Jets: They now can beat around the Bush Saturday, April 29, 2006 BY DAVE HUTCHINSON Star-Ledger Staff The Houston Texans' surprising signing of defensive end Mario Williams last night as the first pick overall in the NFL Draft has left running back Reggie Bush up for grabs -- and seemingly within reach of the Jets. But landing Bush, the Heisman Trophy winner considered the most explosive player in the draft, would be costly for the Jets. According to an agent who represents one of the draft's top players, the New Orleans Saints, who own the No. 2 pick, are asking the Jets for one of two packages: The Jets' pick at No. 4, plus their first-round selection at No. 29 and their first-round pick next season. The Jets' pick at No. 4, plus their first-round selection at No. 29, their second-round pick at No. 35 and their second-round pick next season. The agent said the Jets have been in discussions with the Saints about the No. 2 pick and they are not the only team. The 49ers, who pick No. 6 overall, also have expressed interest and were told it would cost them their No. 6 pick, plus the extra first-round pick they have at No. 22 and next season's first-round pick. The agent, who requested anonymity because of potential dealings with his clients, said the Saints are willing to deal. "I think the team willing to give up their first-round pick next season may be able to get the deal done," he said. The early asking price for the No. 2 pick appears to be higher than another recent blockbuster deal. To acquire Eli Manning in 2004, the Giants traded Philip Rivers, whom they selected with the fifth overall pick, a third-round selection later that day and first- and fifth-round picks in the 2005 draft. The Saints have a quality running back in Deuce McAllister and, like the Jets, they have numerous needs. The Saints, however, might be more inclined to deal with the Jets because at No. 4 they still figure to be able to get the player they are believed to have coveted all along -- Virginia offensive tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson. If the Saints cannot reach a deal with the Jets or Niners, they might still have other options. The Raiders (currently at No. 7) and Cardinals (No. 10) might look to move up to select a quarterback, either Texas' Vince Young or Southern Cal's Matt Leinart. Conventional wisdom has the Titans taking a QB at No. 3. The Packers (No. 5) might also look to move up to take Bush, giving quarterback Brett Favre a weapon for what figures to be his final season. But unlike the Jets and Niners, none of those teams has an extra first-round pick this season to add to the deal. All of these scenarios began to take shape shortly after the Texans surprised many by announcing a deal with Williams yesterday afternoon. Williams' stock was on the rise, but the real issue apparently came down to money. According to the agent, talks with Bush broke down when the running back demanded $30 million to $32 million guaranteed. Last season, the 49ers paid quarterback Alex Smith $24 million guaranteed and quarterbacks usually are higher paid than running backs. Williams, from N.C. State, signed a six-year, $54 million deal that included $26.5 million guaranteed money. The Jets, who are $12.9 million under the cap, could afford to sign Bush as the heir apparent to Curtis Martin. Whether they are willing to give up that many picks remains to be seen. The Jets, who were 4-12 last season, have nine picks in the draft, five today -- two first, a second and two thirds. In addition to a running back, they desperately need an offensive tackle and could land one with their 35th pick overall if they decide to keep it. The club also needs a defensive end but their need at offensive tackle is greater and the draft is deep at defensive end. Bush's off-the-field problems with a house that his parents rented in San Diego isn't expected to have any impact on his NFL career. And, by all accounts, he is of solid character, which is something the Jets value.
The Jets are not going to make any trade that looks better than the 4 the 35 and the 71. If they do then the clock is already ticking on the new regime and we're likely in big trouble again.
if they make a trade it has to be 4 and 29 and a 3rd round pick but they have said they will not part with the 71st pick. no way they give up next years 1st round pick not knowing what it is. the value chart -- leaves the jets like 140 points shy moving just 4 and 29 -- they need to include something else to move up. 49ers moving up is tough too since they have so much invested in smith -- rumor is they want Davis.
Never hang up the phone. Say you appreciate the offer, you're going to talk it over and then just never get back to them. Passive aggression for the win.
Then they'll gladly take Bush. Loomis won't call back any team. He just doesn't do it. The only possible way the Saints come down on their offer is with one minute left on the clock and they have supreme confidence that Deuce can bounce back from a serious knee injury and two disappointing seasons.
Thats freaking crazy. Our top 3 picks in this draft AND next year's 2nd???!!! I don't put much credence into the draft value chart but based on that we would be grossly overpaying. Last night I was ok with 4, 29 and 71 but forget that, 4 and 29, MAYBE throw in next year's 3.
Take Bush with the 4, maybe but no more. Bush is not going to run the ball 30 times a game, we need so much more... Get Brick at 4, looks like he'll be there. Mangold at 29 and a qb at 35. If we trade any picks, I will go freaking crazy. I'm sure noone cares but please don't do it..
So OL with our 1st 2 picks and then reach for a mediocre QB at the top of the 2nd....if thats the way it goes, you're going to have a whole lot of pissed of Jets fans including me.
