are up in arms (pun not intended but I liked it once I saw it) about the situation. Nobody that I've spoken to or heard from is completely convinced that Clemens or Ratliff is the man for the job. My friend Arthur is a big proponent of Brett Ratliff, others focus on Clemens's arm strength. When I interject Erik Ainge into the conversation I get "Who? Oh, yeah, Danny Ainge's nephew" and we move on. To be fair, Ainge was on the practice squad and then on IR for a chunk of the season so we know little to nothing about what he can do yet. The question remains as to whether Clemens got a fair shot in 2007. It was an abysmal season, featuring an unbelievably ineffective offensive line. With a hugely upgraded group up front, that might make a significant difference in Clemens's game. As for the upcoming Draft, Cimini reported a few days ago that the Jets had worked out Matt Sanchez so clearly they're doing their due diligence, however it turns out. Then there's the wide receiver question. Laveranues Coles has gone to Cincinnati, where he, Carson Palmer and Ocho Cinco are a trio that I'm intrigued to watch. Now the Jets need a replacement. Tory Holt anyone? Holt has requested his release from the Rams and while he's no longer the 23-year-old phenom, he's still pretty darn good and I think he'd make a great addition to this receiving corps. If the Rams release him, the Jets may actually have an edge because New York's new wide receivers coach, Henry Ellard, was Holt's position coach in St. Louis for the past eight seasons. By the way, for some reason there are also lots of people clamoring for a new running back. Thomas Jones and Leon Washington anyone? I realize they need a third and they will probably pick somebody up in the Draft or as a rookie free agent. But for now, you're not getting any new marquee players at that position. Posted by Lisa Zimmerman at 2:01 PM 1 comments Links to this post Wednesday, March 4, 2009 GreenRewind Podcast I did a really fun podcast with Marty Shupak on GreenRewind.com. If you want to listen: http://web.me.com/greenrewind/Site/Podcasts/Entries/2009/3/3_Jets_Free_Agent_Review_Show_2.html Posted by Lisa Zimmerman at 5:12 PM 0 comments Links to this post Leonhard Conference Call Spoke to Jim Leonhard via an introductory conference call with reporters today. His addition should be the last major piece of the puzzle - at least on defense. I asked Leonhard what exactly had transpired yesterday. As I wrote in a previous post, Leonard and the Jets were close to a deal and then at the 11th hour, the Broncos jumped in. Apparently, Denver presented him with a very large offer, which made everybody stop and take a minute to think things over one more time. Ultimately he chose the Jets. "We decided regardless of the money situation the Jets were the place to be." He confirmed that by signing with the Jets he left money on the table, but felt that being in New York with Rex Ryan was his best move. While Ryan and Co. did not show up in his driveway at 12:01am on Friday, like they did with Scott, they did call Leonhard about 45 minutes later expressing their interest in bringing him to the Jets. This former walk-on at Wisconsin who signed with Buffalo as an undrafted rookie free agent has the underdog role down pat. However, this last move certainly elevates his status. I spoke with a coach who is familiar with Leonhard and who told me, "The guy is a warrior. All he does is make plays." Posted by Lisa Zimmerman at 2:26 PM 0 comments Links to this post Tuesday, March 3, 2009 Leonhard Deal (Finally) Done; Notes from Sheppard Jim Leonhard is a Jet. According to Adam Schefter, the Jets gave him a three-year deal. If I get specifics I'll pass them on. Meantime, got off the conference call with Lito Sheppard a while ago. He gave a lot of very standard answers to most questions - he's excited, looking forward to being a part of the organization, etc. Almost like interviewing a player under Erici Mangini's regime. He does genuinely appear to be happy to be out of Philadelphia and start fresh in New York. This is a former Pro Bowler with seven years of experience so I think that his interview ability aside, he will make an immediate impact on the field. Posted by Lisa Zimmerman at 2:30 PM 0 comments Links to this post Leonhard Deal on Hold Just heard from one of my sources that the Jim Leonhard deal is on hold. The Jets had a verbal commitment from him but the Denver Broncos are apparently playing serious hardball. I'll keep you posted. Posted by Lisa Zimmerman at 12:20 PM 0 comments Links to this post Older Posts Subscribe to: Posts (Atom) More Jets Blogs E-Boland & Gang Green Jets Insider Jets Journal with Jane McManus The Jets Blog The Jets official site The Jets Stream with Rich Cimini Lisa Zimmerman Followers Blog Archive ▼ 2009 (29) ▼ March (12) Samari Rolle Coming for a Visit Jets Sign Larry Izzo Anybody Want to Talk About the Offense? GreenRewind Podcast Leonhard Conference Call Leonhard Deal (Finally) Done; Notes from Sheppard Leonhard Deal on Hold Lito Sheppard Conference Call Scott Speaks Elam Gets Low Tender Offer Leonhard Status Quo. Scott Press Conference Resche... Leonhard Update - Jets, Eagles and Broncos all int... ► February (12) Lito Sheppard Trade Complete $48 Million for Scott,; Moore and Richardson Re-Si... Update Free Agency And So It Goes Now What? Favre: "It's the Real Deal" Favre is Retiring Barrett Gets Released Some Odds and Ends Schottenheimer Says He's Ready to Move Forward What to Do at Quarterback? ► January (5) Coaching updates What happened to Mike Nugent? Ryan Brings in Pettine Rex Ryan's on Board Why didn't the Jets make the playoffs? I tell you ... About Me Lisa Zimmerman I've covered the New York Jets in various capacities since 2000. I am currently the Jets beat reporter for Sirius NFL Radio. Have a question about the Jets? Ask me. If I know the answer, I'll tell you. If I don't, I'll find out. Feel free to post a comment on the blog, or email me at: jettingaroundwithLisaZ@gmail.com View my complete profile
is there room with leonhard and rhodes? Poor lowery, he deserves to be higher up on the depth chart than this.
I would look into adding another CB either through FA or the draft. Lowery was struggling big time last season. He was struggling so much the Jets felt they needed to sign Ty Law in the middle of the season.
I think Lowery is an excellent nickle back. He has a knack for making some spectacular plays on the ball but lacks the raw speed needed to be a full time corner.
If your front 7 cannot get to the quarterback in a few seconds, like Jets front 7, any secondary will suffer. If Lowery looked bad, that blame goes straight to Manidiot (along with ineffectual Gholston)
Samari Rolle as a depth signing would be unreal. This guy may be getting older, and to be honest i havent seen him play much the last year or two... but go back a few years and this was one of the better corners in the NFL. If he comes cheap enough to be a nickel guy, Ill be doing cartwheels. The only thing about it that worries me, is if he plays his way into the starting lineup, does Lito start crying? He didnt bitch his way out of Philly just to ride pine in New York.
Us getting Rolle would be a god send. Who has a player of Rolle's caliber to play nickle? Our Secondary would be finished and it'd be arguably the best secondary in the NFL on paper.
Agreed on Rolle, he at worst would be great for depth purposes, and I'm sure rex could offer him up the oppurtunity to fight for a starting role, as added inticement. yes with him in the fold the CB race would be great to see who would become our second starter. all 3 would be at their best, and Lowery would be picking up great tips from two seasoned vets, and the future best CB in the game in Revis. Can't go wrong, its almost a perfect storm. Also i would expect Sheppard to try to earn his starting job, if he loses his starting job, to a second year guy who got torched at times last year, or a 32 year old on the down side of his career, he has only himself to blame. Wouldnt i be very interesting if Lowery were to win the competition anyways? ahh, that would be perfect!
I don't like Rolle at all. Very slow, gets burnt a lot... May not give up a lot of plays overall, but he gives up a lot of big plays.
Rolle is way past his prime. If anything...he'd serve as a "veteran" presence for the secondary...to help transition over the new defensive system to guys like Revis, Sheppard and Lowery. He'd be like our new Hank Poteat, IMO.
Rolle or Law Rex Ryan obviosuly wants a veteran. With Ivy signing in Cleveland. I prefer Rolle over Law.
Well...if we're talking "who we prefer".....i would've preferred McAlister....he's a year younger, more talented, and it's much less likely that McAlister will go into an Epileptic seizure on the field.
