Rex never said he would cut him. Coach Rex Ryan said Tuesday the Jets are not in the market for a new right tackle. "...To say that we’re in the market for a starting tackle, I don’t believe that to be an accurate statement," Ryan said. However, he did hint the Jets would be open to overtures from other clubs. We would say it's impossible to find a starting-caliber lineman at this point in the season, but that might not be the case if the man he's replacing is revolving door Wayne Hunter. Whether in an official capacity or not, the Jets will remain on the lookout for tackle help. Wayne "turnstyle" Hunter benched. The Jets have removed Wayne Hunter as their starting right tackle. Finally. Hunter was among the league's worst starting tackles last season, giving up 8.5 sacks and getting tagged for 11 penalties. He followed that up with a woeful 2012 preseason. Hunter is owed $2.45 million guaranteed this season, meaning his new role as a jumbo swing tackle is safe. New right tackle Austin Howard is no superstar, but he can't be any worse than Hunter. Now get MJD and sign a WR.
This is a great move because at least the organization has admitted that Wayne is not a starting caliber RT in this league. Howard may be a slight upgrade and I assume the chase for a better RT through cuts/trades will be made after we see how Howard performs on Sunday against the Panthers.
This is definitely good news. I'm still hoping they bring somebody in, but this should be an improvement. I thought he played alright against the Bengals. We'll see how he works against the Panthers. I'm hyped. I was more concerned about RT going into this off season than any other position. A quality RT is probably the difference between 7-8 wins and 10-11 wins!
Glad to hear it. Not sure how much of an upgrade Howard is but he can't be much worse. Plus you know they are in the hunt for someone else via trade or free agency if anything is available.
I agree. I know the Bills have 5 tackles that could start over Hunter/Howard. Watch out for this kid Sam Young if he gets released. When he played for Notre Dame I thought he sucked. When he played for the Cowboys, I thought he sucked. When I saw him in camp last year when the Bills signed him, I thought he sucked. All of a sudden this year he's taking first and second team reps, is blocking Mario Williams, and looks like someone gave him new feet. I doubt they'll keep 5 tackles. Someone has to go. I'm sure some other teams will cut guys like that as well. The Jets should be able to find someone.
Howard by default is leaps and bounds better than Hunter. And it's crazy to say considering we have no idea what we have in the guy. Hunter is a total liability so literally anything is an upgrade. I think it's not as important of who we replace Hunter with so long as he's been replaced. Similar to the Schotty situation in many ways.
We shall see..........hope you're right. As far as Schotte being replaced by Sparano...the NYJETS havent scored a TD yet this pre-season in case you forgot. :beer:
What's the board's consensus on Howard? Haven't had a chance to see this guy play much. What do we need to know about him? Any promise or decent upside or is he just fodder until the Jets sign a real RT?
Interesting. I know the Broncos and Lions are in similar situations so I'm even more confident that someone half serviceable or a JAG will shake free and at a minimum at least not be a liability out there.
Im thinking hes fodder. Likely to be depth and or our Jumbo TE. Big factor is whether we cut WFH or not. Imagine him being our swing tackle of the future since he can play both left and right tackle though.
Thank God. Howard has looked halfway decent this preseason. Hopefully he can play like Slauson did his first year starting. Theres still a good chance we try to find someone else though.
Want to make sure Howard succeeds? Sign a blocking TE Tanny! Seriously, even Kris Wilson would prob be a huge upgrade at this point.
