You must have missed this when it was posted March 14, 2008 Robertson deal continues to haunt the Jets On April 25, 2003, the Jets drafted Dewayne Robertson for all the wrong reasons - and they’re still paying for it. They’ve been trying to trade him for nearly a month, but have found no takers - shocking, considering he’s only 26 and, from all indications, has no off-the-field baggage. Let’s take a look back at the decision that continues to haunt the franchise. The day after the draft, then-GM Terry Bradway, sometimes too candid for his own good, admitted they made the bold move for Robertson (trading two No. 1 picks to move up), in part, because he sensed the organization was demoralized in the aftermath of the Redskins Raid. Remember, Bradway was widely criticized that offseason for losing Laveranues Coles, Randy Thomas, John Hall and Chad Morton to the Skins. “Yeah, I do feel a lot of relief,” said Bradway, reveling in his aggressive move. “You don’t win championships in the offseason, but you want people feeling good about your team. As a result of this draft, we’ve been able to do that. I think we’ve been able to put a little spark in here.” It was a curious move because, several weeks earlier, they had paid a $3 million option bonus to retain DT Josh Evans, who was starting at the position (3-technique tackle) that Robertson was drafted to play. Shortly after the draft, the news broke that Evans had tested positive and was facing a long drug suspension. The Jets found out before the draft, which explains why they felt compelled to trade up for Robertson. Presumably, they also knew he had a bad knee coming out of college. That didn’t become public until August, 2005, when Robertson, experiencing discomfort, left training camp to visit Birmingham-based orthopedist James Andrews. The Daily News reported that he had a bone-on-bone condition, and then-coach Herm Edwards confirmed it the next day when questioned about the News’ story. “Bone is rubbing on bone,” said Edwards, adding that Robertson had no cartilage and would have to deal with the condition for the remainder of his career. Robertson has missed only three games in his career (none because of the knee), but he hasn’t lived up to expectations. At the same time, he has made more than $26 million in his career, making him one of the highest-paid defensive tackles. That contract, which still has two years, $18 million remaining, has irked owner Woody Johnson, according to a source. Now, after trading for Kris Jenkins and signing backup Sione Pouha to an extension, the Jets have no use for Robertson and want to trade him. But they can’t. Ever since a tentative trade with the Bengals fell apart, there have been stories about Robertson’s knee condition. The word is out. The Broncos are interested in making a deal, but the Jets would be lucky to get a box of doughnuts for him. Everybody knows that Robertson is due a $3 million roster bonus in early June, which means they will cut him before having to write that check. Considering the enormity of their investment in Robertson - both the money and the draft picks - it would represent a blunder of epic proportions if they cut him loose and receive nothing in return. GM Mike Tannenbaum must feel like he’s trying to peddle a knock-off Rolex to street-corner salesmen. It’s hard to hustle hustlers.
