JETS ARTICLES - THU 1/11

[Sperm Edwards]

http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070111/SPORTS01/701110416/1108

Jets' Schottenheimer drawing interest

By Andrew Gross

The Journal News

(Original Publication: January 11, 2007)

The organizational meetings are quite intensive now as Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum helps analyze every aspect of the 2006 season. A blueprint for 2007 will emerge quickly.

Whether it includes finding a replacement for 33-year-old offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer should be determined soon. Tannenbaum said yesterday the Dolphins received permission to speak to Schottenheimer about their head-coaching vacancy.

All indications are that Schottenheimer, who just completed his first season with the Jets after serving as the quarterbacks coach for the Chargers under his father, Marty, from 2002-05, interviewed with Dolphins officials yesterday.

"As a general manager, we try to have a short list for all positions," Tannenbaum said in a wide-ranging conference call to wrap up the Jets' 10-6 season, his first as the team's GM. "I would try to get the best person for the job. We would consider in-house candidates and other coaches that would be available."

Schottenheimer, though widely praised in NFL circles for the innovations he implemented for a previously conservative offense, is not considered a front-runner for the Dolphins' job.

But if he were hired by the Jets' AFC East rival, Tannenbaum said it would not cause a rift between the organizations, like the one that apparently worsened when the Jets hired Eric Mangini away from the Patriots.

"On the one hand, I'd be happy personally for Coach Schottenheimer; he's done a good job for us, and he's worked hard," Tannenbaum said. "If it's within the division, it's just another obstacle we would have to deal with."

Though the final numbers have not been worked out, Tannenbaum did not disagree with the assessment that the Jets would have about $28 million worth of salary-cap space. However, while saying that the last free-agent class - which included steady cornerback Andre Dyson and underperforming veteran defensive end Kimo von Oelhoffen - was a good one, Tannenbaum added that the Jets preferred to build through the draft.

Von Oelhoffen, who turns 36 this month, signed a three-year deal worth $9 million after playing for the Super Bowl champion Steelers in 2005. But he had just 28 tackles and one sack this season, and Tannenbaum admitted that the Jets' had "flexibility," with nose tackle Dewayne Robertson, who could be moved outside.

"What I'd say to that is, when you build your team, sometimes you see contributions that are either tangible or intangible," Tannenbaum said. "A lot of Kimo's contributions were intangible. I'm really glad he's on the team. (But) there's some room for improvement there."

The Jets will pick 25th in the draft and have six selections overall, including two in the second round. Contract extensions for wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery and linebacker Victor Hobson might be the first order of business.

"We want to keep as many of our own players as possible," Tannenbaum said. "That's another core belief.

"I'd like to have the roster set as much as possible by the draft. You don't want to go into the draft saying you've got to get X or Y. That's when mistakes are possible. We want as few moving parts as possible. We'll work hard between now and April to put our roster together."

The Jets have a short list of their own free agents, including fullback B.J. Askew and tight end Sean Ryan - both of whom are restricted - and right tackle Anthony Clement, who is unrestricted.

The Jets renegotiated former coach Herman Edwards' contract after he went 10-6 with a loss in an AFC wild-card game in his first season. Tannenbaum would not comment on whether Mangini, who reportedly is earning $2.5 million per season, can expect a pay raise after the Jets' six-game improvement over last season and a wild-card loss to the Patriots.

"Eric did a good job for us," Tannenbaum said. "But our policy is, I'm not going to talk about contracts publicly, for staff or players."

Notes: The Jets signed wide receiver Frisman Jackson, who played 34 games for the Browns from 2001-04, to a reserve/future contract. ... Former White Plains standout Art Monk, who played for the Jets in 1994 after 14 seasons as a Redskins wide receiver, is one of 17 finalists for the Hall of Fame. Monk has been eligible for seven years.

[Sperm Edwards]

http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkxMjEmZmdiZWw3Zjd2cWVlRUV5eTcwNTUyNTAmeXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2

Jets' aide may be moving

Thursday, January 11, 2007

By RANDY LANGE

STAFF WRITER

Brian Schottenheimer, the Jets' first-year offensive coordinator, interviewed Wednesday for the Dolphins' head-coaching job with owner Wayne Huizenga, and Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum gave his blessing.

What else could Mr. T do?

"Brian did a great job this year," Tannenbaum said. "Given his background and given who he has worked for, he is deserving of the opportunity to interview for the job, and that is a credit to him. As an organization, where we stand, we will see what happens if he decides to take that job if it is offered to him."

Tannenbaum can't argue that Schottenheimer shouldn't leave for an AFC East rival; Eric Mangini was New England's defensive coordinator for a year before taking over as the Jets' head coach a year ago.

And he can't counter that Schottenheimer is too young at 33 for the gig; Tannenbaum is 37 and Mangini turns 36 next week.

But the Jets probably have nothing to worry about. It's a long shot that Huizenga will turn to the wunderkind coordinator with the distinctive last name to replace Nick Saban, who bolted for Alabama last week.

Schottenheimer, who finished his initial interview with the Dolphins' owner near Republic Airport on Long Island on Wednesday afternoon, is one of 12 candidates who interviewed for the Dolphins' job.

League sources said Giants defensive coordinator Tim Lewis had his meeting near Newark Liberty International Airport on Wednesday morning and Lions OC Mike Martz, the former St. Louis Super Bowl coach, met with Huizenga near Detroit Metro on Wednesday evening.

Schottenheimer has the bloodlines – he's worked with dad Marty, who has led the Chargers to an NFL-best 14-2 record and into the playoffs – but he doesn't have the experience of running an entire NFL operation. That is the job description offered to Southern Cal's Pete Carroll, the one-year Jets coach who at least initially turned down Huizenga's offer.

But Schottenheimer is in the mix. Tannenbaum wouldn't give any names but said he and Mangini are ready to go to one of their short lists if they need to hire a new coordinator.

"We always try to be prepared. These are lists that Eric and I talk about on an ongoing basis," he said. "If that situation were to present itself, we would consider in-house people and other coaches who would be available. You want to get the best person that you can."

If Schottenheimer were to leave, Mangini could turn to Jimmy Raye, his running backs coach who has coordinator experience. Or when Philadelphia's playoff run is done, he might contact Pat Shurmur, the Eagles' quarterbacks coach who interviewed with Mangini last year.

Coordinator contingencies aside, Tannenbaum said the Jets "had a good season" and that plans are already under way to have a better second season.

"We should be in a comfortable cap situation," he said. "Philosophically, we want to build our team through the draft as much as possible – Eric and I are committed to that. We are going to try to keep our own players as much as we can.''

E-mail: lange@northjersey.com

* * *

Gang Green wish list?

Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum says he and coach Eric Mangini prefer to build through the draft and are aware of the consequences of bad free agent signings. But Mr. T also says the Jets have a "comfortable cap situation," maybe as much as $28 million under. How might the Jets fill the biggest holes in their lineup? Here are some suggestions:

Running back

Free agent Draft

Michael Turner, San Diego Marshawn Lynch, California

The Chargers may face the same tough call trying to keep Turner, a restricted FA, behind LaDainian Tomlinson that the Jets did in trying to keep LaMont Jordan behind Curtis Martin. The Jets could trade up from No. 25 for Lynch, a junior-eligible who's declared for the draft.

Defensive line

Free agent Draft

Vonnie Holliday, Miami Adam Carriker, Nebraska

Holliday, the Dolphin whom Laveranues Coles didn't know, would be a younger choice to replace Kimo von Oelhoffen as the 3-4 DE starter. Carriker is a Shaun Ellis-sized prospect who might still be available when the Redskins' Round 2 pick that the Jets acquired last year comes around.

Cornerback

Free agent Draft

Asante Samuel, New England Marcus McCauley, Fresno St.

Samuel, an unrestricted FA, had 10 picks this season and has returned two INTs for TDs vs. the Jets, most recently in the playoffs. If you can't beat him, why not sign him? McCauley has excellent size-speed numbers, coverage ability and versatility.

[Sperm Edwards]

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/story/487524p-410526c.html

Jet aide takes Schott

Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, whose innovative approach helped revitalize the offense in one season, interviewed yesterday for the Dolphins' head-coaching vacancy.

Schottenheimer huddled with a Miami management team headed by owner Wayne Huizenga, whose private jet landed in Farmingdale, L.I., around midday. The Dolphins, seeking a replacement for Nick Saban, requested and received permission from the Jets to meet with Schottenheimer.

The Dolphins have interviewed at least 12 candidates. They also met yesterday with Giants defensive coordinator Tim Lewis and Lions offensive coordinator Mike Martz. This is the initial round of interviews, and no leader has emerged.

The Jets don't want to lose Schottenheimer to a division rival - shades of Eric Mangini leaving the Patriots last January - but they can't prevent him from leaving.

GM Mike Tannenbaum said yesterday that he'd be happy for Schottenheimer if he landed a head-coaching job, adding, "If it's within the division, that's just another obstacle we'd have to deal with."

Schottenheimer, 33, the son of Chargers coach Marty Schottenheimer, has only one year of experience as a coordinator. Of course, so did Mangini, 35, although his resume did include three Super Bowl rings as an assistant.

The Jets can ill afford to lose Schottenheimer, their third coordinator since 2004. His no-huddle system blended nicely with Chad Pennington's talents. Tannenbaum's short list of potential replacements includes in-house candidates and other available coaches.

Huizenga has been jetting across the country (and beyond) to interview candidates, going as far as Costa Rica to meet with vacationing Southern Cal coach Pete Carroll. The Dolphins are expected to cut their list of candidates to five before beginning a second round of interviews.

Rich Cimini

Originally published on January 11, 2007

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http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/ny-spjets115048028jan11,0,7855273.story?coll=ny-jets-print

Schottenheimer in demand

Huizenga's plane makes stop at Republic Airport so Dolphins can talk to young offensive coordinator

BY TOM ROCK

Newsday Staff Writer

January 11, 2007

The Dolphins spoke with Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer about their vacant head-coaching position yesterday, the first of what could be many nibbles at the son of Chargers coach Marty Schottenheimer, who is an up-and-comer in the eyes of many NFL insiders.

Shortly after the private 737 owned by Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga spent the morning at Newark Airport, where the Dolphins spoke with Giants defensive coordinator Tim Lewis, the plane flew to Farmingdale's Republic Airport for an on-board, tarmac-bound meeting with Schottenheimer, according to a Dolphins official who requested anonymity.

According to flight reports, Huizenga's plane was at Republic for approximately 2 1/2 hours before flying to Detroit and a meeting with Lions offensive coordinator Mike Martz. Over the weekend, the plane also went to Costa Rica, where USC coach Pete Carroll was vacationing.

The search to replace Nick Saban is far from narrow, with more than a dozen coaches expected to meet with Dolphins ownership and management for pre-interviews in the coming days. After that, the group will be whittled down to three or four for more in-depth interviews in Miami, according to the Dolphins official.

Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum yesterday confirmed the Dolphins' interest in Schottenheimer and said the Jets have a "short list" of contingency candidates if they need to replace Schottenheimer - or any coach or player, for that matter. Running backs coach Jimmy Raye was offensive coordinator for five NFL teams, and wide receivers coach Noel Mazzone had that job at three colleges, but the Jets are just as likely to look outside the organization.

"If that situation were to present itself, we would consider in-house people and other coaches that would be available," Tannenbaum said. "It is like any other search. You want to get the best person that you can."

If Schottenheimer leaves, it would mean a fourth different offensive coordinator for the Jets in four years.

Schottenheimer is considered by many to have the makings of an NFL head coach, including a gregarious personality and a mind for the game. His limitation is lack of experience, but the Jets have shown that taking a chance on a young, developing coach can produce results.

Like Eric Mangini before he took the top Jets job last winter, Schottenheimer has only one year of experience as a coordinator. But in that year he impressed many around the league with his innovative no-huddle system based on the West Coast offense and loaded with shifts and misdirection.

The Jets' offense was ranked 25th in the NFL in yardage and 18th in scoring. Those are hardly staggering numbers, but Schottenheimer matched the system to his personnel very well, playing to strengths (Chad Pennington's intelligence) and sidestepping weaknesses (no feature running back). They used short passes to receivers as "extended handoffs" and tinkered with combinations of receivers, tight ends and running backs.

Schottenheimer, 33, was his father's quarterbacks coach for the Chargers from 2002-05 and for the Redskins in 2001. Under his guidance, two quarterbacks have won the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award: Drew Brees in 2004 and Pennington in 2006. The Dolphins may hope to sprinkle some of that comeback magic on Daunte Culpepper for 2007.

When Saban bolted for Alabama last week, Mangini was asked about the possibility of members of his staff interviewing for the job at a division rival. His own such move is a main source of the tension between him and Patriots coach Bill Belichick.

"It's part of the nature of the NFL," he said. "People change and move on, and through success, opportunities are created. Sometimes those opportunities are at different places. That's just the nature of the business."

The Dolphins might wind up passing on Schottenheimer, but the first branch of the Mangini coaching tree could be springing forth in the very near future.

[Sperm Edwards]

http://www.nj.com/jets/ledger/index.ssf?/base/sports-0/116849466121840.xml&coll=1

Jets: Dolphins interview Schottenheimer

Thursday, January 11, 2007

BY DAVE HUTCHINSON

Star-Ledger Staff

Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, whose work captured the attention of the league, interviewed for the Dolphins' head coaching job yesterday.

As first reported in yesterday's Star-Ledger, the Dolphins had asked permission to speak with Schottenheimer. Yesterday morning Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga and team officials flew to the Northeast to interview Schottenheimer for the job.

The Dolphins also interviewed Giants defensive coordinator Tim Lewis, 45, then flew to Michigan to meet with Lions offensive coordinator Mike Martz, 55, the former Rams head coach. Twelve candidates have been interviewed.

Schottenheimer, 33, was an offensive coordinator for the first time in his career this season and quickly became the NFL's newest boy wonder.

"I think Brian did a great job," Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum said yesterday. "He's deserving of the opportunity. It would be a great job. That's a credit to him. We'll see what happens."

As for Schottenheimer possibly going to a division rival -- we've already seen that movie with Eric Mangini going from the Patriots to the Jets -- Tannenbaum said, "On the one hand, I would be happy personally for Coach Schottenheimer. ... If it's in the division, that's just another obstacle we would have to deal with."

Tannenbaum said the Jets have a short list of candidates to replace Schottenheimer should he leave. If the Jets don't stay in-house for a replacement, look for them to pluck someone from the coaching staffs of the Chargers, Chiefs or Rams -- someone with experience in the Jets' new offense.

The defensive line will be addressed in the draft or free agency and the Jets could go one of two ways: Select a pass-rushing defensive end or opt for a massive, run-stuffing nose tackle and move current NT Dewayne Robertson to end, replacing Kimo von Oelhoffen.

Tannenbaum said moving Robertson to defensive end is an option the team is discussing. As for von Oelhoffen, who had 25 tackles and a sack in 16 starts, Tannenbaum said the veteran's numbers were disappointing but insisted he provided intangibles.

"I'm really glad he's on our team," Tannenbaum said.

Look for coach Eric Mangini, one of the lowest-paid head coaches at $1.75 million per season, to get a new deal.... QB Chad Pennington (31-22 as a starter) is the unquestioned starter entering camp, although Tannenbaum and Mangini refused to say as much.... Backup QB Patrick Ramsey is as good as gone.

[Sperm Edwards]

http://www.nypost.com/seven/01112007/sports/jets/dolphins_coaching_search_reaches_city_jets_mark_cannizzaro.htm

DOLPHINS COACHING SEARCH REACHES CITY

By MARK CANNIZZARO

January 11, 2007 -- Wayne Huizenga's extensive whirlwind head coach search took him to both New York and New Jersey yesterday. According to someone familiar with his plans, the Dolphins' owner first flew his private jet to Newark Airport and met with Giants' defensive coordinator Tim Lewis in the morning, then he flew to Republic Airport in Farmingdale on Long Island, where he met with Jets' offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer.

The 32-year-old Schottenheimer, who just completed his first season as the Jets' offensive coordinator, is one of 12 candidates who've interviewed with Huizenga. Later yesterday, Huizenga flew to Detroit to interview Lions' offensive coordinator Mike Martz.

Schottenheimer has only one year of experience as an NFL coordinator after working as a quarterbacks coach under his father, Marty, in Washington (2001) and in San Diego (2002-05). The loss of Schottenheimer would be a difficult blow to Eric Mangini, considering the intricate system he brought in and the chemistry he'd developed with the players, particularly Chad Pennington, who orchestrated his no-huddle offense so well.

If Schottenheimer were to leave, whomever was to replace him would the Pennington's fourth offensive coordinator in the last four years (Paul Hackett, Mike Heimerdinger and Schottenheimer have coached each of the last three years).

"On one hand, I'd be happy for Coach Schottenheimer," Jets' GM Mike Tannenbaum said yesterday. "He's done a great job for us and worked hard. If and when he would leave, we'd have to work hard to replace him. If he went to someone in the division, that's just another obstacle we'd have to deal with."

*

Though the Jets are expected to have some $25 to $28 million with which to work under the salary cap, Tannenbaum indicated that they were not going to get into any bidding wars for high-priced free agents. That could mean players such as Patriots' CB Asante Samuel and Bills' CB Nate Clements might not be in their plans.

"It has to be about value," Tannenbaum said. "You have to accept the consequences of any decision you make, whether good or bad, and it stays on your cap."

Tannenbaum indicated that keeping the Jets players is more of a priority, meaning the Jets will likely sign WR Jerricho Cotchery and LB Victor Hobson, both with one more year on their respective contracts, to long-term deals as they did with LB Bryan Thomas during the season.

He also indicated that staying with a running back-by-committee system might be a possibility, citing teams like New England, Dallas, Atlanta and Jacksonville have had success that way.

[Sperm Edwards]

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sports/football/16431665.htm

DOLPHINS | COACHING SEARCH

2 coaches don't share Miami's philosophy

Of the three assistants interviewed Wednesday, the Giants' Tim Lewis and the Lions' Mike Martz have expressed views contrary to what the Dolphins want for the near future.

BY ARMANDO SALGUERO

asalguero@MiamiHerald.com

LATEST CANDIDATES: The Dolphins interviewed, from left: Giants defensive coordinator Tim Lewis, Lions offensive coordinator Mike Martz and Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer.

The Dolphins have not had deep football conversations about schemes and on-field philosophies during this initial phase of interviews with coaching candidates, Dolphins Enterprises chief executive officer Joe Bailey said this week.

One typical question, according to a person familiar with the interviews, is asking the candidate to talk about himself and what defines him as a person.

But more football-intensive talks might have come in handy Wednesday when the Miami brain trust interviewed Giants defensive coordinator Tim Lewis, Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer and Detroit offensive coordinator Mike Martz.

Martz and Lewis have either expressed opinions or run schemes that are contrary to what the Dolphins are apparently committed to in the near future.

The Dolphins began the day by interviewing Lewis, who has been embattled after the Giants yielded a combined 94 points in the final three regular-season games.

TRAVEL TEAM

The interview team that included owner Wayne Huizenga, Bailey and Dolphins president Bryan Wiedmeier left the Newark, N.J., meeting with Lewis and traveled to Republic Airport in Farmingdale, N.Y., where they interviewed Schottenheimer.

The group then flew to Detroit to interview Martz.

What is intriguing is that Lewis favors a Tony Dungy-inspired Cover 2 defense that runs a 4-3 front.

The Dolphins abandoned the 4-3 in favor of the 3-4 two seasons ago and, after initial resistance, excelled in the new scheme. Jason Taylor adapted to the hybrid rush end/linebacker spot in the 3-4 and was named the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year this season.

Middle linebacker Zach Thomas embraced the scheme and made the Pro Bowl. Taylor and Thomas became fans of the 3-4 and were named to the All-Pro team.

''I enjoy the new position, I enjoy the change, the variety, the freedom,'' Taylor said when asked if he would welcome a change back to a 4-3. ``It would be tough to move back, but again, I don't always get to make those decisions.''

But in their seek-everyone's-opinion mode, the Dolphins are likely to ask Taylor about his preference, and that is not likely to help Lewis' chances.

In that sense, Lewis, 45, already doesn't make sense as a candidate, except for the fact he is a favorite of former Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino from the time they attended the University of Pittsburgh together.

It's unclear if quarterback Daunte Culpepper will be contacted about his opinion on an incoming coach.

But in interviewing Martz, 55, the Dolphins' brass is talking to a coach who doesn't have a high regard for Culpepper.

Several football people close to Martz say that Martz thought the Dolphins made a mistake when they, in effect, exchanged Gus Frerotte for Culpepper before the 2006 season.

Frerotte, Martz told them, is a good backup who makes good decisions. Culpepper, though, is a more gifted player but is limited in his ability to read defenses and understand offensive concepts.

NOT BIG ON THE RUN

Martz also is known for discarding the running game. Miami's second-biggest offensive investment is at running back. Ronnie Brown was the No. 2 overall pick in 2005 and Ricky Williams is expected to return next season.

Schottenheimer, 33, changed his offensive concepts this season when he joined the Jets. On coach Eric Mangini's urging, Schottenheimer installed a no-huddle attack that New York used 90 percent of the time.

If the Dolphins hire Schottenheimer, they would weaken the Jets, their rival in the AFC East.

''If and when he would leave, we'd have to work hard to replace him,'' Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum said Wednesday. ``If it's in the division, that's just another obstacle we'd have to deal with.''

Bailey has said the Dolphins will trim their list of candidates -- a dozen after Wednesday's interviews -- to about five after the initial phase is over. At that point, they might include people such as Don Shula, Marino and perhaps GM Randy Mueller in the process so the conversations can become more football-intensive.

Huizenga favored Southern Cal coach Pete Carroll when the interview process began, but it is unclear if he still feels that way or if Carroll could be convinced to leave college.

Carroll stated earlier this week he would not leave USC.

Nick Saban, the Dolphins' coach the past two seasons, said he would not become the Alabama coach before leaving to take over the Crimson Tide.

[Sperm Edwards]

http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/ny-spjnotes115048027jan11,0,2174291.story?coll=ny-jets-print

Tannenbaum wants ducks in a row before draft

BY TOM ROCK

Newsday Staff Writer

January 11, 2007

Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum has a combination of cash, clout and college seniors with which to assemble the 2007 roster. "Once we are done with the critical analysis of our team, Eric [Mangini] and I will assemble our lists of 'musts and needs,'" he said yesterday. "We will pursue those 'musts and needs' as soon as the offseason begins, be it offense, defense or special teams."

Tannenbaum, who has almost $30 million of space under the salary cap, wants to have the roster set as much as he can before the April draft; he has a first-round pick, two in the second, and third-, fifth- and sixth-rounders.

"I don't want to go into the draft saying, 'We have to get X or Y,' because based on history what I have learned is that is when mistakes can be made," he said. "I would like to have as few moving parts as possible ... because then we can capitalize on opportunities if they are presented and take what is best value."

That likely means contract extensions for wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery and linebacker Victor Hobson, who can be free agents after the 2007 season, and decisions on players such as wide receiver Justin McCareins, running backs Derrick Blaylock and Kevan Barlow and linebacker Eric Barton.

Among other significant items brought up during Tannenbaum's season wrapup:

The Jets believe they have flexibility with nose tackle Dewayne Robertson, meaning he could play over center or at end. Tannenbaum said he was disappointed with the production of defensive end Kimo von Oelhoffen but praised his contributions in "intangibles."

The Jets likely will continue the running back-by-committee approach, but the personnel will surely change, and they like Leon Washington in that system.

After making the playoffs, Mangini might be in line for a raise and an extension (the Jets did that with Herman Edwards after his first season).

[Sperm Edwards]

http://www.nj.com/jets/ledger/index.ssf?/base/sports-0/116849459921841.xml&coll=1Jets:

Team more likely to focus on draft, not free agency

Thursday, January 11, 2007

BY DAVE HUTCHINSON

Star-Ledger Staff

Although the Jets will have a free-agent war chest approaching $28 million, general manger Mike Tannenbaum suggested yesterday that he might not be a big player in free agency.

"I feel comfortable where our cap situation is ... (but) philosophically we want to build our team through the draft as much as possible. That's something that Eric (Mangini) and I are committed to," he said.

"We want to try to keep as many of our players as we can. It's one of the core beliefs we share with (owner) Woody (Johnson) and (team president) Jay (Cross). With that said, if there are opportunities in the free-agent market we feel makes sense, we'll take a look at it.

"One thing we know about (free agency) is you have to accept the consequences of any decision you make, good or bad, because it stays on your cap. ... You have to live with (it)."

With the Chargers apparently prepared to place a first-round tender offer on running back Michael Turner -- meaning any team that signs him to an offer sheet must give up a first-round pick if San Diego doesn't match -- it appears the Jets might not pursue him. Of course, they could try to work out a trade.

Otherwise, at the opening bell of free agency the Jets will almost certainly go after Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel, who tied the Broncos' Champ Bailey for the NFL lead in interceptions with 10 this season, and/or Patriots linebacker Tully Banta-Cain, who had a career-high 5 1/2 sacks this season. Both are fourth-year pros. Both will be unrestricted free agents.

In addition to their cap space, the Jets have six draft picks -- four on the first day (a first-rounder, two second-rounders and a third) -- with which to retool their team. Tannenbaum did an excellent job in his first draft a year ago, coming away with left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson, center Nick Mangold, running back Leon Washington and all-purpose performer Brad Smith. Cornerback Drew Smith and safety Eric Smith (no relation) also contributed.

Re-signing wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery and outside linebacker Victor Hobson will take up some of that projected $28 million as well.

Cornerback, help along the defensive line and linebacker depth appear to be the Jets' priorities. Running back, however, is at the top of the Jets' wish list.

Tannenbaum pointed out that the Jets' running-back-by-committee approach is being employed by many teams and is the wave of the future. He hinted that's the direction in which the team will continue to go.

Tannenbaum praised Washington, saying he got better as the season progressed and earned more playing time by improving "skill sets," such as protecting the football and blitz pickup in pass protection.

"He earned the right to play more," said Tannenbaum, adding that many so-called "scat backs" such as Washington can't play on third downs because they can't pass-protect.

"The game wasn't too big for him. He could definitely help us (in the future). I don't want to say that he could be this guy and that he can only help us for a certain amount of reps."

Whatever the Jets do at running back, it appears that either Cedric Houston or Kevan Barlow will return -- not both.

Barlow, a former starter with the 49ers, could be the wild card. At the very least, the Jets will draft a running back, but if Barlow returns to his 1,000-yard form, he could be the perfect complement to Washington. He has said he felt like he was playing on "one leg" last season because he hadn't fully recovered from off-season knee surgery.

[nj meadowlands]

If Barlow re-negotiates like many articles have hinted he is willing to, I think we should at least consider keeping him over Houston.