Gang takes flier on Wadsworth Tuesday, March 27th 2007, 9:51 AM The Jets, who produced the 2006 NFL Comeback Player of the Year in Chad Pennington, could have the comeback of the decade in 2007. It's a longshot, but yesterday they signed defensive end Andre Wadsworth, a former first-round pick who hasn't played in more than six years. They may add another defensive end, with free agent David Bowens (Dolphins) expected to decide today between the Jets, Dolphins and Panthers. Wadsworth, 32, was the third overall pick in 1998, behind Peyton Manning and Ryan Leaf. He played only three seasons in Arizona, recording 119 tackles and eight sacks. His once-promising career was derailed by a succession of knee surgeries. From 1999 to 2001, he underwent four operations, including microfracture surgery. He was released by the Cardinals in 2001. The Jets have added two former first-round picks in less than a week. They also signed former Bears and Saints defensive end Michael Haynes. Meanwhile, running back Curtis Martin, who missed last season because of a knee injury, is expected to announce his retirement by June 1, sources said. Martin has been spotted at the Jets' facility at Hofstra, where offseason workouts began yesterday. He has said several times over the last few months that his career likely is over. The full team is expected to participate in Eric Mangini's second offseason program. Players started trickling in last week. Linebacker Jonathan Vilma is scheduled to arrive today. Rich Cimini http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/f...2007-03-27_gang_takes_flier_on_wadsworth.html
Very small. His contract only ran though 2009 I believe so we wind up with about a quarter of the prorated bonus money hitting the cap right away before Jun 1 and an eighth if he goes after Jun 1st, plus an 8th next season. Having him go in 2005 under the old cap would have been prohibitive but in the new CBA's cap he was never going to be a huge impact. Now Chad would still be a big impact because he has a lot of prorated money left from his signing bonus.
