Jets News 3/19

hydro51 · Mar 19, 2006

ABE TUG-O-WAR RAGES
http://www.nypost.com/sports/jets/61168.htm

By MARK CANNIZZARO
March 19, 2006 -- JETS & DE IN STAREDOWN
JACKSONVILLE - Who will blink first? The Jets or John Abraham?

This is where the two adversaries stand today as the Jets have parameters of a deal for Abraham worked out with the Seahawks, who are set to give the Jets their 2006 first-round draft pick, the 31st overall.

In turn, though, Abraham and the Seahawks must come to an agreement on a long-term contract.

Abraham, meanwhile, wants to play in Atlanta, which is close to his home in South Carolina. He and the Falcons have agreed on a six-year contract believed to pay him some $14 to $15 million in guaranteed money.

The problem there is that the Falcons are offering the Jets only their second-round pick, the 47th overall in the draft - compensation the Jets see as unsatisfactory.

For this entire mess to be settled, all three parties - Jets, Abraham and the team trading for Abraham - must agree at the same time.

Those parties have until Friday to do so, because Friday is the last day that franchised players can negotiate with other teams. Abraham, of course, has been tagged with the franchise label for the second consecutive year, much to his dismay.

Another wrinkle here is this: Just because the Jets have a deal in place with Seattle doesn't mean Abraham is obligated to negotiate with Seattle, where he visited early last week.

Abraham, because he still has not signed the franchise offer sheet of $8.33 million, has no obligation to the Jets. Though he still remains Jet property, he may act as a free agent.

It's a complicated process that has become rather acrimonious.

So, who'll blink?

The Jets are trying to get the most in the way of compensation in a trade for the three-time Pro Bowl defensive end.

Abraham is trying to have his cake and eat it, too - with fresh fruit on top.

This is clearly an unofficial test for the rookies running the Jets - first-year GM Mike Tannenbaum and first-year head coach Eric Mangini.

In January, Terry Bradway, then the Jet GM, blinked quickly at the stare of his mentor, Kansas City president Carl Peterson by settling for a fourth-round draft pick a compensation for Herman Edwards.

The Chiefs' fleecing of the Jets was an embarrassment and the Jets took their fair share of criticism for caving.

Now the question is this: Will Tannenbaum and Mangini cave, too? Or will they hold the hard line and get what they should for Abraham?

On the surface, it looks as if Atlanta needs to pony up with a better deal if it wants Abraham. The Falcons might have to add their No. 1 draft pick in 2007 to the pot to satisfy the Jets.

As it stands, the Falcons have already denied the two things the Jets wanted most - backup QB Matt Schaub and a second-round pick or Atlanta's first-round pick, the 15th overall selection in the draft.

If Atlanta doesn't up its offer to the Jets, then Abraham might have no choice but to negotiate a deal with the Seahawks.

If he tries to play hardball and refuses, then the Jets could shut this whole thing down and decide to keep Abraham, make him sign the franchise contract and play for them - something Abraham has stated publicly he has no interest in doing anymore.

As if there weren't enough twists and turns to this saga, there's a brewing battle between the Seattle and Atlanta front offices.

Atlanta president and GM Rich McKay is a mentor of sorts for Seahawks GM and president of football operations Tim Ruskell, who worked for him in Atlanta before going to Seattle.

mark.cannizzaro@nypost.com
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hydro51 · Mar 19, 2006

Jets must get in Leinart
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/story/400836p-339602c.html

Should make deal to lock up Matt
Matt Leinart
The Jets have Patrick Ramsey, but he doesn't change anything long-term. They still need a franchise quarterback. Matt Leinart wants to play for them and the Saints will take bids for the second pick in the draft, so there's a deal to be made.

The free-agent and trading period opened last Saturday and the quarterback market has been volatile. Six teams already have new starters.

The Jets should get Leinart. He is the best quarterback in the draft. He is better than Ramsey, benched twice in two years by Washington's Joe Gibbs, and he is better than Matt Schaub, who they were unable to get from Atlanta in a package for John Abraham. And who knows what Chad Pennington is anymore?

Here's a look at how the quarterback market is playing out:

Jets: Their first choice was to trade Abraham to the Falcons for Schaub and Atlanta's second-round pick. Would Schaub have been the answer? He has no track record. He was the fifth QB picked two years ago in the Eli Manning draft, but not until the third round as the 90th player overall. He's started two games in two years, but is coveted around the league. There's a history of players like Schaub who go from backup on one team to starter on another. He could become a star like Matt Hasselbeck. Or a bust like Rob Johnson or A.J. Feeley.

The Jets should offer their first- and second-round picks this year and a late-round pick in '07 to move up two spots and get Leinart. The Saints could then take DE Mario Williams at No. 4. Leinart won two national championships at USC and nearly a third. Just by sitting at No. 4, the Jets would get no worse than the third QB from among Leinart, Jay Cutler and Vince Young. Leinart is the best fit. "He would love to play in New York," said Leigh Steinberg, his agent.

There's talk the Jets might not take a QB in the first round. That would be a mistake.

Saints: Drew Brees signed a six-year $60 million deal, but it's really a one-year, $10 million contract, giving New Orleans a chance to find out if he's healthy and effective after surgery for a torn labrum and partial rotator cuff tear. He may not be ready for the opener. He has a $12 million option next year. It's surprising that Sean Payton wanted Brees over Leinart. One theory: With speculation that Tom Benson could sell the Saints in the near future, he had no interest in paying the $20 million-plus in guaranteed money it will take to sign Leinart.

Dolphins: Two years ago, Daunte Culpepper threw 39 TDs. He might have been MVP if Peyton Manning didn't throw 49. Last season was a disaster: Culpepper had a 2-5 record with six TDs and 12 INTs before tearing three knee ligaments on Oct. 30. He was also involved in the Love Boat scandal. He may not be ready for the opener, but getting him for just a second-round pick is a steal if he's healthy. They backed off Brees because a knee injury is less risky for a QB than a shoulder injury.

Lions: Joey Harrington is due a $4 million roster bonus on June 15 and will be cut or traded before then. Mike Martz, the Lions' new offensive coordinator, is a magician with QBs, but let's see what he can do with the Jon Kitna-Josh McCown duo signed last week. They will compete for the starting job. This is not Simms-Hostetler or Montana-Young. Maybe Matt Millen, who has done such a fine job, can draft another receiver in the first round.

Chargers: Philip Rivers, traded for Manning, threw 30 passes in two years as Brees' backup, but this is his team now. If he hadn't held out for most of camp as a rookie, Brees, a huge disappointment at the time, would have been traded. Instead, his holdout made Brees $18 million - the $8 million franchise tag last year and then $10 million guaranteed from the Saints. The Chargers are loaded with talent, but could take a step back as Rivers gets experience. "This is not a setback," Rivers said. "I haven't played a ton, that's true. But I've had the two years, and I know the abilities I do have."

Vikings: Brad Johnson won his first six starts after taking over for Culpepper and was 7-2 overall. But he'll be 38 in September. The Vikings must find their QB of the future.

Raiders: They were the early favorites for Culpepper. It's possible they can sit at No. 7 in the draft and get Vince Young. Recently cut Kerry Collins is still looking for a job.

Late Hits

# The Jets, whose cap trouble before free agency was overstated because of some easily deleted incentive clauses, are now $14 million under and that includes carrying John Abraham's $8.3 million franchise tag. That gives them plenty of flexibility to make some free-agent deals after the wild spending around the league calms down. Here's one of them: They should sign Abraham to a long-term deal. Pass rushers are impossible to find. The Giants locked up Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora. Abraham is worth more to the Jets than they can get in a trade.
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hydro51 · Mar 19, 2006

Leinart and his agent really wants him to come here

The Lord · Mar 19, 2006

hydro51 said:

Jets: Their first choice was to trade Abraham to the Falcons for Schaub and Atlanta's second-round pick. Would Schaub have been the answer? He has no track record. He was the fifth QB picked two years ago in the Eli Manning draft, but not until the third round as the 90th player overall. He's started two games in two years, but is coveted around the league. There's a history of players like Schaub who go from backup on one team to starter on another. He could become a star like Matt Hasselbeck. Or a bust like Rob Johnson or A.J. Feeley.

The Jets should offer their first- and second-round picks this year and a late-round pick in '07 to move up two spots and get Leinart. The Saints could then take DE Mario Williams at No. 4. Leinart won two national championships at USC and nearly a third. Just by sitting at No. 4, the Jets would get no worse than the third QB from among Leinart, Jay Cutler and Vince Young. Leinart is the best fit. "He would love to play in New York," said Leigh Steinberg, his agent.

There's talk the Jets might not take a QB in the first round. That would be a mistake.
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No...if the Jets take a QB round one, unless it is Cutler at 4, they are wasting they're making the mistake.

Yes many people (aka writer of this article) feel Ramsey is inadequate. I don't think he was given a fair chance and with coaching could be very good. Drew Brees ring a bell? Brian Schott can work with this kid. We don't need to give up our second pick for Leinart, to move up two lousy spots. I think we should trade our first and a third, because we will get a third in compensation.

Thanx for the update.

hydro51 · Mar 19, 2006

Ramsey Joins Jets; Abraham Wants Outl
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/18/s...nal Football League/New York Jets&oref=slogin

The Jets want to send Abraham to the Seattle Seahawks, who have made the best offer, a first-round pick (31st over all), according to a person familiar with the negotiations who was granted anonymity because the deal was not complete.

Whether Seattle can meet Abraham's long-term contract demands remains a question because the Seahawks are waiting for an arbitrator to rule on the fate of the All-Pro guard Steve Hutchinson. Seattle tagged Hutchinson as a transition player and he signed an offer sheet with the Minnesota Vikings. The Seahawks want to keep Hutchinson, but there is a dispute over what portion of the Vikings' offer sheet they would have to match to sign him.

Abraham does not want to go to Seattle, according to the person involved in the negotiations, and would prefer Atlanta, which is close to his home in South Carolina. The Falcons are believed to have reached a contract agreement with Abraham, but they do not want to part with their first-round pick.

The Jets raised Abraham's ire when they put the franchise tag on him for a second consecutive year rather than negotiate a long-term deal. The Jets have given him permission to seek a trade, but a team must be able to accommodate both parties: Abraham's contract demands and the Jets' trade demands.

Ramsey's arrival had been forecast for days. The deal is a good one from the Jets' point of view because they only gave up a sixth-round pick for an experienced quarterback who will compete with Chad Pennington for the starting job.

Acquiring Ramsey does not preclude the Jets from taking a quarterback with the fourth pick in the April draft, where they could be in position to grab Matt Leinart, Jay Cutler or Vince Young.

Pennington is recovering from shoulder surgery for the second time in less than a year, and his throwing ability is a concern for the Jets.

Ramsey said in a statement released by the Jets that he was grateful that Coach Eric Mangini and Mike Tannenbaum, the Jets' general manager, brought him to the team. "I understand coach Mangini is going to play the best players, and that is all I can ask for," he said in the statement.

Ramsey, a four-year veteran who started 11 games in 2003, was a former first-round draft pick with a strong arm. He compiled a quarterback rating of 75.8 in 2003 for Steve Spurrier, the coach at the time, completing 179 of 337 passes for 2,166 yards, 14 touchdowns and 9 interceptions.

Ramsey twice lost the starting job under Coach Joe Gibbs, who prefers more experienced quarterbacks. Gibbs showed little confidence in Ramsey; his first personnel move after he returned in 2004 was the acquisition of Mark Brunell.

Last spring, the Redskins moved up in the draft to select another quarterback, Jason Campbell, who they hope will be their quarterback of the future.

Ramsey started one game last season, the season opener, and lasted less than 30 minutes. He was shaken up in the second quarter, and although he was cleared to return, Brunell started the second half. The next day, Gibbs benched Ramsey and made Brunell the starter.

Ramsey, who has a 10-14 record as a starter and a career 75 quarterback rating, had asked to be traded in the past.

"We appreciate Patrick's contributions during his time here with the Washington Redskins," Gibbs said in a statement released by the Redskins. "Through this entire process we always wanted what was best for Patrick and in working with him we feel this is where he wants to be."
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Code:
Didnt see this article yesterday

hydro51 · Mar 19, 2006

could one of the mods switch the thread titles to 3/19. definetlky mest up. thanks in advance

hydro51 · Mar 19, 2006

Inside Slant
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/jets/home.htm

The Jets thought they would be able to use their biggest chip - Pro Bowl defensive end John Abraham - as the best way to get their quarterback of the future, but the process has been much harder than expected.

Designated as the Jets' franchise player for the second year in a row, Abraham wants out - with a preference for a long-term contract rather than signing a one-year, $8.3 million tender. That kind of griping isn't a favorite attitude trait of new coach Eric Mangini. Several teams are interested in Abraham and the Jets are trying to work a deal to both appease Abraham and get themselves a new passer.

The focus was on Atlanta backup Matt Schaub, who the Jets saw as their quarterback of the future but who the Falcons were reluctant to give up, even for a pass-rushing specialist like Abraham. The Falcons could have met Abraham's contract demands, including $15-18 million in guaranteed money, but didn't want to trade Schaub, 24, as well as a second-round pick to get him.

With Schaub unavailable, the Jets turned to Washington, trading a sixth-round draft choice for Redskins backup Patrick Ramsey. Ramsey is a stopgap quarterback to compete with Chad Pennington, whose future is questionable after two shoulder operations in less than two years.

The Seahawks are also looking at Abraham and could offer their first-rounder (31st overall).

NOTES, QUOTES

—New coach Eric Mangini is putting his stamp on the team based on the Jets' few signings thus far. Former New England linebacker/special teamer Matt Chatham was signed to a three-year deal and will be given a shot to start at inside linebacker in the Jets' new 3-4 defense, even though he's never been a starter before.

The 28-year-old Chatham is a young, multi-talented player who is well versed in the team philosophy used by the Patriots and now Mangini with the Jets. He's also cheap and the Jets want to follow the Patriots' way by filling their roster with moderately priced players.

—Oops! Somehow, Curtis Martin is listed fourth at running back on the Jets' depth chart on the team Web site - behind Cedric Houston, Derrick Blaylock and Terry Butler. Then again, this is the same website offering a "sale" on Kevin Mawae jerseys. Mawae was cut two weeks ago and has since signed with Tennessee.

—The Jets traded a late first-rounder for TE Doug Jolley right before the draft last year and the deal was a bust, with Jolley landing in the doghouse in training camp after complaining about his role. He finished with 29 catches for 342 yards and was rarely a factor in the offense as a blocker.

Yet he may be the starter should the Jets be unable to re-sign Chris Baker, who is being coveted by the Dolphins. Baker wasn't a standout but he was a rapidly improving athlete who stood out from time to time. The Jets could also use second-year player Joel Dreessen, a late-round pick last year who was viewed as a potential starter by the previous regime.

The Jets had already talked with Dan Campbell and Jermane Tuman but both signed elsewhere.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "The Seahawks have a first-class organization. From top to bottom I was really impressed." - DE John Abraham on his visit with the Seahawks as he looks into getting traded away from the Jets.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

The Jets are in a serious rebuilding mode, but new coach Eric Mangini and new general manager Mike Tannenbaum aren't the types to make a lot of big splashes with big name signings. Rather, they'll look for players who fit in their team mold and philosophy.

TEAM NEEDS

1. Quarterback: Chad Pennington is spectacularly iffy with a surgically repaired shoulder. The Jets traded for Redskins backup Patrick Ramsey to compete with Pennington for the starting job, but they still need to draft or trade for a young quarterback they can build with over the next several seasons.

2. Offensive line: It's undersized right now and needs to get younger. Pete Kendall is moving from left guard to center, where he's adequate but not a replacement for perennial Pro Bowler Kevin Mawae. The Jets currently have Jonathan Goodwin, a career backup, starting at left guard. Left tackle Adrian Jones and right guard Brandon Moore are the only other returning starters. Veteran Scott Gragg is at right tackle but the Jets want someone younger and could look at the draft.

3. Defensive line: Since John Abraham looks all but gone and defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson is slightly questionable with a chronic knee problem, the Jets need depth here. End Shaun Ellis will team with free agent signee Kimo von Oelhoffen as the Jets move to a 3-4 defensive scheme, but they have few backups there or at tackle.

FRANCHISE PLAYER: DE John Abraham.

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: TE Chris Baker; OG Jonathan Goodwin; OT Scott Gragg; DT James Reed; QB Vinny Testaverde; LB Kenyatta Wright.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not tendered offers): LB Mark Brown.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: P Ben Graham.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED: LB Matt Chatham; QB Patrick Ramsey; DE Kimo von Oelhoffen.

PLAYERS LOST: S Oliver Celestin; OT Jason Fabini; QB Jay Fiedler; LB Barry Gardner; CB Ty Law; DT Lance Legree; C Kevin Mawae; FB Jerald Sowell.
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rickjet · Mar 19, 2006

hydro51 said:

Jets must get in Leinart
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/story/400836p-339602c.html
[/B]
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...wow, where do these reporters come up with these columns??

1st...I believe it would be a mistake to get Leinart w/ his questionable arm...

2nd..to give up our #2 & another pick next year is crazy!!!!!

3rd.. we have multiple holes to fill, we need more picks...not less

4th..if Tangini wants to build in the Pats mode, then this not the way...it's more like what Herm/Bradway would have done...which is why we are in this mess....

DGrab · Mar 19, 2006

The article says a late round pick next year, not our first rounder. Still I agree, I am not sold on Leinhart and a team with this many needs has no business trading up.

L3JET · Mar 19, 2006

rickjet4th..if Tangini wants to build in the Pats mode said:

Please keep in mind that NE has Tom Brady and we have Chad P.
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hydro51 · Mar 19, 2006

L3JET said:

Please keep in mind that NE has Tom Brady and we have Chad P.
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thats why i still believe where gonna draft aqb in rd 1... cause if he is tryna build his version of the pats.. thst team is built around a franchise qb.

getterdun · Mar 19, 2006

I don't believe in anything Gary Myers has to say. He criticizes everything the Jets do and rarely says anything good about them (must be a Giants fan). With so many holes, trading up to get Leinart would be a bad move, especially with Ramsey on board. There's about a 50-50 chance Pennington can overcome this injury problem and carry this team. Then what? Two unhappy potential starters on the bench wanting out. If the Jets do anything, it should be trading down in the first round and accumulating some additional picks. And Myers suggestion of keeping Abraham long term is a bad idea too. That bridge has been burned. They'd have to move him to OLB, and pay him a boat load. All for a guy who may or may not make it through the season injury free (depends on whether his contract is coming up!)

Royal Tee · Mar 19, 2006

The Lord said:

No...if the Jets take a QB round one, unless it is Cutler at 4, they are wasting they're making the mistake.

Yes many people (aka writer of this article) feel Ramsey is inadequate. I don't think he was given a fair chance and with coaching could be very good. Drew Brees ring a bell? Brian Schott can work with this kid. We don't need to give up our second pick for Leinart, to move up two lousy spots. I think we should trade our first and a third, because we will get a third in compensation.

Thanx for the update.
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So your assessment is:

Cutler Is the Best QB in the draft
and
Ramsey is adequate.

Hmm. Tough to believe any of those.

The Lord · Mar 19, 2006

Royal Tee said:

So your assessment is:

Cutler Is the Best QB in the draft
and
Ramsey is adequate.

Hmm. Tough to believe any of those.
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Hey...chill out my friend. I never said Cutler was the best QB in the draft I just feel that we shouldn't waste two or 3 picks trying to move up two spots to get a QB who in my opinion is not much better than Cutler.

I never said Ramsey was adequate I think he was never given a good chance in WA and coming here he may become a better QB...still I think he is only a back up at this point.

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