124 Posted February 23, 2006 Share Posted February 23, 2006 Jets take off into a new, younger era By Pat Kirwan NFL.com Senior Analyst (Feb. 22, 2006) -- The new era for the Jets has officially taken off and it will be a youth movement. On Wednesday, general manager Mike Tannebaum announced the termination of the contracts of cornerback Ty Law (starter), tackle Jason Fabini (starter), quarterback Jay Fiedler (backup), defensive tackle Lance Legree (role player), linebacker Barry Gardner (backup), fullback Jerald Sowell (starter) and wide receiver Harry Williams (backup). The cutting of the seven players will combine to create close to $16 million in salary-cap space for the franchise, but the work is far from done as the Jets are projected to be close to $28 million over the salary cap when free agency is set to start on March 3. And with the franchise tag being placed on defensive end John Abraham at a value of over $8 million, I expect more cuts along the way in New York. The biggest challenge isn't cutting players or even renegotiating a few contracts to create salary-cap space -- Tannebaum knows how to do the cap work to get down under the $93 million number in time. The big challenge is replacing the talent on the field with equal or better talent for a cheaper price. Eric Mangini took over as Jets coach last month and already faces several roster challenges. I don't disagree with one move the Jets made, but when I realized that Law started 15 games, had 10 interceptions and 45 tackles and went to the Pro Bowl, it's clear someone has to step up from the roster or the draft. And, sure, Fabini missed seven games this year due to injury, but he also started all 114 games that he was on the active roster for the Jets. Coach Eric Mangini may really like the young tackles on the roster, but I'm sure Fabini will be missed as a third tackle or even a guard. Maybe he returns to the Jets at a later date for less money. Sowell started 30 games in the last two years and brought a solid effort every week. He may be able to be replaced with a young draft pick, but that's a pick they could have used on another position that may have had a glaring weakness. LeGree wasn't a starter, but as a rotating player he did account for 29 tackles and three sacks. That production has to be replaced. Fiedler never got his Jets career going with the injury bug hitting him right away, but the QB situation in New York is yet to be determined. Here's another guy who could return at a cheaper price later on if he's healthy and does not find a team to go to. After all, Vinny Testaverde returned when no one ever thought that would happen. The point is that while Tannebaum shaves the roster to comply with the cap rules, Mangini and his staff have to be looking to replace whatever talent and production these seven terminated players brought to the organization. The good news is that a lot of other teams are going through the same issues, it's just the Jets are the first team to get the ball rolling on trimming the cap. Maybe a few other players will take a pay cut, maybe they can trade Abraham for some draft picks, and maybe Mangini can uncover some of those bargain signings the Patriots were famous for over the past few years. My guess is it will take time, but the team is headed in the right direction. Patience and an eye for the future are the keys for Jets fans. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shutout Posted February 23, 2006 Share Posted February 23, 2006 LeGree wasn't a starter, but as a rotating player he did account for 29 tackles and three sacks. That production has to be replaced. Funny,after this past season,I never expected to see Lance Legree's name and the word "production" in the same sentence for the rest of my life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThunderbirdJet Posted February 23, 2006 Share Posted February 23, 2006 Legree has no home in a 3-4 D, and it sure looks like that is what Mangini will use, at least to me, at this point. That is why Abraham goes too.... he has no position in a 3-4. Say bye-bye to Reed for the same reason. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4HCrew Posted February 23, 2006 Share Posted February 23, 2006 Kirwan has been one of the few writers that was very positive about all of the Jets changes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raffyD Posted February 23, 2006 Share Posted February 23, 2006 Kirwan has been one of the few writers that was very positive about all of the Jets changes. He's definitely been fair, and an excellent read. It's reassuing to know other teams will be going through our hell as well shortly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barton Posted February 23, 2006 Share Posted February 23, 2006 I'm pretty sure Kirwan used to work for the Jets. I always like to see what he has to say. I think he would be a good guy for MNF. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AVM Posted February 23, 2006 Share Posted February 23, 2006 is there a single fan who doesn't love whats going on right now, atleast in general? we all have maybe one or two things, like sowell train with releasing JS, and me with the CP situation...but in general...you gotta love it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StillerPaul Posted February 23, 2006 Share Posted February 23, 2006 is there a single fan who doesn't love whats going on right now, atleast in general? we all have maybe one or two things, like sowell train with releasing JS, and me with the CP situation...but in general...you gotta love it Hell yeah. The team appears to be making positive strides. It seems as if there is no longer knee jerk reactions and hastily put together plans for the next season. It seems like you guys finally got some "Football people" in charge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alk Posted February 23, 2006 Share Posted February 23, 2006 That is why Abraham goes too.... he has no position in a 3-4. Say bye-bye to Reed for the same reason. No position in a 3-4? You guys wouldn't mind shipping him to New England then would you? I would love seeing him lined up in our 3-4 at OLB. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StillerPaul Posted February 23, 2006 Share Posted February 23, 2006 No position in a 3-4? You guys wouldn't mind shipping him to New England then would you? I would love seeing him lined up in our 3-4 at OLB. I gotta agree with ya, Alk. He'd look good at OLB for the Steelers too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alk Posted February 23, 2006 Share Posted February 23, 2006 I gotta agree with ya, Alk. He'd look good at OLB for the Steelers too. Actually I disagree. He would look horrible in the Steeler's 3-4. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Troll Posted February 23, 2006 Share Posted February 23, 2006 That is why Abraham goes too.... he has no position in a 3-4. WTF are you talking about? Abraham was born to play in the 3-4 as a rush linebacker. Abraham fits better in a 3-4 than he does a 4-3. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StillerPaul Posted February 23, 2006 Share Posted February 23, 2006 Actually I disagree. He would look horrible in the Steeler's 3-4. Did i forget to mention that the Patsy colors just don't suit his personality. Bad match. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mavrik Posted February 23, 2006 Share Posted February 23, 2006 I hope everyone realizes its going to be a few years (2-3) before this team becomes competitive again. Mangini is basically starting from scratch. It's going to take awhile to builld up the talent that is gone from this team. Championship-caliber teams aren't built overnight. That said, I also like the way Mangini has this team going. Addressing the problems but cutting the fat is exactly what this team needs right now. Some of these guys could very well still be on the team if Edwards had stayed on as Head Coach. He's leaving now doubts that this is MANGINI's team. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr nyjet Posted February 23, 2006 Share Posted February 23, 2006 Funny,after this past season,I never expected to see Lance Legree's name and the word "production" in the same sentence for the rest of my life. the same thing for ol noodle arm. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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