The Jets released LB Bryan Thomas on Saturday.

The Jets have announced the release of linebacker Bryan Thomas, the longest-tenured player on the roster. They have signed CB Donnie Fletcher from the practice squad to take his place on the roster, according to a team press release.

Thomas, drafted as a defensive in the first round of the 2002 draft,  later switched to outside linebacker in 2006. In his ten-year career with the Jets, he played 94-of-146 games.

The 33-year old linebacker has been dealing injuries for the past two seasons — he missed the majority of 2011 after tearing his Achilles tendon and has been battling a hamstring injury suffered in the season opener for the past few weeks. On Friday, the team declared him doubtful for the Miami game.

While Thomas is a valuable member of the team and one of the few veteran leaders, the move was a necessary one for the Jets, who were forced to shuffle the roster after losing cornerback Ellis Lankster, among others, to injuries. Fletcher is healthy and provides the Jets with the necessary depth at cornerback.

The most interesting part about the move related to Thomas’ $925,000 base salary which became guaranteed week 1–  the Jets now have to will have to pay Thomas the remaining $707,000 left on the deal, even if he were to find a new team. But, according to the New York Daily News, who cites a source, Thomas could re-sign with the team as early as Monday, after the return from Miami.

Speaking of veterans, the incident involving veteran linebacker Bart Scott and Jets Confidential blogger Dan Leberfeld has garnered a lot of attention in the past 48 hours. I wrote a brief update with all the details on the “altercation” this morning on Nj.com. Check it out and if you have time, listen to Jane McManus’ spot on the Michael Kay Show, where she offers her first-hand perspective on the situation.

Bryan Thomas will be back in green and white for at least another year.

The Jets announced they have agreed in principal on a new contract with LB Bryan Thomas. Sources have indicated Thomas’s deal is one-year.

For those asking questions about Thomas’ recovery from his Achilles tear, Thomas has revealed that he is “right on schedule.” I would imagine the team is well informed on his status and didn’t tread into the situation without making an appropriate determination. Then again, you know what happens when you assume..

The Jets have also signed  Center Kristofer O’Dowd (per his Twitter, lol). Kris played with Mark Sanchez at USC alum and was an UDFA signed by the Arizona Cardinals in 2011.

Also on the dockett for the Jets today is the search for safety. Reports indicate the Jets are interested in Brandon Meriweather but, as of now, have not scheduled a visit with the safety. They are also interested in Bengals Reggie Nelson and Redskins LaRon Landry. Of these options, Nelson is the most interesting to me. I mean…Meriweather can’t happen, or I might have to throw up.

Here are a few other names the Jets have been linked to today:

Laurent Robinson – Jets have expressed interest, as have the Cardinals Chargers and the Jaguars. Cowboys are also trying to push for Robinson before he visits with the Jags tonight. Jenny Vrentas just tweeted, “Jets’ interest in WR Laurent Robinson more so “kicking the tires,” at least for now, source says.” Blegh.

WR Chaz Schilens - Jets are reportedly interested in the Raiders WR. So..there is that.

QB Chad Henne - According to several sources, the Jets have made calls to Henne. It is unclear if the  interest if mutual but Jenny Vrentas reported that she’s been informed he will not sign with the team. Seahawks and Jags are also interested in Henne.

QB Drew Stanton - The Jets plan to bring in former Lions QB Drew Stanton. To me, this is a very solid back-up option. Stanton played well when he was called upon in Detroit.

LB Jameel McClain - We’ve been hearing rumblings of the Jets interest in McClain for weeks now. This isn’t really a surprise. I will continue to update as information is made available.

In today’s NFL, rushing the passer is an essential part of any stout defensive unit. Unfortunately, the Jets have been seriously longing for a decent rusher since John Abraham left town, and somehow they have failed to address the need in the years since.

Jets can't ask Maybin to do everything.

True, Aaron Maybin did provide some semblance of a pass rush last season, but Maybin is best used as a situational rusher and is not an every down player. Additionally, veteran LB Bryan Thomas is a free agent and recovering from an Achilles injury he suffered last season. While several sources close to the team have indicated that they’d like to keep Thomas, the Jets still need help.

Further complicating matters in the search for a pass rusher is the recent news regarding LB Bart Scott. Reports indicate that Scott has been “granted permission to seek a trade,” leading many to believe that Bart’s time as a Jets is coming to a close. I would imagine that shopping for a future replacement for Scott was on the off-season homework list (likely through last round in the draft), but now the search has grown a little more time sensitive. I still believe that a pass-rushing OLB/DE should remain at the top of the list of priorities, but the Jets will no doubt also be looking for other versatile linebackers to add to the roster.

For now, I am just going to concentrate on the specific need at outside linebacker.

The first option is that the team can try to acquire a free agent to fill the position. I have put together a short list of guys that have been discussed, reportedly been targeted or should be targeted. I have included some defensive ends on the list, mostly because they have been mentioned, but I sincerely doubt they go this route. The team drafted Muhammed Wilkerson at the position last year and furthermore, Rex’s scheme generally generates a pass rush from the OLB position. Given that there is a lack of really elite FA 3-4 OLB’s, the Jets are going to be targeting players that can move around; guys that can rush the passer, effectively stop the run and also drop back into coverage.

DE/OLB Mario Williams (HOU): Williams is not only at the top of the list of FA pass rushers, he is at the top of the list of free agents. The Jets have indicated that they will not go after Williams, likely because he will command a very hefty salary. In fact, by the end of free agency, Williams may ultimately end up as the highest paid defensive player in the NFL.

Sorry Jets fans, but this is nothing more than a pipe dream.

DE John Abraham (ATL): The aforementioned Abraham is seeking a hefty payday in free agency (reports indicate he is asking in the $12 million range). We can argue about Abraham’s productivity but fact is, he is getting older and he wants too much money. It’s just not going to happen at that price.

DE Robert Mathis (IND): For years, Mathias has been one of the top pass rushers in the league. While he is starting to creep up there in age, his ability to get after the quarterback is still top tier.

Update: The Cots have now franchised Mathis, though the two sides will continue to work together on a long-term deal.

LB Anthony Spencer (DAL): Jason LaCanfora is reporting that the Cowboys have franchised Spencer. Will have to cross him off the list for this year. Seems like a lot of money to give to Spencer, but I’m not Jerry Jones. Thank goodness.

LB Jarret Johnson (BAL)- Various reports have indicated that the Jets have interest in acquiring the Raven LB through free agency, and it’s easy to see why. Johnson has a lot of versatility as a player, the price is reasonable and he was also a favorite of Rex’s from his days in Baltimore.

Problem is, Johson isn’t really the guy to consistently go after the QB. It seems to me that Johnson would be more of a replacement for Bryan Thomas above anything else, and some argue that in that case, it’s more of a lateral move and less of an upgrade.

Ravens free agent LB Jameel McClain has also been linked to the Jets. McClain has played at both inside and outside linebacker in Baltimore. I see him more as a replacement to Bart Scott than anything else but it’s at least worth noting.

» Continue reading “Position of Need: Pass Rusher”

OLB Bryan Thomas is out for the season with a torn achilles.

OLB Bryan Thomas, who was spotted wearing a walking boot after Sunday’s game in Baltimore, has torn his achilles and is out for the season.

Rex Ryan called the loss of Thomas “huge.”

How do the Jets plan to replace Thomas? Jamaal Westerman played in Thomas’ absence on Sunday but Ryan told reporters that Westerman was not necessarily going to be permanent replacement. He also mentioned that the front office is open to looking for help elsewhere.

Ryan offered a few other alternatives in addition to Westerman, including Josh Mauga and Aaron Maybin and even presented the idea of playing 4 defensive lineman as a possibility.

I don’t know if you or anyone you know has ever torn their achilles but it is a terribly painful injury for anyone with a long recovery period. I wish Thomas the all the best and hope to see him back and better than ever next season.

Speaking of seeking outside help, according to Manish Mehta’s Twitter, the Jets are bringing in 10-year veteran tight end Brandon Manumaleuna for a visit tomorrow. The team is looking for someone at the position who can help with protection.