Otah back to Panthers; Jets GM says Hunter starter for nowShare on twitterShare on facebookShare on myspaceShare on stumbleuponShare on diggShare on farkShare on redditShare on email|
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Print12:01 PM, July 31, 2012ι
By BRIAN COSTELLOCORTLAND – Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum met with the media Tuesday to discuss the failed Jeff Otah trade and hit on a few other topics.
The Jets acquired Otah, a right tackle, from the Panthers last week, but the trade was contingent upon him passing a physical within seven days. He did not and Tuesday was the deadline, so he is heading back to Carolina. Otah spent the week on the Active/PUP list, meaning he could not practice.
"Jeff gave us a really good week," Tannenbaum said. "He worked hard. He was a really nice guy. Beyond that, he's a member of the Panthers now."
Tannenbaum said the Jets could bring in someone else to compete at right tackle with incumbent Wayne Hunter.
"We'll keep looking for opportunities to improve the team as they may or may not come along and we'll go from there," Tannenbaum said.
He mentioned that they have identified teams with depth at the position, so it seems likely they will add someone after roster cuts are made.
As far as Hunter, Tannenbaum said he has the inside track at the starting job. He did mention Austin Howard as possible competition on the roster.
"Wayne Hunter is our starting right tackle," Tannenbaum said. "It's reasonable to think he'll play better and we can win with him. We have in the past. With that said, if there are opportunities at any position we're going to always look to add players. He certainly has the inside track to be our right tackle."
But Tannenbaum gave Hunter a tepid endorsement at best, saying:
"He's our starting right tackle until that changes," he said.
Tannenbaum also echoed coach Rex Ryan's feelings on Jeremy Kerley, saying he's disappointed in the second-year receiver as well. Kerley is currently out with hamstring tightness. He also missed time in the spring.
"Knowing that outstanding work ethic he has, the fact that he's had some of these smaller, nagging injuries is a little bit of a surprise to us," Tannenbaum said. "With that said, he played well for us last year. We're projecting a significant role for him. I think we're just kind of anxious to get him out there in our new offense in an important role."
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