Jets interested in vet Andruzzi Thursday, May 10, 2007 BY DAVE HUTCHINSON Star-Ledger Staff The Jets are eyeing former Patriots and Browns unrestricted free-agent guard Joe Andruzzi, according someone familiar with the club's thinking. That person requested anonymity because no deal was imminent. The Jets' interest in Andruzzi, who is rehabbing his left knee after arthroscopic surgery, is intriguing because starting left guard Pete Kendall isn't participating in the team's off-season program and is looking for a new contract, according to two people who are close to Kendall. They requested anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the situation. Kendall is scheduled to earn $1.7 million in base salary next season. Kendall, who turns 34 in July, is coming off a solid season and was instrumental in the development of rookie left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson and rookie center Nick Mangold last season. He's a team leader and popular locker room figure. Kendall and his agent, Neil Schwartz, are believed to have approached the Jets about a new deal before free agency, the market exploded this off-season with guards Eric Steinbach (seven years, $49.5 million, $17 million guaranteed) and Derrick Dockery (7 years, $49 million, $18 million guaranteed) getting lucrative contracts from the Browns and Bills, respectively. Kendall likely isn't looking for that type of money, but an argument could be made that he's underpaid. The Jets are rumored to be shopping him but they won't make a move until they get a replacement. Schwartz refused to comment when contacted yesterday afternoon. Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum was unavailable for comment and the club policy is not to discuss contract matters. The Jets wanted to upgrade the guard position at some point in the draft, but their plans were altered when they decided to trade up twice to select cornerback Darrelle Revis, who is also represented by Schwartz, and linebacker David Harris. Andruzzi, a 10-year veteran who turns 32 on Aug. 2, was released by the Browns last week. He underwent arthroscopic knee surgery a month ago and will likely be sidelined another three to six weeks, said his agent, Joe Linta. "I know the Jets are looking at Joe, but they're not ready to make any moves right now," Linta said yesterday. "There's still a long ways to go. Joe is just getting his knee back in shape and we'll keep in touch with the Jets. "Joe recently bought a new house in North Jersey and he'd love to finish his career with the Jets or Giants." Andruzzi, 6-3 and 315 pounds, spent five seasons with the Patriots and Jets coach Eric Mangini. If he signs with the Jets, he could conceivably start if Kendall is released or traded. Veteran Brandon Moore is the starting right guard. Former Dolphin Wade Smith is currently the third guard. Dave Hutchinson may be reached at dhutchinson@starledger.com
This is the stupidest move I"ve seen so far from these guys. If you're going to upgrade then upgrade it. They should've made a move for Steinbach or Andrews and taken a chance on getting better. I'll say it again, this tendency of Mangini's for picking guys that won't "challenge" his authority is a chink in his armor. And getting back to the Mawae issue, they've should've signed Mawae and picked Mangold. Having Kevin pulling from the right guard spot would've made the line twice as strong. Mawae had a great year in Tennessee.
i'd definetly take a chance on a veteran who has been to and played in the big games than a rookie anyday. mangini has laid the foundation that he is the boss and either your with the program or simply, seeee ya.
Mawae was a major dissentor and an a-hole. He questioned everything from the CS decisions to the Quarterback...publicly...that's the problem.
