This whole thing with Mawae makes very, very little sense, at least from what Mawae and his agent have said. Did Mawae actually want a restructure, with an extension and another signing bonus? One that the Jets were unwilling to give a 35 year old center? Why did Mawae and his agent get on the radio to say all that they did? This had to have been initiated by Mawae and his agent, not by ESPN radio. Mawae said the Jets didn't "want" him, not that he was cut.... was they because they turned down an extension of his contract (with additional garanteed money)? I think Mawae knows he only has a year or two left, and wants one more contract windfall before he retires, and he'd like to play on a team that has a shot at the playoffs. I have a VERY hard time believing the Jets wanted to cut him. It makes no sense for a paltry 1.5 mil cap savings, on a team with serious issues on the O line already. The Jets will have to spend at least that much on a replacement, be it a highly drafted rookie or an FA center. So, much like , "someone else" who talked their way off the Jets, I think Mawae did too. One thing about the Tangini era..... shoot your mouth off like that, write your own ticket out of town. Don't try to negotiate in the media. Chad had much more reason to gripe, but he's avoided doing so.... and so, he may be a Jet next year yet. I think Mawae quit on us. It may be in his best personal interest to do so, so I won't bash him for that part of it, but how he went about it reeks. Just my humble opinion.
Mawae knew he could make more money as a free agent than by being traded. That's why he basically sabotaged his trade value. He's unhappy and outspoken and thus would have made Mangini's first year pure hell.
Sounds similar to the way New England operates. Malloy, Law, Glenn all shot their mouths off and were out of town before they knew what hit them.
Acutally he is still on the team for a short time. They have extended the contract talks for three more days. So anyone that was cut today, is still on the team.
Well, if he shot his mouth off about wanting to leave, and then they cut him, isn't he getting what he wants? I'm pretty sure it was mutual.
I doubt that, if you look at this from the Jets FO point of view. To repeat, why cut him for a 1.5mil cap savings when it will cost you more than that in terms of the cap to replace him? I think it became mutual whem Mawae and his agent set up that radio interview.... and it was just what Mawae wanted to have happen. He wanted either more garanteed money or out.
I don't know, I would have liked to keep him. But it's not like he came out and killed the franchise or something. I think if they really wanted him, there would be no problem bringing him back, even after his comments.
I have to agree with TBird. Why would the Jets want to release him, regardless of age/injuries? He had a low cap value, and he is still one of the top centers in the league. (IMO, second now only to Nalen.) On top of that, the Jets seem to be making a real effort to keep Penny, and Mawae had a great relationship with Penny. It makes little sense for the Jets to want to part ways with him. Even if he wasn't looked at as a full-time starter, how many guys would be better to teach that position to a young kid coming into the league besides Mawae?
:shit: mangini remembers how maewae led the mutuny against groh. there's no way he's keeping him around.:wink:
He was one of my favorite players, but its time we groom someone to replace him. If we are rebuilding, then the older expensive guys have to go.
Well, I put my thoughts from this thread out there... Burkhart felt that the Jets may have asked Mawae for a pay cut, and that's why he's on the way out, but he did not discount my thoughts on how this potentially came about. I don't agree that the Jets asked for a pay cut.... even Mawae never went there on 1050 ESPN.
