SoFlaJets Posted March 1, 2007 Share Posted March 1, 2007 By MARK CANNIZZARO Michael TurnerMarch 1, 2007 -- The start of free agency doesn't begin until tomorrow, but there's an anticipated move to be made by the end of the day today from across the country that has the Jets' keen interest. The Chargers must decide what to do with coveted running back Michael Turner, who's a restricted free agent and who's sure to have a number of potential suitors, whether via free agency or a trade, and the Jets are at the top of that list. The Chargers will do one of two things: *Give Turner the highest tender offer possible, which is $2.35 million and would require a team wanting to sign him to give the Chargers a first and third-round pick in April's draft; * Or give him a $1.85M tender offer, which would mean compensation would be only a first-round pick. As of last night, Turner's agent, James "Bus" Cook, said, "We don't have a tender from (the Chargers) yet and don't know what it'll be. That'll dictate what teams might be interested (in signing him away)." In either tender offer case, if a team wanted to sign Turner, the Chargers would have the first right of refusal and could match the offer to retain him. That, however, is unlikely to happen considering the fact that Turner will be an unrestricted free agent after the 2007 season. The Jets' No. 1 priority this offseason is bolstering the running game, which produced a paltry 3.5-yards per-carry average in 2006. The Jets didn't scare anyone with their multiple-player rushing attack, which included rookie Leon Washington, Cedric Houston, Kevan Barlow and Derrick Blaylock. Barlow was released Tuesday, Blaylock was released yesterday and team insiders say the team isn't high on Houston. Turner is a potential star, having rushed for 502 yards on 80 carries with a 6.3-yard average as LaDanian Tomlinson's backup last season. In related news, the Jets also released veteran DL Bobby Hamilton yesterday. Backup QB Patrick Ramsey, due a $1.4M bonus Saturday, is a sure goner. Something is certain to be done with WR Justin McCareins and CB David Barrett, both of whom are scheduled to make around $3M in '07. And, despite some rumors that Jets' DE Kimo von Oehlhoffen, who's due a $600,000 bonus tomorrow, was in jeopardy of being released, his agent, Mark Bartelstein said, "He's going to be there with the Jets. I spoke with Mike (Tannenbaum, the Jets' GM) and they want him." mark.cannizzaro@nypost.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoFlaJets Posted March 1, 2007 Author Share Posted March 1, 2007 JetsTannenbaum in no hurry to spend BY TOM ROCK tom.rock@newsday.com March 1, 2007 Don't expect the Jets to dive into free agency like a team with millions to spend ... even though they very much are. They're a comfortable $20 million or so under the salary cap, so the Jets conceivably could start flinging cash at 12:01 a.m. tomorrow when free agency begins. But general manager Mike Tannenbaum said the team is maintaining its disciplined plan of building through the draft, not on the open market. "Our core philosophy is drafting good players and good people and developing them," Tannenbaum said. "We have an opportunity from Friday until the Saturday night before the first regular-season game to improve the team. When that opportunity presents itself, we'll be ready." The Jets' most glaring needs are at running back, cornerback and defensive line. With three draft picks in the first two rounds, they could be in position to deal for Chargers restricted free agent Michael Turner. LaDainian Tomlinson's backup worked with Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer in San Diego. Just don't expect the Jets to stick around if Turner's price or the Chargers' demands escalate. Tannenbaum has already felt the sting of a panic purchase at running back when he traded for Kevan Barlow last training camp. Barlow was benched in five of the final six games and was released last week. The Associated Press reported that the Jets also released running back Derrick Blaylock yesterday. The defensive line should improve with the return of injured Sione Pouha and a season in the 3-4 scheme, but depth and experience (if not productivity) could suffer if Kimo von Oelhoffen is released. The Jets are understandably hesitant to pay the roster bonus due von Oelhoffen tomorrow, never mind the $1.85 million he's scheduled to make in 2007. The Jets will likely cut him if a new deal can't be reached, and Tannenbaum said discussions are taking place. The Jets released defensive tackle Bobby Hamilton yesterday. The Jets have two players scheduled to become unrestricted free agents. Tannenbaum said the team has had productive talks with tackle Anthony Clement, though it is doubtful a deal will be made before he hits the open market. Fullback B.J. Askew will not return to the Jets. As for Patrick Ramsey, Tannenbaum said his status would be "resolved pretty quickly." He will likely be cut before his roster bonus of $1.4 million kicks in Saturday, putting the Jets in the market for an emergency quarterback. Tannenbaum suggested he'd like to have a veteran behind Chad Pennington and the presumed No. 2, Kellen Clemens, rather than rely on Brad Smith as a No. 3. "In 2005 we went through four quarterbacks," Tannenbaum said. "You can't have enough of them." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoFlaJets Posted March 1, 2007 Author Share Posted March 1, 2007 Chargers' Turner fills a Jets' need in the backfield Thursday, March 1, 2007 By RANDY LANGE STAFF WRITER The Jets' theme for Friday's start to the free agency signing period could be "Back to the Future." And one back who could be in Gang Green's future is San Diego's Michael Turner. In Year 2 of the Mike Tannenbaum-Eric Mangini regime -- also Year 2 of the post-Curtis Martin era -- the Jets have about $25 million in salary-cap room and the draft position to possibly pry Turner away from the Chargers. Turner, who has played for three years in the very large shadow of LaDainian Tomlinson, the NFL's MVP last season, on Wednesday received the highest qualifying offer possible when San Diego, in advance of Friday's 12:01 a.m. start of free agency, tendered him at $2.35 million. That means any team that wants to sign Turner to an offer sheet would have to give up first- and third-round picks. "The ball is in their court," Bus Cook, Turner's agent, told the San Diego Union-Tribune before learning of the tender. "If it's a first-and-third, that cuts down the ballgame a lot." But it doesn't necessarily end the game. A one-year salary of $2.35 million is a lot to pay a backup runner. Does the name LaMont Jordan ring a bell? The Jets wanted to keep Jordan, an unrestricted free agent after the 2004 season, behind Martin one more year. They made a good offer for a backup back, but couldn't make it good enough to prevent Jordan from leaving for a starting job with Oakland. Chargers general manager A.J. Smith might keep Turner at the tender amount, or he might be willing to listen to an offer of a first-round selection -- the Jets have the 25th pick of the round -- and a second-day pick in exchange for negotiating a long-term deal for Turner and trading him. Even after Tannenbaum's trades in the summer for Lee Suggs and, after Suggs flunked his physical, Kevan Barlow, there was always the thought that if the Jets' running-back-by-committee didn't have legs -- it didn't; Barlow was released last week and Derrick Blaylock was cut Wednesday -- Turner was shimmering in the distance. At the combine workouts, "Tanngini" didn't shed much light on their plans for a new back or for free agency in general. "With any decision you make, whether it's a trade or signing a high-priced free agent or whatever the equation is," Mangini said, "you have to weigh it in terms of how you value that player. It's an ongoing discussion and you're always trying to get value and create value on the team." "We want to have players who can be successful in our environment," Tannenbaum said, not tipping his hand much. "We play tough, outdoors, Northeast football. You need guys ready to go to Buffalo, to New England." One back who will be on the market but whom the Jets are likely to be cool on is the Bills' Willis McGahee. On the surface, it might seem like a great marriage: McGahee in the last two seasons rushed for 133 yards a game and 5.7 a carry against the Jets. But that's the problem. Against every other team in the NFL, he struggled to 61 yards a game at 3.5 a carry. Additionally, McGahee has been involved in three paternity suits in two years and caused a stir in Buffalo when he said the Bills should relocate to Toronto to improve his social life. These could be character issues that the Jets won't want to deal with. The Jets need more than their next Curtis Martin. Baltimore's Adalius Thomas would fit well as one of their 3-4 outside linebacker, but his price tag will be large. And with Patrick Ramsey's imminent trade or release, they'll need a reliable veteran quarterback who can fill in behind Chad Pennington and Kellen Clemens, such as the just released Brad Johnson or Kerry Collins. But despite their needs and their available cap room, the Jets just don't figure to change their spots when it comes to free agency. Tannenbaum waited three days before making his first signing in March 2006 -- linebacker Matt Chatham -- and his biggest signing was DE Kimo von Oelhoffen. BRIEF: In addition to Blaylock, the Jets also are believed to have released DE Bobby Hamilton. E-mail: lange@northjersey.com * * * Jets' wish list Five free agents who could help: Michael Turner, RB, San Diego Seems Chargers will listen to offers for this restricted FA, who has played in LaDainian Tomlinson's shadow. Adalius Thomas, LB, Baltimore His size (6-2, 270) and production (career-high 11 sacks) would look good on the outside of Jets' 3-4. Price tag too high? Daniel Graham, TE, New England Outstanding blocker who wants to develop as a receiver after averaging 24 catches over five Patriots seasons. Nick Harper, CB, Indianapolis Even if Jets release David Barrett, they have four veteran corners. Colts' Super Bowl starter may intrigue them. Brad Johnson, QB, formerly Minnesota With Patrick Ramsey about to be moved, the Jets will need a reliable, moderately priced veteran backup. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoFlaJets Posted March 1, 2007 Author Share Posted March 1, 2007 Jets part ways with Blaylock By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS (Original publication: March 1, 2007) NEW YORK - The Jets released running back Derrick Blaylock and defensive end Bobby Hamilton yesterday, a person familiar with the moves told The Associated Press. The moves came two days before the NFL's free-agency period was set to begin. The source spoke on condition of anonymity because the team hadn't yet announced the moves. Michael L. Huyghue, Blaylock's agent, said the veteran running back could still return to the Jets during the offseason. "They did indicate that if things don't work out with another team that they would be interested in re-signing him," Huyghue told the AP. Blaylock, who signed with the Jets as a free agent before the 2005 season to back up Curtis Martin, was rarely used last year. After starting the first two games for the Jets and gaining 44 yards on 25 carries, Blaylock was active for just two other games. He was injured for most of his first season with the Jets, missing nine games with a broken right foot. The 27-year-old Blaylock spent his first four NFL seasons with Kansas City, primarily as a backup to Priest Holmes. He has 820 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns in his career. The Jets released veteran Kevan Barlow last Wednesday after the least-productive season of his career. He ran for a career-low 370 yards - third on the team - and averaged 2.8 yards per carry. With Barlow and Blaylock gone, and Martin all but retired because of a knee injury, the Jets have just two running backs on their roster: playmaking Leon Washington and bulldozing Cedric Houston. It's uncertain whether the Jets think either could be primary ball carriers, as coach Eric Mangini used a rotation of backs throughout last season. The Jets have been rumored to be interested in San Diego backup Michael Turner, and could add another back through the draft or free agency. The 35-year-old Hamilton was acquired by the Jets from Oakland before the season, largely because he was familiar with Mangini and the 3-4 defensive system the coach installed. Hamilton had 30 tackles and a fumble recovery last season in his second stint with the Jets. He played his first two seasons with Seattle, followed by four years with the Jets. He then helped New England win two Super Bowls from 2000-03 before playing the next two seasons with Oakland. Note: Dr. Elliott Pellman, the longtime chairman of the NFL's committee on concussions, has resigned from the post. Pellman, the head physician for the Jets, will be replaced by Dr. Ira Casson of the Albert Einstein School of Medicine and Dr. David Viano of Wayne State University. Pellman had suggested that new co-chairmen unaffiliated with teams be named to the position. He will remain on the committee. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoFlaJets Posted March 1, 2007 Author Share Posted March 1, 2007 wow an actual articles thread-maybe a mod can link these up with Hutch's article thread and change the title and make it Thursday's Jets News Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TaborJet Posted March 1, 2007 Share Posted March 1, 2007 wow an actual articles thread-maybe a mod can link these up with Hutch's article thread and change the title and make it Thursday's Jets News Done! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoFlaJets Posted March 1, 2007 Author Share Posted March 1, 2007 Done! thanks TJ-what I'd like to know and haven't been able to gleen from all of these articles is this: Say SD throws that high tender on Turner can they trade him still, or does it mean they have to keep him or only lose him if somebody wants to pick up that tab OF a 1 and 3 pick? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TaborJet Posted March 1, 2007 Share Posted March 1, 2007 thanks TJ-what I'd like to know and haven't been able to gleen from all of these articles is this: Say SD throws that high tender on Turner can they trade him still, or does it mean they have to keep him or only lose him if somebody wants to pick up that tab OF a 1 and 3 pick? San Diego sets the terms up from no picks to a team's 1st and 3rd. If SD wants less than a 1st and a 3rd, like the Jets high #2 pick, for instance, they can agree if they want. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jetfan13 Posted March 1, 2007 Share Posted March 1, 2007 Additionally, McGahee has been involved in three paternity suits in two years and caused a stir in Buffalo when he said the Bills should relocate to Toronto to improve his social life. These could be character issues that the Jets won't want to deal with. THAT IS SOME FUNNY SH*T Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timbok Posted March 1, 2007 Share Posted March 1, 2007 all i wan't is a good running back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnny green balls Posted March 1, 2007 Share Posted March 1, 2007 vinny>>>>brad johnson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leviot Posted March 2, 2007 Share Posted March 2, 2007 So.. the Jets are actually gonna hold onto Von OldHoffen, I hope it's just as a backup/ tutor for younger players. When Tanny says he wants to build thru the draft, I hope he means that's the better strategy, not because Woody is too cheap.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sperm Edwards Posted March 2, 2007 Share Posted March 2, 2007 JetsTannenbaum in no hurry to spend BY TOM ROCK tom.rock@newsday.com The Jets' most glaring needs are at running back, cornerback and defensive line. The single most glaring need is at RT. Number two is FB. Leon's presence at least makes HB #3. Whether you place as much value on either RT or FB compared to an upgrade at HB/CB/DE is a matter of opinion. But as of right now we have NO player at those positions other than guys who were backing up the scrubs who started last year. At RT all we have right now is Adrian Jones. At FB we have Hodgins and maybe Pociask. So basically we have no one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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