By Tom Rock
Conference call is over and the Jets have a new running back. The contract was hammered out, the physical was passed, and the draft picks have been swapped. Thomas Jones has arrived.
The Jets also have a few different defensive linemen (I hesitate to use the word "new" in regard to Bobby Hamilton). More on them later.
Jones was diplomatic in his conference call, already toeing the Jets line in regard to speaking his mind. He was asked a few times whether he was worried about playing time with the Jets, especially since they have Leon Washington to share the backfield duties, but he sidestepped them all, saying that “I’m here to help this team win,” and "The best players play, and that’s a great situation to be in.”
If it was so great, why did he want to get out of Chicago and the shared duties with Cedric Benson?
Of course, it's not all about playing time. That would be naive. I haven't confirmed the numbers so far, but espn is reporting the deal is $20 million for four years, $12 million guaranteed and $13.1 million in the first two years of the deal. To paraphrase Jones out of context, "that's a great situation to be in."
Oh yeah, the Jets also signed Kenyon Coleman and Bobby Hamilton to bolster their defensive line. They haven't ruled out DE David Bowens (Tannenbaum said they had some strong meetings). The Jets are expected to meet with FB Darian Barnes, though Tannenbaum would not confirm that because, as we've seen, schedules change very quickly. Just when were the Jets going to meet with Joey Porter?
Comments (9)
Do you think the Jets would part with a defensive starter (vilma) or offensive starter (coles) in order to move up in the top 5 of the draft.
Wouldn't Calvin Johnson look great in a Jets uniform?
I like the way the jets are approaching free agency. Not going after the big names are normally overpriced and they always underachieve. Only a few big names that have changed teams have really helped. Look at fred Smoot signed a couple of seasons ago now back in Washington because he couldnt hack it in Minnesota. for all you New england fans dont be too happy about the AT signing. he could be a bust too.
the free agents that do suceed are normally mid level or gamble free agents that we never heard of. GO JETS GO
I don't get what all the fuss is about? Wasn't this guy considered a bust a few years ago? And isn't the main reason the Bears traded him is because he was disgruntled and wanted his contract redone?
Let me explain: Have you see T Jones' production the last 3 years with Chicago? Playing with the like of Kyle Ortman and Rex Grossman, no less. Imagine what he will do with Chad Pennington as his QB. And the Jets filled one of their biggest holes from last year's squad.
He wanted to be paid market value. C Benson got a $16M guaranteeed rookie contract, only to be badly outplayed by Jones. Translate that to your job.
Your welcome for the lesson.
I think that it is fair to look at the teams he made those gains against.Can he put thoses numbers up against a AFC East schedule???
Still need a shut down corner...Free agent pool is slim, and as Ken suggested, usually over priced. How's the draft lay out for DB's???
This is thought to be a strong DB draft. The combine had good, fast physical corners that have first day grades. The WR position is strong too but not as big a need. If only there was a couple more Allen Branches in the draft...
There are no more shutdown corners in the NFL anymore maybe Champ Bailey. When did an NFL team win a superbowl with a shutdown corner. Good technique tackling and recovery speed is needed for a good corner these days. Recievers are getting more physical each year and CB's seem to get overmatched a lot. good cover corners are always a result of great passrush. No matter how good your corners, the recievers will get open sooner or later with the QB sitting pretty in the pocket. I say improve the passrush and we dont need to worry about getting a shutdown corner.
The Ty Law rule changes have eliminated shut down corners. Barret is as good as anything available in free agency, played hurt last year. As for the draft, Justin Miller has as much potential as anyone that will be available. Not a need, they are deep at this position.