Friday's Jets News

[SoFlaJets]

Cotchery rewarded

BY TOM ROCK

tom.rock@newsday.com

March 2, 2007

Negotiating a good deal on a car might be more strenuous than the back-and-forth that led to yesterday's announcement that the Jets had signed wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery to a long-term extension.

"It was an easy process," said Cotchery, coming off a breakout season in 2006, his third year in the NFL. "I wasn't expecting them to come to me a year early, but they did and it was very easy. It was a number that I wanted. It had to be fair for both sides and it ended up being [that]."

The deal, a five-year extension believed to be worth about $4 million per season, came on the eve of the free- agency period and a full year before Cotchery would have been able to test the market for his value. Instead, the 24-year-old decided he was comfortable with the Jets and coach Eric Mangini - under whose watch he was given his greatest opportunities as a pro and started all 17 games last season - and wanted to stay put.

"This is the organization that drafted me and I wanted to be loyal to them and I want to finish my career here," Cotchery said. "I feel like the other teams, if they had wanted me when I was coming out for the draft, they would have drafted me. This time around they won't have a second chance to get me.

"I love the Jets and they've shown me tons of love."

Cotchery becomes the second young Jet to flourish under Mangini and be rewarded with a contract extension. Linebacker Bryan Thomas received a five-year extension during the season.

Cotchery made 82 catches for 961 yards and six touchdowns in 2006, but Mangini and general manager Mike Tannenbaum said it wasn't just statistics that led to the long-term commitment. "Jerricho Cotchery is the type of player we are looking for here," Tannenbaum said.

The deal almost certainly means that Justin McCareins, who was bumped from the starting lineup in favor of Cotchery and is due to earn almost $3 million in 2007, will not be with the Jets when the season begins. They will likely look to trade McCareins before training camp.

[SoFlaJets]

Jets sign Cotchery to multiyear deal

Friday, March 2, 2007

By RANDY LANGE

STAFF WRITER

Jerricho Cotchery said family and friends still remind him of his levitating 71-yard catch-and-run touchdown against New England in September.

Then there's the fresher memory of his 77-yard acceleration through the Patriots for the Jets' only playoff TD in January.

The team hierarchy reflected on Cotchery's career-high 82 catches, his blocking, his aggressive self-improvement program, and concluded their No. 1-A wide receiver needed a new deal.

"I love the Jets and they've shown me tons of love," Cotchery said Thursday after signing a multiyear extension (terms not available) with the team that drafted him in the fourth round in 2004. "I wasn't expecting them to come to me a year early. They did. It was real easy."

On the eve of the start to the unrestricted free agency signing period, general manager Mike Tannenbaum said Cotchery "is the type of player we're looking for. He earned a starting role and showed the productivity and consistency we want at that position."

Said coach Eric Mangini, "I'm pleased Jerricho will remain a Jet for years to come."

Cotchery said he didn't consider waiting until after his rookie deal expired to become an unrestricted free agent a year from now.

"This is the organization that drafted me. I want to be loyal to them," he said. "I want to finish my career here."

Now that he's signed up for the longer term, he wouldn't mind if Tannenbaum and Mangini found more like him and fellow wideout Laveranues Coles.

"On a team, you've got to have a good amount of difference-makers," he said. "We have a few, but I think we need a few more, on both sides of the ball."

The Jets are trying to find them, yet are expected to take the same calm approach to free agency they took last year. An NFL source said the Jets were not expected to make any blockbuster deals at the opening gun at 12:01 a.m. today.

The odds of getting running back Michael Turner from San Diego via a restricted free agency offer sheet worsened Wednesday when the Chargers tendered Turner at the level that requires first- and third-round picks in compensation.

Signing up a defensive player such as New England outside linebacker Tully Banta-Cain was more likely. The 6-foot-2, 250-pounder posted career-high numbers in tackles and sacks (5.5) for the Pats.

And the stage for that growth was set from 2003-05, when he broke into the NFL on a defense coached in part by Mangini.

"I could see playing for Coach Mangini again," Banta-Cain said. "That would be interesting."

E-mail: lange@northjersey.com

[SoFlaJets]

Jets swoop to keep Jerricho

BY RICH CIMINI

DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

Acting with unprecedented swiftness, the Jets secured a piece of their future yesterday, signing wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery to a five-year contract extension - a full year before he was eligible for free agency.

Sources believe it could signal a new philosophy for the Jets, who may be adopting the Philadelphia Eagles' style, locking up top young players before their value peaks. In the past, the Jets waited until the season before intensifying negotiations with their potential free agents.

The Jets already have expressed an interest in re-signing safety Kerry Rhodes to a long-term deal, according to a source. Rhodes, an emerging star, has two years remaining on his rookie contract. While no deal is imminent, the interest demonstrates their proactive approach. Linebacker Victor Hobson, a free agent in 2008, also is a candidate for an extension.

Cotchery admitted he was surprised by the Jets' aggressiveness.

"I wasn't expecting them to come to me a year early, but they did," Cotchery said on a conference call. "It was an easy process. It was the number I wanted."

Cotchery's extension, through 2012, averages roughly $3.5 million per year, including about $8 million in guarantees.

It's a terrific deal for the Jets, who made sure to get it done before the market goes wild with the start of free agency today. Cotchery was due to make $850,000 this year.

The Jets, who began yesterday with $14.95 million in salary cap room (not counting the Cotchery deal and the Derrick Blaylock and Bobby Hamilton cuts), have the flexibility to pursue expensive free agents. They're interested in Chargers running back Michael Turner, but the cost could be prohibitive.

The Chargers gave Turner, a restricted free agent, the highest tender, $2.35 million. That means, if they decide not to match an offer, they'd be entitled to first- and third-round picks. Teams are allowed to negotiate draft-pick compensation, but Chargers GM A.J. Smith doesn't sound like he's going to budge.

"It's over," Smith emphatically told the Daily News. "It'll take a 1 and a 3."

The Jets could explore a trade for Bears running back Thomas Jones, but it will be hard to pry him away.

"You've got to have a good amount of difference-makers on your team," Cotchery said. "We have a few, but we need a few more on both sides of the ball."

HEY JOEY: An Internet report says the Jets may pursue loudmouth LB Joey Porter, cut yesterday the Steelers, but a source said it's highly unlikely. . . . DE Kimo von Oelhoffen, thought to be on the bubble, will remain on the team under his existing contract, according to his agent, Mark Bartelstein. . . . The Jets were shopping LB Eric Barton for a possible trade. He's due a $250,000 roster bonus.

The Jet Set

While the Jets re-sign Jerricho Cotchery yesterday, here are three players they may still go after:

RB Michael Turner, Chargers: LaDainian Tomlinson's understudy could be a future star, but it'll take half your draft to get him.

LB Adalius Thomas, Ravens: The Jets are interested, but the price could get out of hand. He'd be perfect in Eric Mangini's defense, but he could be too rich for the Jets' blood.

RT Marc Colombo, Cowboys: Fills a big need. Tony Pashos (Ravens) and Jon Stinchcomb (Saints) also are possibilities at right tackle.

[SoFlaJets]

TURNER, THOMAS TEMPTING IF JETS WANT TO SPEND

By MARK CANNIZZARO

HEAD-TURNER: The Jets are interested in Chargers RB Michael Turner, LaDainian Tomlinson's backup, who is a restricted free agent.March 2, 2007 -- Don't expect the Jets will have signed a free agent by the time you woke up today.

Sure, the free-agent signing period began at 12:01 a.m., but the Jets are expected to move methodically, if not glacially, through free agency, not in a hurry to shell out huge signing bonuses. Their biggest need is at running back, and there are some intriguing possibilities.

The most attractive is San Diego backup Michael Turner, a restricted free agent who has a first- and third-round draft pick tender offer attached to him, meaning if the Jets sign him, they'd owe that heavy compensation.

A more likely way to wrest Turner away from the Chargers, who'll lose him as an unrestricted free agent after the 2007 season unless he's signed to a long-term deal, is to trade for him.

Turner gained 502 rushing yards and had a 6.3-yard average as LaDainian Tomlinson's backup last season.

"[The Chargers] can't come up with a deal to pay [Turner] and LaDainian, in my mind," Turner's agent James "Bus" Cook said. "It'll be difficult to do a contract that pays Michael starter money with LaDainian there."

Another interesting possibility for the Jets is Corey Dillon, who was expecting to be released by the Patriots by the end of last night but wants to play another year or two.

Eric Mangini knows Dillon, having coached him in New England. Dillon, who gained 812 yards, had a 4.1-yard average and 13 rushing touchdowns last season in a split-time role with Laurence Maroney, surely still has a year or two left on his legs.

And, he'd certainly have the chance to carry the ball more than the seven to 10 times a game the Patriots told him was in the '07 plan. He and Leon Washington would seem like a perfect fit.

On defense, the most attractive, tempting player is Ravens linebacker Adalius Thomas, who had 11 sacks in 2006 and is a very good fit in the 3-4 defense. But his asking price might scare off the Jets, who aren't big fans of giving out big signing bonuses.

New England linebacker Tully Banta-Cain, who had 51/2 sacks and 40 tackles as a part-time starter last season, is also a good 3-4 fit and could have good potential at a lower asking price.

The Jets, who could release David Barrett, are in need of a play-making cornerback, and Colts cornerback Nick Harper could be a good fit. He has 13 interceptions in the last four seasons and is a good run-force corner.

"Every team needs a good amount of difference-makers," wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery said yesterday after the Jets signed him to a contract extension. "We have a few and I think we need a few more ... on both sides of the ball."

Also, keep an eye on New England tight end Daniel Graham, a starter who ceded some of his playing time to Ben Watson. Graham would be a strong complement to Chris Baker in a two-tight-end tandem, and Mangini knows him well.

The Jets, too, have depth needs on the offensive line, where starting right tackle Anthony Clement is testing the free-agent market. Among some sleeper possibilities here include Miami tackle Damion McIntosh and Tampa Bay guard Sean Mahan.

With Patrick Ramsey certain to be released before tomorrow, when he's due a $1.4 million roster bonus, the Jets will be in the market for a veteran backup quarterback. Brad Johnson, just released by Minnesota, is a possibility, as is Kerry Collins.

Wide receiver Justin McCareins, a veteran whom most expect to be released, will remain with the team for the moment. Agent Cliff Brady said yesterday that McCareins is scheduled to meet with Mangini within the next week or two to discuss his role and what kind of pay cut the team has in store for him. McCareins, who's scheduled to earn nearly $3 million in 2007, is in the Chicago area visiting his family.

mark.cannizzaro@nypost.com

Five who could be Jets

Michael Turner

RB, Chargers

Potential star feature back who gained 502 yards and had a 6.3-yards-per-carry average in '06. More likely to be acquired in a trade due to San Diego's high tender offer.

Adalius Thomas

LB, Ravens

Had 11 sacks in a 3-4 defense last season and could be the big-play playmaker the Jets' defense needs badly. Problem is, he'll be a big-ticket item requiring a lot of guaranteed money.

Daniel Graham

TE, Patriots

Starting-caliber TE who would be a strong complement to Chris Baker. Career-high 38 catches in '03; 7 TDs in '04; had 21 catches last season.

Corey Dillon

RB, Patriots

Was awaiting his release as of yesterday, and could be a one- or two-year signing if Eric Mangini believes he's got something left. Rushed for 812 yards, a 4.1-yard average and had 13 TDs last season and would be a good fit splitting time with Leon Washington.

Tully Banta-Cain

LB, Patriots

Began to flourish in '06 with 40 tackles and 51/2 sacks. Good fit for 3-4 defense, and Mangini knows him.

[SoFlaJets]

COTCHERY STICKS WITH GANG GREEN

By MARK CANNIZZARO

March 2, 2007 -- The Jets yesterday locked up one of their own key players hours before the free agency period kicked in when they signed receiver Jerricho Cotchery to a long-term contract extension.

Contract terms were not immediately available, but Cotchery was believed to be seeking about $10 million in guaranteed money. Yesterday, he said he got what he wanted.

In the end for Cotchery, loyalty was a huge pull in wanting to lock himself in with the Jets and not test the free-agent waters.

"I wanted to stay with the Jets the entire time," Cotchery said. "This is the organization that drafted me, and I wanted to be loyal to them. I wanted to further my career with the Jets and finish my career with them.

"If other teams wanted me when I coming out for draft, they would have drafted me. Now, they won't have a second chance to get me. I love the Jets and they've shown me tons of love."

Cotchery, entering his fourth season, had a breakout season in 2006 with 82 catches for 961 yards and six TDs - all career highs. He beat out veteran Justin McCareins for the starting job in training camp and combined with Laveranues Coles to be one of the most prolific pass-catching tandems in the NFL.

"Jerricho Cotchery is the type of player we are looking for here," Jets' GM Mike Tannenbaum said. "He earned a starting role this year and showed the productivity and consistency we want at that position. I am pleased Jerricho will remain a New York Jet."

Cotchery hooked up with Chad Pennington for the two longest plays of the Jets' 2006 season. His 71-yard touchdown catch-and-run Week 2 against the Patriots was the longest regular-season play from scrimmage. And in the Jets' playoff loss at New England, he had four receptions for 100 yards, which included a game-high 77-yard touchdown reception from Pennington.

"Jerricho Cotchery exemplifies everything we are looking for in our players," Eric Mangini said. "He is smart, tough, hard-working, selfless, competitive and football is important to him. During training camp, he took advantage of the opportunity to compete and became not only a starter, but a key contributor to what the team was able to accomplish in 2006.

"I am pleased that Jerricho will remain with the Jets for years to come."

Cotchery, from Birmingham, Ala., and a graduate of North Carolina State, had 25 receptions in his first two seasons and was a key special teams contributor.

Now, he's one of the team's best offensive weapons possibly headed for stardom.

mark.cannizzaro@nypost.com

[SoFlaJets]

Cotchery signs extension with the Jets

By ( the GREAT-SFJ) ANDREW GROSS

THE JOURNAL NEWS

(Original publication: March 2, 2007)

The NFL's free-agency period begins today. But the Jets, by re-signing their own wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery to a five-year extension yesterday, already have accomplished one of their top offseason goals.

The 24-year-old Cotchery emerged as one of the AFC's better young receivers in his third season, catching 82 passes for 961 yards and six touchdowns in his first year as a starter.

Financial terms were not immediately available, but Cotchery called it an "easy process," because he wanted to remain with the Jets, and the Jets showed the feeling was mutual.

"This is the organization that drafted me," said the 24-year-old Cotchery, a fourth-round pick out of North Carolina State in 2004 who could have been an unrestricted free agent following the upcoming season. "I wanted to be loyal to them. I wanted to finish my career here. I feel like, if the other teams wanted me, they had a chance when I was getting drafted. They won't get a second chance to get me."

Cotchery's Texas-based agent, Jack Scharf, said discussions on the new deal began midway through last season.

"I came up with the number, and they thought it was fair to both sides," Cotchery said. "It's something I just thought about. I never looked at any guys around the league to see what they were making. I wanted to have a number I was comfortable with and that was it."

Also yesterday, the Jets officially announced they had released defensive lineman Bobby Hamilton and running back Derrick Blaylock, both of which were expected. Backup quarterback Patrick Ramsey's release also is expected imminently since he is due a $1.4 million roster bonus tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Mark Bartelstein, the agent for veteran defensive lineman Kimo von Oelhoffen, told The Journal News on Wednesday he does not expect his client to be cut or forced to accept a restructured contract, despite reports to the contrary. Von Oelhoffen is going into the middle season of a three-year, $9 million deal.

With the Jets comfortably under the cap, Cotchery said he hopes a few free agents can be signed.

"On a team, you have to have a good amount of difference makers," Cotchery said. "We have a few. I think we need a few more on both sides of the ball. Once we have enough difference makers, I think we'll be in good shape."

Signing him was a good start.

Reach Andrew Gross at agross@lohud.com and read his Jets blog at www.lohud.com/blogs.

[SoFlaJets]

Jets plan to be innovative again

By ANDREW GROSS

THE JOURNAL NEWS

(Original publication: March 2, 2007)

Talk to Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum about the NFL free-agency period, which begins today, and he'll bring up the many different ways a player can be acquired. For instance, signing former Australian Rules Football player Ben Graham as a punter.

In other words, the Jets are not likely to be the NFL's busiest shoppers even if they are nearly $21 million under the $109 million salary cap and veteran right tackle Anthony Clement is their only starter who is an unrestricted free agent.

"I think it's similar to last year," Tannenbaum said. "We want to make sure strategically we're using all avenues to improve the team: the Canadian Football League, the Arena Football League, waiver claims."

Tannenbaum did say the Jets would spend to the cap limit, and, like last year, they might look to free agency to plug holes, not attract a big-name, big-money player.

Besides, with players such as Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel and Bears linebacker Lance Briggs having franchise tags slapped on them, and others such as Dolphins defensive tackle Vonnie Holliday and Bills defensive end Chris Kelsay already re-signing, the market is not necessarily a deep one.

"I think every year there are good players available," Jets coach Eric Mangini said. "It's important not just to find good players, but the players that are good for you. Even though they may be outstanding players, they might not be quite the right fit for your system or your team. We make the distinction and proactively add those players that fit to our roster."

Last year - Tannenbaum's first in his current role - the Jets brought in complementary players such as cornerback Andre Dyson, linebacker Matt Chatham, defensive end Kimo von Oelhoffen, right tackle Anthony Clement and wide receiver Tim Dwight. Von Oelhoffen, specifically, was brought in because he played in a 3-4 defense with the Steelers.

Typically, the Jets have shied away from the big-name free agent, preferring to build via the draft.

"We recognize that our core philosophy is to build from within with the draft and retain as many players as possible," Tannenbaum said. "I think we just look for value, and the value we look for can come in all shapes and sizes. It can come in the first few hours or a month into it."

The Jets took care of one of their top priorities yesterday, re-signing wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery to a five-year extension. He had a breakout season in 2006 and would have been an unrestricted free agent following the 2007 season.

The next big step for the Jets in terms of keeping their own players is a new deal for safety Kerry Rhodes. However, Rhodes' pact runs through 2008, so Tannenbaum could wait until this time next year.

"Our philosophy is to proactively retain as many of our young guys as possible," Tannenbaum said. "We've got a few other moving parts here first."

But even if the Jets don't bring in a big-name star player, that doesn't bother longtime fan Joseph Baker of Buchanan, who notes the Super Bowl III championship team was built through the draft.

The 66-year-old Baker, originally from Yonkers, was at the Polo Grounds on Sept. 11, 1960, when the New York Titans defeated the Buffalo Bills 27-3 in the franchise's first game. He likes what he's seen from Tannenbaum and Mangini.

"I think both guys are very good judges of talent," Baker said. "There are so many good players in college today it is almost a can't-miss situation with the draft. (But) until we get a top-flight running back and a defensive line that can stop the run, we will remain a 10-6 - or even an 11-5 - team that won't win a Super Bowl."

Jets shopping list

CB Nate Clements, Bills: The Jets need depth and an upgrade at the position. Clements, the top cornerback on the market, is expected to get between $7 million and $8 million per season, and word is he's interested in what the Titans have to say.

CB Nick Harper, Colts: His late-season return bolstered the Colts' Super Bowl run and it's expected he'll remain in Indianapolis. But he's worth a look.

RB Dominic Rhodes, Colts: The Jets most likely have crossed Rhodes off their list after his recent DUI arrest. On the other hand, his price has come down. Kevan Barlow and Derrick Blaylock have been cut. That leaves Cedric Houston and Leon Washington, and neither has shown he's an every-down back, so the Jets have a need.

LB Adalius Thomas, Ravens: The two-time Pro Bowl selection is versatile, having played every defensive position in Baltimore. Even if linebacker isn't one of the Jets' top needs, they're expected to talk to Thomas.

RB Michael Turner, Chargers: LaDainian Tomlinson's backup is a restricted free agent and drawing plenty of interest. The Jets might back off if the price is a first- and third-round pick.

Looking to keep

TE Sean Ryan: Acquired from the Cowboys before the season, Ryan was a solid blocker who showed some ability catching the ball in his third NFL season. He's a restricted free agent, and the Jets like his potential. He and fullback B.J. Askew are the team's most prominent unrestricted free agents.

Andrew Gross

[SoFlaJets]

Jets give Cotchery extension

Friday, March 02, 2007

BY DAVE HUTCHINSON

Star-Ledger Staff

On the eve of what figures to be a quiet start to free agency for the Jets, the club made a big splash yesterday by announcing the signing of wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery to a contract extension.

Cotchery, who will be entering his fourth NFL season, signed a five-year extension believed to be worth slightly more than $20 million, with a $7 million signing bonus. He was entering the final year of his four-year deal.

During training camp last summer, Cotchery beat out veteran Justin McCareins for the starting job and went on to post a career-best 82 catches for 961 yards and six touchdowns. Before that, he had just 25 career receptions in his first two seasons.

"Jerricho Cotchery exemplifies everything we're looking for in our players," coach Eric Mangini said in a statement. "He's smart, tough, hard-working, selfless, competitive and football is important to him."

Cotchery, a fourth-round pick who has turned into an emerging star, could've waited until he became an unrestricted free agent following the 2007 season and possibly land a mega-contract.

"I really didn't (think about that) because I wanted to stay with the Jets," Cotchery said in a conference call. "This is the organization that drafted me and I wanted to be loyal to them. The other teams, if they wanted me, they could've drafted me. This time around, they won't have a second chance to get me. I love the Jets and they've shown me tons of love."

Cotchery's agent, Jack Scharf, didn't return several phone calls.

Meanwhile, Chargers restricted free-agent running back Michael Turner, a player the Jets are reportedly eyeing, was given a first- and third-round tender by San Diego. Any team that wants Turner would have to surrender first- and third-round draft picks to sign him.

The Jets have tried to acquire Redskins running back Ladell Betts in a trade but a potential deal fell through, according to someone with knowledge of the discussions between the teams. The person requested anonymity because of the sensitive nature of trade talks.

Dave Hutchinson may be reached at

dhutchinson@starledger.com

[Sperm Edwards]

Some quotes I really liked:

"This is the organization that drafted me," said the 24-year-old Cotchery, a fourth-round pick out of North Carolina State in 2004 who could have been an unrestricted free agent following the upcoming season. "I wanted to be loyal to them. I wanted to finish my career here. I feel like, if the other teams wanted me, they had a chance when I was getting drafted. They won't get a second chance to get me."

Cotchery, while appropriately attentive to his wallet, didn’t seem obsessed with it. After getting a big deal, he realizes that the team needs more. And he did it without naming names or even other positions. We all know what they are, but he didn’t even hint at any individuals who aren’t giving us enough production at their positions:

"I came up with the number, and they thought it was fair to both sides," Cotchery said. "It's something I just thought about. I never looked at any guys around the league to see what they were making. I wanted to have a number I was comfortable with and that was it."

"Every team needs a good amount of difference-makers," wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery said yesterday after the Jets signed him to a contract extension. "We have a few and I think we need a few more ... on both sides of the ball."

If he was addressing current players instead of future players, you’d think Mangini was exactly talking about Vilma here:

"I think every year there are good players available," Jets coach Eric Mangini said. "It's important not just to find good players, but the players that are good for you. Even though they may be outstanding players, they might not be quite the right fit for your system or your team. We make the distinction and proactively add those players that fit to our roster."

And with the Redskins actively looking at London Fletcher, it seems the Vilma + #25 for Betts + #6 rumor had some teeth after all:

The Jets have tried to acquire Redskins running back Ladell Betts in a trade but a potential deal fell through, according to someone with knowledge of the discussions between the teams. The person requested anonymity because of the sensitive nature of trade talks.

[GimmeShelter]

The Jets and Redskins have reportedly engaged in trade talks regarding Ladell Betts, but a potential deal fell through.

Now there's a great fit for the Jets! Betts would make a great starter with Leon Washington behind him. The talks also show a new willingness by the Redskins to move Betts, which would be huge for Clinton Portis.

Source: Newark Star-Ledger

I wonder what the offer was and if Vilma was involved?

[Green DNA]

I hope the Jets can sign Cotchery to an extension.

[SoFlaJets]

I hope the Jets can sign Cotchery to an extension.

we're still hoping to get a story out of the local papers on that one G-DNA

[The Troll]

If we sign Corey Dillon, it will make me lose faith in this regime's ability to judge running backs.

[MTJ06]

I hope the Jets can sign Cotchery to an extension.

Let me see what I can do.

Abra cadabra

Ala Kazam

make it so

that the Jets have signed this man

There you go check around and I think you'll see its taken care of.

[Sperm Edwards]

Signing up a defensive player such as New England outside linebacker Tully Banta-Cain was more likely. The 6-foot-2, 250-pounder posted career-high numbers in tackles and sacks (5.5) for the Pats.

And the stage for that growth was set from 2003-05, when he broke into the NFL on a defense coached in part by Mangini.

"I could see playing for Coach Mangini again," Banta-Cain said. "That would be interesting."

Is something already in the works? Players don't usually say stuff like this. Sounds like he's our backup plan if we can't land Thomas (or now Porter).

If so, then the plan all along was to move Vilma (if we get appropriate compensation, of course):

Extending Hobson was once expressed by Tannenbaum as one of their priority off-season moves.

Trade (that fell through) to Washington.

Now Banta-Cain saying this.

I think Tangini's idea at LB is/was:

BThomas - Hobson - Barton - AThomas/Banta-Cain/(Porter)

(Though since he was released just yesterday there have been zero rumors linking us to Porter, I can't believe we wouldn't at least inquire).

AND it frees up one of our first 3 picks so we don't need to go OLB. They can be used on 3 of: RG/RT, DE, CB, & HB.

[madmike1]

Banta-Cain will be Matt Chattam part 2. Why a team with as much cap room as the Jets have would be shopping at the thrift store boggles my mind.

[SoFlaJets]

Signing up a defensive player such as New England outside linebacker Tully Banta-Cain was more likely. The 6-foot-2, 250-pounder posted career-high numbers in tackles and sacks (5.5) for the Pats.

And the stage for that growth was set from 2003-05, when he broke into the NFL on a defense coached in part by Mangini.

"I could see playing for Coach Mangini again," Banta-Cain said. "That would be interesting."

Is something already in the works? Players don't usually say stuff like this. Sounds like he's our backup plan if we can't land Thomas (or now Porter).

If so, then the plan all along was to move Vilma (if we get appropriate compensation, of course):

Extending Hobson was once expressed by Tannenbaum as one of their priority off-season moves.

Trade (that fell through) to Washington.

Now Banta-Cain saying this.

I think Tangini's idea at LB is/was:

BThomas - Hobson - Barton - AThomas/Banta-Cain/(Porter)

(Though since he was released just yesterday there have been zero rumors linking us to Porter, I can't believe we wouldn't at least inquire).

AND it frees up one of our first 3 picks so we don't need to go OLB. They can be used on 3 of: RG/RT, DE, CB, & HB.

Last night on NFLN they were doing a thing on free agents and how the Pats model was to sign guys that were NOT big names but mid-level contributors.I can see us following that same model and that's why I would be willing to bet against a move for Porter-I have been saying for a while now that Banta-Cain would be an upgrade over the Chatham/Cassell tandem-it also makes the Patriots weaker and he's another one of those guys that plays well against us-addition by subtraction

[ECURB]

I love what Cotch had to say about everything, he is really a great player and Im glad they locked him up...

Signing up a defensive player such as New England outside linebacker Tully Banta-Cain was more likely. The 6-foot-2, 250-pounder posted career-high numbers in tackles and sacks (5.5) for the Pats.

And the stage for that growth was set from 2003-05, when he broke into the NFL on a defense coached in part by Mangini.

"I could see playing for Coach Mangini again," Banta-Cain said. "That would be interesting."

I saw Sperm already spotted this out, but I couldnt resist posting it again. I think it would be a good pickup to get a guy who Mangini has already coached, knows the system and can be effective. Also he comes without the big price tag.

Madmike, I know you think we have a ton of cash but we really dont. The Cotch deal and possibly Rhodes, along with smaller FA pickups and our draft picks dont exactly leave us room to go out and sign the most expensive guy out there.

[mangenious420]

Banta-Cain will be Matt Chattam part 2. Why a team with as much cap room as the Jets have would be shopping at the thrift store boggles my mind.

How many big time FA do you see the Pats pick up during an offseason?

[shutout]

The Jets, who began yesterday with $14.95 million in salary cap room (not counting the Cotchery deal and the Derrick Blaylock and Bobby Hamilton cuts), have the flexibility to pursue expensive free agents. They're interested in Chargers running back Michael Turner, but the cost could be prohibitive.

Where is Cimini getting this number? I thought we were in the $20-28 million range. Where did $14M come from?

[The Troll]

Where is Cimini getting this number? I thought we were in the $20-28 million range. Where did $14M come from?

Maybe we signed Cotchery to a $14 million a year contract.

[ECURB]

Maybe we signed Cotchery to a $14 million a year contract.

I heard it was in the 4million a year range... maybe we gave him a big bonus though....

[Cant Hackett]

I heard it was in the 4million a year range... maybe we gave him a big bonus though....

The bonus would be prorated over the life of the contract. Maybe Cimini is figuring in the contracts for the draft picks.

[Sperm Edwards]

Our draft picks will cost dick. Maybe $3M or so for all of them.

[Arsis]

Banta-Cain will be Matt Chattam part 2. Why a team with as much cap room as the Jets have would be shopping at the thrift store boggles my mind.

why if we draft a stud and cant resign him down the line because we brought in an overrated free agent for too much money? what if someone better is available for a better deal but our cap is screwed because of aging stars are eating our cap? I like the building a team for the long term through the draft. I'm a huge yankee fan, but the whole bring in all the big names for big money doesn't work at all.