Seems like you can’t log on to Twitter or Facebook or watch a single program on ESPN or NFL Network without hearing constant speculation and debate over the future of Darrelle Revis, right? Yeah. And free agency hasn’t even started yet.

Welp, since all the cool kids are doing it, I guess that means it’s time to talk about Darrelle Revis. Let’s begin.

Rumors and Sources and Stuff: The 49ers and the Falcons have been rumored to be in the market for the corner for weeks now, though those rumors have since died down.

There was also some speculation earlier this morning that perhaps the Denver Broncos had interest in trading for Revis, but that has been also disputed by both Jeff Legwold of the Denver Post and ESPN’s Ed Werder.

But one other team has emerged as a possible destination: The Philadelphia Eagles.

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane, General Manager Howie Roseman is preparing to make a  deal to acquire Revis. The Eagles not only have the draft picks and the cap space to acquire Revis, they also have a need at cornerback (Asomugha was recently released and Rodgers-Cromartie is a free agent). Several sources have questioned the validity of the reports, but for now, the Eagles have emerged as the primary suitors.

I still wouldn’t rule of the Tampa Bay Bucs as a possible landing spot. Though there have not been any reports to suggest the Bucs are interested or pursuing the corner, they do have a need at the position and the cap space (more than $30 million!).

Revis and His Camp Are Pissed, Woody Johnson is Evil(Apparently):

In addition to a variety of rumored landing spots, there have also been a plethora of reports suggesting Revis’ camp is frustrated with the Jets and wants a resolution sooner rather than later, likely because they fear that with so many free agent corners flooding the market – and Revis still rehabbing from the ACL –  the market will quickly dry up and Revis won’t get the pay day he is seeking.

» Continue reading “As Free Agency Approaches, Revis Watch Heats Up”

Safety LaRon Landry

While all of Jets nations waits on baited breath for new and relevant Darrelle Revis news to analyze, another major off-season task is being handled by the Jets front office: Trying to re-sign Pro Bowl safety LaRon Landry.

According to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News, the Jets have had preliminary discussions with Landry’s agents and would like to re-sign the safety.

Landry’s asking price is expected to be around $6 million a year, which could really be a stretch for the cap-strapped Jets.

Though the Jets may be planning to re-sign Landry, he is expected to test the free agent market which begins March 12th, per Rich Cimini.

In other news, the Jets’ plans to have competition at the quarterback position may mean having as many as FIVE quarterbacks on the roster, including free agent QB Brady Quinn. According a report from Chris Mortensen, the Jets plan to sign Quinn to compete with Sanchez, third-year back-up Greg McElroy, Matt Simms and a TBD free agent in camp.

Mortensen also noted that Tebow is not expected to be part of their plans at the quarterback position (duh).

Update: Mort has since clarified that was originally called a “report” is actually closer to speculation, though it’s worth mentioning that Quinn and new quarterback’s coach David Lee have a close relationship.

Late last night news came in over the internet that Darrelle Revis would be showing up to the Jets training camp on time. This report was confirmed this morning by the Associated Press.  Until yesterday, Revis had left the door open on a possible holdout for the second time in three years.  He earned around $32.5 million over the first two years of his contract including an $18 million dollar bonus.  During OTAs and much of the off season, the Jets refrained from making any comments on re-doing his deal and expected Revis to report on day one.

By reporting to camp on time, Darrelle will earn $1 million dollar training camp bonus and avoid the contract from being extended by another 3 years for only $ 3 million per year.  Revis has always maintained the fact that he wishes to stay a Jet for his entire career and I hope the Jets front office gives him a new deal next off season.

But at the moment this is a huge relief for the Jet fans to have their best player in camp.

You can follow Shahmeer on Twitter @shehzada_.

The Jets have annouced the signing of former Detroit Lions back-up quarterback Drew Stanton. It is being reported as a one-year deal worth $1.25 million.

Stanton played back-up for the Lions from 2007-2011 and did see playing time as a starter in 2009 and 2010. He made his second career start in 2010 after both Matthew Stafford and Shaun Hill went down with injuries and he lead the Lions to their first road win in 3 years when they defeated the Tampa Bay Bucs that season.

You’re going to hear a lot of jokes and see a lot of unflattering stats about Stanton but in my opinion, this is a decent signing. He will be a viable back-up with starting experience and he IS an upgrade over Brunell. I really like McElory, and it’s my understanding the Jets do as well, but given his injury last season I don’t think the team was super comfortable with him being in the number 2 role just yet.

Furthermore, if the Jets just signed Sanchez to a contract that indicates they plan to start him for the next two years, you  need to spend your money on a back-up quarterback, with the emphasis on back-up. The other couple of million that a guy like Brady Quinn or Chad Henne (had he been an option) would’ve wanted would be better spend on a..I dunno…right tackle?

Just saying.

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.

And so it begins.

Earlier today, the Jets announced that they have agreed in principal to a three-year deal with 33-year old free agent nose tackle Sione Pouha.

Contract details have not been made available, but it’s safe to assume the impact from his deal on the 2012 salary cap is less than $7.9 million, considering that is this year’s franchise number for nose tackles (the Jets opted not to use the tag on Pouha).

Pouha and the Jets agreed to a 3-year deal

Though largely underrated, Pouha is one of the league’s best defensive tackles. Pro Football Focus had the NT ranked second among run-stuffer’s in their end of season evaluations.

The three-year deal  seems perfectly ideal, as they can keep Pouha while he is still his prime (he started playing in the league “late”), without being on the financial hook long-term.

So now that Pouha is locked up, the next question is: Where does the team now stand against the salary cap?

With Sanchez’s contract extension, the Jets cleared an additional $6.4 million in cap space, which brought the total to $14.3 million.

The League also threw 28 NFL teams a bone today when they awarded them an additional $1.6 million in cap space due to the Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboys vioaltions of cap-rules in the 2010 “uncapped” year (basically, they are alleged to have dumped salaries into the uncapped year so that hit did not count).

Estimates are currently at $15.1 for the Jets, which includes Aaron Maybin’s tender and Mark Sanchez’s extension, but that does not include Pouha’s deal.  No one really knows at this moment how much we are specifically dealing with spending-wise, but it’s safe to say that the Sanchez deal massively helped the team out.  Also note that some of the total cap money will have to be allocated towards rookie salaries, though thankfully first round picks no longer receive the heavy price tags they used to.

Either way, the Pouha deal is a big relief, and now the team can completely shift their focus on attending to other needs in free agency, which begins tomorrow afternoon.

Reports indicate that TE Dustin Keller has spent some time on the trading block, and we already know that Bart Scott has been granted permission to seek a trade (or whatever) and Wayne Hunter has been shopped to a mystery NFC team. Keller strikes me as someone who is more valuable to the Jets than he would be to any other team, due to the chemistry he shares with Sanchez. I don’t know that the Jets will receive any appealing offers for the TE, but they may be looking to pass him off before he is due a new contract next year.

We’ve all agreed that the team needs, at minimum, an OLB, 2 (yes 2) safeties, an upgrade at right tackle, a wide receiver and a back-up QB (at least one, though some debate McElroy could serve as the #2). Other considerations include running back, tight end and ILB (depending on Scott).

I have already offered a very in-depth look at free agent DE/OLB, safety and wide receiver markets, and offered up several names at each postion. But just as a primer for tomorrow, here are a few names that I would pay careful attention to during the free agency period:

RT Eric Winston: Winston was JUST released by the Texans today. His release was a pretty big shock and I feel somewhat unprepared to speak about on him, but the Jets HAVE to look at him. I am have no idea what he would command salary wise (estimates are upwards of $6 million), but it’s a weak crop at RT and he will be in demand. Tanny has to make a call to get this guy.

S LaRon Landry (WAS) - There has been a lot of talk about the Jets possibly targeting Landry, though he brings definite injury concerns and debates over what he can bring to the table as a cover guy.

S Reggie Nelson (CIN) – Nelson and the Bengals were negotiating until Monday but it was announced today that the safety will hit free agency. Nelson is coming off of an excellent year, but some worry he may have reached his peak.

S Dwight Lowery (JAX) – Fans have expressed interest in Lowery, primary because he is a former Jet. Lowery was ranked as the top safety on Peter King’s 50 Top free agents list, and there will be some interest in him from other teams.

LB Manny Lawson (CIN) – I’ve been talking up Lawson all off-season. I would love to see the Jets take interet int he young, versatile linebacker who has yet to reach his ceiling.

LB Jarrett Johnson (BAL) - Various reports have indicate that the Jets are interested.

WR Laurent Robinson (DAL) – I’ve made it known how much I like what this guy could bring, if the price is right. Additionally, with the recent news concerning Dallas and Washington’s cap penalties, the Cowboys would likely be unable to make him an offer.

TE Kevin Boss (OAK), TE Anthony Fasano (MIA) - Boss was released today; Fasano could potentially be on the market. The Sparano connection makes the case for Fasano.

QB Chad Henne (MIA)  -  We’ve been hearing reports about the Jets interest in Henne for weeks, though some fans aren’t thrilled about the idea and would much prefer the team consider former Raider Jason Campbell. This is really going to come down to cost. If Henne can be added for a reasonable price, I would bet that happens, but considering the Jets modest cap space, the team may need to aim lower.

BTW, If you feel like a lot of more talk has been centered around the salary cap this year, you are correct. The new CBA has really put the spotlight on spending totals and with the firm cap in place (and only a .3 mill increase over last year) it is a huge deal for teams that were used to a lot more.

Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News is reporting that Tannenbaum has made magic once again.

The Jets have restructured Pro Bowl left tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson’s contract by converting $9 million of his base salary into a guaranteed payment.  By converting the salary into guaranteed money spread out over  six years, the team has created $7.5 million in cap space.

Pro Football Talk emphasizes that Ferguson did not take a pay cut. He will receive his money upfront with several small payments throughout the course of the 2012 season.

Ferguson recently signed a six-year, $60 million that has him under contract with the Jets through 2017. As a result of the restructuring, the Jets will save $1.8 mill a year in cap space for every year remaining on D’Brick’s contract.

NYJetsCap has updated the totals on their website, if you are interested in seeing the specifics on Ferguson’s deal.

We can expect that more restructuring will happen in the next few weeks, allowing the Jets to be in a much, MUCH better situation at the start of free agency (previous reports had them just even with the cap). I would guess Sanchez, Cromartie and possibly Santonio Holmes are candidates for a restructure, Sanchez being the most obvious.

Monday, February 20th is the first day that teams can begin to apply the franchise tag to players.  The franchise tag will impact the free agency landscape (especially at the wide receiver position, as a number of teams are expected to apply it to their high-profile receivers) and it will also eliminate key players off team’s free agency wish lists.

Free agency begins on March 13th, so there will still be time to adjust the game plans after the majority of these tags are applied.

The Jets have a long list of needs they need to address in free agency and the draft this April, and they include, at a minimum, OLB, safety, right tackle and wide receiver. You can add quarterback and running back to the list as well, though they don’t seem to be quite as pressing.

This week we will take a look at the safety position by first hypothesizing what the Jets will do with the players they currently have at  the position, and then examining which free agent safeties would be a good fit for the team.

Both Jim Leonhard and Brodney Pool are free agents, so the team will need to first determine what it plans to do with these two players in addition to seriously addressing the situation with Eric Smith. If the team does let go of Smith, they would save themselves $2,050,000. I don’t think too many Jets fans would be sad to see Smith go, but whether or not the front office feels the same way is a mystery.

Leonhard is coming off of an injury (his second in two seasons), but his role as the pseudo-quarterback of the defense makes his situation pretty unique. If he is re-signed, I would imagine it’s to a veteran minimum and it may not be until later in the off-season, once he has recovered from the injury and the team can assess his level of play. I have a feeling that Leonhard remains in New York, but at this point few things would surprise me.

It seems likely the team will try to keep Brodney Pool on the roster in a back-up role, unless they are forced to do otherwise.

There is also Gerald Alexander, who the Jets added late last season, and young Tracy Wilson.

At first glace it may not seem like such a dire situation, but the reality is that the team cannot simply go on with the talent they presently have at the position. Not when you are going up against Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez – at minimum – two times a year. (Honestly, it’s sort of a microcosm of the problem with the entire roster, but I digress…).

So that means it’s time to upgrade. Here’s a look at this year’s free agent safety class and possible options for the Jets:

Michael Griffin (Tennessee)- Griffin has played very inconsistently over the past few years. He has all the physical traits necessary to be a good safety (after all, he is a former Pro Bowler), but his play has dropped off recently.

The belief is that the Titans will try to keep him, if only because they have no better options at the position. Titans are also dealing with the possible loss of CB Cortland Finnegan, and to lose both would be a big hit to their secondary. All that said, a change of pace might be good for Griffin, if the Jets are willing and able to take a chance.

Thomas DeCoud (Atlanta) - The Falcons are well under the projected cap, and according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, the team will make a push to retain the safety (as well they should, considering he was one of the only bright spots on the team’s secondary this past season) and offer him an extension.

DeCloud has been up and down as a player, but he’s been generally solid for the Falcons. The safety landscape being what it is, I can see why the Falcons would want to hold on to him. Doubt it gets far enough to even be a possibility for the Jets.

LaRon Landry (Washington) - Landry is coming off of an Achilles injury that he suffered last season. He elected to not have surgery on the achilles, which makes him a bit of a risky add for any team (frankly, he’s a risk with out without the surgery). As far as I could gather, Landry will not command a huge long-term contract because of the injury risk, and given the situation with Leonhard, the Jets may want to shy away from another injury-prone veteran safety. However, he is big, physical and very strong in coverage, and could be a difference maker if his health holds up.

» Continue reading “Position of Need: Safety”

Free Agency begins in a few weeks (new league year kicks off March 13th) and the Jets have a lot of difficult decisions to make, especially when you consider they are very tight on cap space.

There have been a variety of reports explaining just how much cap room the Jets have, and Rich Cimini of ESPN (who was relaying information from John Clayton) explains that even with the $8.3 million carryover, the Jets are just $464,000 under the projected cap. This assessment differs from reports that had the Jets much further under (somewhere in the 8-12 mill range), but until we get a clear indication about what the cap will be for the new league year, we can only speculate about what the team will have to spend.

For the sake of conversation, let’s go with the the current belief that 2012 cap will come in around $121-125 mill (with ability to borrow $2 mill), which will leave the Jets will somewhere around $10 mill to spend without restructuring.

Here’s a quick rundown of the free agents from last year’s roster that need to be looked at:

Restricted : TE Matt Mulliganm LB Aaron Maybin, LB Jamaal Westerman, CB Marquice Cole

Unrestricted : QB Mark Brunell, QB Kevin O’Connell, RB LaDainian Tomlinson, WR Plaxico Burress, OL Robert Turner, DT Sione Pouha, LB Bryan Thomas, CB Donald Strictland, S Jim Leonhard, S Brodney Pool, K Nick Folk

In addition to addressing the future of all these free agents with the team, the Jets must also consider how they will handle  the other team needs. The overwhelming areas that need improvement are LB (pass rush), Safety, RT, WR and back-up QB (or, depending on who you ask, QB). You could also add RB and TE to the list, among other things.

How the Jets handle the list of current free agents will further impact these priorities. Obviously.

I offered a close examination of the free agent wide receiver landscape last week, and later this week I will take a closer look at the safety position.

Here’s some newsworthy items regarding the Jets off-season homework and the countdown to free agency:

Jets May Add Safety on Draft Weekend 

The New York Jets official website brought us this piece of obvious news.

It’s easy to see the Jets need help at the safety position. Both Jim Leonhard and Brodney Pool are free agents and Eric Smith is well, Eric Smith. Then there is the simple fact the the position, on the whole, has been a bit of a weak spot and could use stand to be upgraded. That is, if the Jets  plan to keep up with the Aaron Hernandez’s and Rob Gronkowski’s of the league.

Alabama’s Mark Barron is a name that has been toseed around a lot as an option for the Jets to select on draft day. It will be interesting to see where Barron lands, particularily in light of his recent injury, but there are several other prospects at the safety position that the Jets could consider, including Antonio Allen and Markelle Martin.

The Jets may very well have to address the need via the draft and free agency. I will offer a closer examination of the FA safeties in the next few days.

Sione Pouha will be a priority in free agency

A really good nose tackle is extremely hard to come by and Pouha is an essential part of the team’s run defense.

Pouha should absolutely be the Jets number one priority in terms of free agents and according to Len Pasquarelli of the Sports XChange, the Jets will “make a big push” to sign Pouha before free agency begins.

So now that we have determined that the Jets want to keep Pouha, the next question is,  how much will Pouha command and what kind of an impact will his deal have on the cap? I would guess the Jets will offer him a longer deal (2-3 years) in an effort to lesson the blow against the cap. It also seems unlikely they would franchise him, given that the franchise tag is around $8 million for nose tacklees. » Continue reading “Countdown to Free Agency”

Once a week until the start of free agency, I will be examining the positions of need for the Jets and what available free agents the team should target.

I will begin with the free agent wide receivers for two reasons:

1. It’s topical. The Jets have officially committed to keeping Santonio Holmes on the team, in addition to signing WR Patrick Turner to a one-year deal. (Plus, everyone is tweeting about like crazy).

2. I am prepping for a Fantasy Football chat I’m doing next week and I had to take a look at these guys anyway. Just being honest.

Let me be upfront about one thing before we proceed. It’s very easy to get caught up in dreaming about some of these guys coming to New York but the harsh reality is that the Jets don’t have a ton of cap room to spend (somewhere just north of $10 mill, without cuts, extensions or restructuring). Most of these guys are completely out of the team’s price range (based on the estimates I have seen) and since WR isn’t the only need (in fact, it’s not even close to the top need), the limited money must be spent wisely.

That said, let’s take a look at the top free agent wide receivers that will hit the market and the likelihood they end up in green.

It’s Not Gonna Happen

Wes Welker – Patriots are expected to franchise Welker, per Greg Bedard. It’s not even worth talking about.

Vincent Jackson – There was some question about whether or not Jackson would be available as a free agent but according to Kevin Acee of the Union Tribune, the Chargers are planning to release the wide receiver.

Jackson had been asking for $10plus million before being franchised last season, a price the Chargers could not afford . The 2012 WR franchise tag, which comes in at $9.4 mill, is still too steep, especially because Jackson will receive a bump on the franchise salary being that it would be his second successive season with the tag (as I understand it).

I guess all of that doesn’t really matter, because Jackson will be looking for a big pay day elsewhere. I also believe he will be seeking a nice, sunny and warm location (he likes to surf).

The Jets cannot offer either.

Dwayne Bowe – I foresee the Chiefs franchising Bowe. Without him, they are missing a major offensive playmaker and one of the team’s most identifiable stars.

Brandon Llyod – I’m willing to bet a pile of money this guy ends up in New England. He knows McDaniels’ system and Joshy loves the guy.

Lloyd himself even told the media he all but plans to end up working with McDaniels (he may or may not have been joking). And if that wasn’t enough, this moves makes sense for both the wide receiver and the team  hat McDaniel ultimately ended up with (because Deion Branch is a FA).

I would also imagine that the Rams will make a bid to keep Lloyd with Sam Bradford.

Marques Colston - If the Saints use their  franchise tag on Drew Brees, Colston and Meecham will both be out in the open market. Of the two, Coltson will be the more coveted and will command the higher price tag. I’m guessing the Saints will make a good bid to get him back but it will cost whatever team he ends up with a good chunk of change to land him.

Stevie Johnson - Johnson is a play maker and even thought he acts like a stupid dumb-head a lot the time, there are many teams that would bend over backwards to get this guy on their team.

Word is that Johnson and the Bills are very far apart on a deal, but that doesn’t mean that the Bills are above slapping him with a francise tag.

Johnson obviously wants a huge paycheck (supposedly around $7.5 mill) and the Jets simply can’t give it to him. I see him either staying in Buffalo or heading to San Diego or New Orleans.

Jordy Nelson - Keep dreaming.

Mike Wallace (RFA) – Nope.

Hmm, Maybe? But Probably Not

DeSean Jackson – Jackson is extremely talented and his youth, speed and upside are attractive for any team. But his attitude would just be a nightmare for the Jets, especially opposite Santonio Holmes. We would need a full time babysitter.

Early reports indicate the Eagles will franchise Jackson, which would also make him unavailable.

Lastly, Jackson’s agent is Drew Rosenhaus and I don’t like that guy.

Reggie Wayne - Wayne is getting up there and age and will be looking for a big pay day. Wayne still has a lot to offer but the Jets likely can’t afford him.

Mario Manningham – The Giants have a big decision to make about Manningham. Though he played a pivitol role in the Super Bowl victory, the word on the street is that the Giants are not comfortable paying a #3 receiver the kind of money Manningham desires. (The emergence of Victor Cruze has further complicated matters because the Giants can let Manningham and still feel comfortable with the talent that remains).

Many teams will be targeting Mario Manningham as a number #1 receiver and looking to pay him as such. The Redskins have emerged as an early favorite.

Mannigham is also working with Rosenhaus. Ho hum.

The More Likely

Colts WR Pierre Garcon

Laurent Robinson – Robinson has stated publicly he would like to remain in Dallas, but after his breakout season he could command a nice salary that frankly, the Cowboys may not be able to afford.

I love this guy’s talent and I think he could be a fantastic addition to the offense in addition to part of a longer term solution.

Pierre Garcon – The Colts have THREE free agent wide receivers they are going to have to deal with this off-season (Garcon, Wayne, Gonzalez) and not all of them are going to be able to stay in Indy. Garcon is still young (25) and fast.

Jerome Simpson- Love this guy’s talent, but do we really need two guys with marijuana charges on the same team? Trrouubble.

Simpson would definitely be affordable and has right size and speed, but it’s simply a risk the team cannot take given his legal troubles.

Robert Meachem - It’s highly unlikely the Saints are going to be able to keep both Colston and Meecham, and it would imagine it Meachem will become the off man out.

Meachem is the most ideal fit (with his size and skills) for a complimentary role in the Jets offense and for a far more affordable than some of the high-profile guys.

The Rest 

Braylon Edwards – The reason that Braylon is such an attractive option boils down to two things. 1. Prior experience on team 2. The price is right.

I’m not saying this the best option, but it is a realistic one.

Steve Smith – I have a funny feeling he ends up back with the Giants.

Plaxico Burress – He’s not coming back to NY. Yeah, yeah — Tell me something I don’t know, Kristine.

There’s also that whole Philly rumor thing.

Jerricho Cotchery - I bet the Steelers try to get him back. Things worked out well for him in Pittsburgh and with Hines Ward supposed release (or retirement), the Steelers could certainly use him.

Harry Douglas

Early Doucet

Anthony Gonzalez

Ted Ginn

Deion Branch

Eddie Royal 

Complete list of 2012 FA Wide Receivers.