Jets Already Have a 'wink-n-nod' Agreement W/ Brunell? (ESPNCIMINI)

[JfaulkNYJ]

Keeping the seat warm for Brunell (To view links in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. Your post count is 0 momentarily.)
May, 27, 2010
3:11
PM ET
By Rich Cimini


There's a feeling around the Jets that it's only a matter of time before the team signs free-agent QB Mark Brunell, most recently of the New Orleans Saints.

By rule, they can't sign Brunell now because of the so-called "Final Eight" rules. To add him now, they'd have to lose an unrestricted free agent, and it doesn't look like that's going to happen anytime soon. Therefore, they will have to wait until July 22, when the restriction is lifted.

But the Jets, who had a good visit last month with Brunell, are willing to wait. There are some whispers that they already have a wink-and-nod agreement with Brunell, the former longtime Jacksonville Jaguars starter. Why Brunell, who will be 40 for the season? They want to add a pair of veteran eyes to help the development of Mark Sanchez.

Sanchez already has more career starts than backup Kellen Clemens (15 to nine), and there's a sense that Sanchez could really benefit from a mentor-type player. It's a tough situation for Clemens, a good soldier, but he knows the writing is on the wall. The Jets tried to trade him before the draft, but found no takers and decided to keep him around through the off-season workouts, letting him run the offense while Sanchez recovers from knee surgery.


"There are some whispers that they already have a wink-and-nod agreement with Brunell"
I hope so. I don't see Kellen Clemens helping Mark anymore. KC was okay last year when Mark had absolutely no idea. Mark needs a guy who has done something in his career to point in the right direction, mentor/teach, etc.

[GatorGar]

Sounds good to me, there's no reason to have Clemens around any more. He never worked out, and he's not the kind of backup we could use at this point.

[JfaulkNYJ]

I'd like to try, and dump off one of these guys O'Connel/Ainge too. All they are good for is running OTA practices.

[17a_tailgater]

im not a big fan of brunell...

[Mr Electric]

I'd like to try, and dump off one of these guys O'Connel/Ainge too. All they are good for is running OTA practices.

Erik Ainge has the ability to develop into a solid backup quarterback.

If Brunell signs with the Jets, Clemens will be the odd man out.

[Mr Electric]

im not a big fan of brunell...

Why not?

He's clearly just being signed to give Mark Sanchez a veteran mentor - something he most definitely needs.

They're very similar players too. Brunell would be a great teacher for Sanchez.

[dcm1602]

Brunnells an accurate experienced QB known for his smart decision making. Pretty sure he still holds the nfl record for most consecutive completions ina row. Look at his INTs thrown each year, he rarely ever threw double digit picks on a season.

If its between Sanchez learning from him or Clemens, thats a no brainer in my book.

Plus hes still younger than Favre

[abyzmul]

Between the Jets having Gannon counseling Sanchez and targeting Brunell for a mentor on the sideline, I like the moves that they are making to try to develop Sanchez.

[Mr Electric]

Between the Jets having Gannon counseling Sanchez and targeting Brunell for a mentor on the sideline, I like the moves that they are making to try to develop Sanchez.

I couldn't agree more.

Rich Gannon and Mark Brunell were successful in the NFL with skills that are very similar to Sanchez's.

[gustoonarmy]

Why not?

He's clearly just being signed to give Mark Sanchez a veteran mentor - something he most definitely needs.

They're very similar players too. Brunell would be a great teacher for Sanchez.

I think this is the ONLY reason. Welcome the move if it happens.

[MadBacker Prime]

Between the Jets having Gannon counseling Sanchez and targeting Brunell for a mentor on the sideline, I like the moves that they are making to try to develop Sanchez.

I think it's a great idea, the more quality help the better.
It is not like he will hurt his growth-

[17a_tailgater]

Why not?

He's clearly just being signed to give Mark Sanchez a veteran mentor - something he most definitely needs.

They're very similar players too. Brunell would be a great teacher for Sanchez.

lefty's are an Abomination

[rmagedon]

I'd like to try, and dump off one of these guys O'Connel/Ainge too. All they are good for is running OTA practices.

I'd really hate to lose Ainge. He's been really decent in Pre-Season action and has shown the skill to be a good backup for Sanchez down the road.

[MBGreen]

good move....this certainly will aid in Sanchez's development.

Despite the fact that a rotting corpse is a better option than Clemens.

[GatorGar]

Agreed - if it comes down to cutting Ainge or Clemens I'd stick with Ainge...

[The Dark Knight]

No doubt Ainge is a solid player. He has always looked solid to me and has great size for a QB. The depth chart would be great if the season opened up with 1. Sanchez 2. Brunell 3. Ainge (O'Connell and Clemens off the roster).

[Steve032]

I think Clemens will be the odd man out as well, even if we don't sign Brunell. I really want to watch Ainge in pre-season this year. He actually looked decent last year, a definite improvement over his rookie campaign.

I don't really know anything about O'Connell, but I can't help but think he's only around because he knows the Pats playbook.

[Leicester Jet]

I think Clemens will be the odd man out as well, even if we don't sign Brunell. I really want to watch Ainge in pre-season this year. He actually looked decent last year, a definite improvement over his rookie campaign.

I don't really know anything about O'Connell, but I can't help but think he's only around because he knows the Pats playbook.

I agree with you about O'Connell - why would we use up a roster space on a fourth Q/B, we couild use it so much better elsewhere. He'll be gone before the season starts

[Barry the Baptist]

So I wonder if Brunell will have any pull with his former Saints teammate Darren Sharper? They could go B2B with two different teams.

[Mr Electric]

So I wonder if Brunell will have any pull with his former Saints teammate Darren Sharper? They could go B2B with two different teams.

Sharper re-signed with the Saints at the beginning of the month.

[Woodhead77]

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Posted by Michael David Smith on May 27, 2010 5:53 PM ET
In April there was mutual interest between the Jets and free agent quarterback Mark Brunell, but the Jets couldn't sign Brunell because of the "Final Eight Plan."

But the Final Eight restriction (which says the eight teams that played in the divisional round of the playoffs can only sign as many unrestricted free agents as they lose) is lifted on July 22. And Brunell is likely to become a Jet after that.

Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports that there's a feeling around the Jets that it's only a matter of time before Brunell signs with the team. The Jets and Brunell can't actually agree to a contract right now, but the team may have quietly assured Brunell that he'll get an offer on July 22, and Brunell may be willing to wait until then.

So by the time training camp starts, Brunell may be the backup to Mark Sanchez, and Kellen Clemens may be the odd man out. Clemens, a 2006 second-round pick, has said he'd like to go somewhere else because he'd like to compete for a starting job. According to Cimini, Clemens knows the writing is on the wall for him in New York.

[Woodhead77]

Ahh I didnt see Jfaulk's post, Can a mod merge this?

[Cakes]

Here's to hoping Brunell has a similar season in 2010 as he did in 2009- have a steady grip of the clipboard through 15 games, start a meaningless game in Week 17, and then get a Super Bowl ring.

[abyzmul]

Here's to hoping Brunell has a similar season in 2010 as he did in 2009- have a steady grip of the clipboard through 15 games, start a meaningless game in Week 17, and then get a Super Bowl ring.

If anyone but Sanchez takes anything but minimal insignificant snaps in 2010, chances are our season is done before it started anyway.

[Cakes]

If anyone but Sanchez takes anything but minimal insignificant snaps in 2010, chances are our season is done before it started anyway.

Yeah, if Sanchez were to miss more than three games, the Jets would likely be in big trouble. Brunell's arm is almost shot at this point, but he's savvy enough to get them through a few weeks I think.

[RobA]

With all the pieces in place for a SB run, I would still feel confident in Mark Brunell having to manage this team if (god forbid) Sanchez goes down, way more confidence than in Clemens.

[JetLagInCa]

What was the last time we actually had a back-up QB you felt comfortable with? I can name you all the ones I NEVER cared for, with KC the most recent in chronologicial order.

[Steve032]

EDIT: nvm....

[JfaulkNYJ]

Brunell seems more of a coach to me at this point in his career. Recently he has been very open to his future in the NFL, and he has said he wants to coach.

I haven't seen the guy play/start seasons in 5 years I think. If Mark would go down I would be alot more comfortable with Marc Bulger stepping in though.

[Mr Electric]

Brunell seems more of a coach to me at this point in his career. Recently he has been very open to his future in the NFL, and he has said he wants to coach.

I haven't seen the guy play/start seasons in 5 years I think. If Mark would go down I would be alot more comfortable with Marc Bulger stepping in though.

Brunell started a game last year. It was a meaningless game, but he still started game.

The last time he was a first string quarterback was in 2006, when he started for Washington Redskins. He actually had pretty good stats, even though the Skins were horrible that year.

Marc Bulger has thrown more INTs than TDs in three straight seasons.

[GA Jets]

No doubt Ainge is a solid player. He has always looked solid to me and has great size for a QB. The depth chart would be great if the season opened up with 1. Sanchez 2. Brunell 3. Ainge (O'Connell and Clemens off the roster).

Completely agree:up:

[Mambo9]

I just so hope we don't keep 4 QBs this time around...! Goodye Clemens and O'connell...

[JfaulkNYJ]

Marc Bulger has thrown more INTs than TDs in three straight seasons.

Yeah with a pretty godawful team. No doubt he would have a better chance here.

[All Star]

Brunell has thrown 30 passes from 2007 through 2009.

Eh.

He doesn't excite me.

[Mr Electric]

Yeah with a pretty godawful team. No doubt he would have a better chance here.

In 2005, Brunell took the Redskins to the playoffs.

When's the last time Bulger's led a team to the playoffs? I'll tell you: 2004.

Don't blame the team. He was a big part of St. Louis' downfall.

The guy's become extremely overrated over his career. I'm looking at his stats right now - he had one very good season throughout his eight year career.

Brunell is more experienced and he takes better care of the football.

[Mr Electric]

Brunell has thrown 30 passes from 2007 through 2009.

Eh.

He doesn't excite me.

...jesus.

Do you guys know who Mark Sanchez is?

[abyzmul]

Brunell has thrown 30 passes from 2007 through 2009.

Eh.

He doesn't excite me.

He's not supposed to excite you. They want him as a mentor, not a quarterback. What's not to understand about this situation?

[JfaulkNYJ]

In 2005, Brunell took the Redskins to the playoffs.

When's the last time Bulger's led a team to the playoffs? I'll tell you: 2004.

Don't blame the team. He was a big part of St. Louis' downfall.

The guy's become extremely overrated over his career. I'm looking at his stats right now - he had one very good season throughout his eight year career.

Brunell is more experienced and he takes better care of the football.

Yeah your right. I just looked at each teams stats, Bulger, and Brunell's too.

[PinPointPenning10]

I'm not sure if Brunell has anything left if he actually had to play. I'd much rather go with Clemens in a game than Brunell.

[Mambo9]

He's not supposed to excite you. They want him as a mentor, not a quarterback. What's not to understand about this situation?

If they want him as a mentor and not as a player why don't they just bring him in as an assistant QB coach? He's not going to see the field anyways...

[abyzmul]

If they want him as a mentor and not as a player why don't they just bring him in as an assistant QB coach? He's not going to see the field anyways...

Maybe you should have asked Head Coach Rex Ryan during the video chat? Because he seems to know a fuckload more about it than you do, if he's waiting to bring Brunell in after July 22.

[Mambo9]

Maybe you should have asked Head Coach Rex Ryan during the video chat? Because he seems to know a fuckload more about it than you do, if he's waiting to bring Brunell in after July 22.

Why are you so pissed off? It's just an opinion! If he is actually brought in as a mentor and is actually interested in a coaching career wouldn't it make sense to make the switch now? After all he is already 40!

PS For what I know they could've offered him that and maybe he declined saying he still wants to play one more year... form a fan perspective it's all speculation anyways!

[dthomas53]

I would have preferred a righty. As dumb as that sounds.

[WhiteShoeWillis]

Maybe you should have asked Head Coach Rex Ryan during the video chat? Because he seems to know a fuckload more about it than you do, if he's waiting to bring Brunell in after July 22.

That was far too TBJF for my liking.

[NDmick]

I would have preferred a righty. As dumb as that sounds.
I actually get what you mean. It does make somewhat of a difference.

We need to stop acting like a backup QB is what is going to make or break the season. He might play one game. If he plays any more than that the season is usually lost.

Let's not get too crazy about this.

[RobA]

I actually get what you mean. It does make somewhat of a difference.

We need to stop acting like a backup QB is what is going to make or break the season. He might play one game. If he plays any more than that the season is usually lost.

Let's not get too crazy about this.

Key word is usually. I think the talent on this team is strong enough, that even if the unthinkable happens and Sanchez is lost for the an extended period of time, we could still make a very good run with a decent game manager at QB. I think Brunell fits that criteria.

[CatoTheElder]

I like Brunell if he doesn't have to actually play.

[ConcordeChops]

Let Brunell retire and sign him as a mentor. He won't know the playbook as a late-comer so he's not going to make a worthwhile second-stringer.

[abyzmul]

Why are you so pissed off? It's just an opinion! If he is actually brought in as a mentor and is actually interested in a coaching career wouldn't it make sense to make the switch now? After all he is already 40!

PS For what I know they could've offered him that and maybe he declined saying he still wants to play one more year... form a fan perspective it's all speculation anyways!

I'm pissed off? Tell, me, if having a mentor QB on the sidelines makes less sense than bringing in an extra QB coach, why do so many teams keep veterans on their roster to mentor young quarterbacks?

It's a locker room thing. I think having a veteran peer connect with a young QB will be effective on another level than simply adding another coach to the list. Sanchez, so far, has not had a peer QB to help get his head straight outside of Kellen Clemens. The Jets seem to want to give Mark every benefit they can to develop him.

[abyzmul]

That was far too TBJF for my liking.

Don't make me break out my Dolphins jersey... here in 2010.

[Jetfanmack]

Bulger also was throwing to Donnie Avery, Laurent Robinson, and Danny Amendola recently behind one of the worst offensive lines in football.

If both Bulger and Brunell are available July 22, I'd prefer Bulger as a quarterback. They'd be putting a lot of faith in Sanchez staying healthy.

If Sanchez goes down for a couple weeks, Brunell might be able to scratch out a win or two as quarterback just by handing the ball off and watching the defense work. Kind of like Clemens last year against Tampa Bay. But if Sanchez has an injury that knocks him out for the year, put in Ainge. Or O'Connell. Why did we trade for him again?

[Mr Electric]

Bulger also was throwing to Donnie Avery, Laurent Robinson, and Danny Amendola recently behind one of the worst offensive lines in football.

If both Bulger and Brunell are available July 22, I'd prefer Bulger as a quarterback. They'd be putting a lot of faith in Sanchez staying healthy.

If Sanchez goes down for a couple weeks, Brunell might be able to scratch out a win or two as quarterback just by handing the ball off and watching the defense work. Kind of like Clemens last year against Tampa Bay. But if Sanchez has an injury that knocks him out for the year, put in Ainge. Or O'Connell. Why did we trade for him again?

Brunell is the better game manager. That's all this team really needs if the running game and defense are going to be as good as everyone thinks.

[brothermoose]

I'm pissed off? Tell, me, if having a mentor QB on the sidelines makes less sense than bringing in an extra QB coach, why do so many teams keep veterans on their roster to mentor young quarterbacks?

It's a locker room thing. I think having a veteran peer connect with a young QB will be effective on another level than simply adding another coach to the list. Sanchez, so far, has not had a peer QB to help get his head straight outside of Kellen Clemens. The Jets seem to want to give Mark every benefit they can to develop him.

Can't underestimate the "Vinny off the couch" aspect he brings either.

Brunell is the better game manager. That's all this team really needs if the running game and defense are going to be as good as everyone thinks.
Precisely.

[sec314]

Cimini posted on his blog at 9pm tonight. Love him or hate him, he gives us the most info

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[Vorrecht]

GM Mike Tannenbaum on last Sunday night's dinner with NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson: "He showed up 15 minutes early. That told me a lot about him. Luckily, we (owner Woody Johnson and coach Rex Ryan) were 30 minutes early. He told us that he wakes up every day at 4:45 because he's totally committed to having a productive day. Listening to him, I kind of felt lazy."

If all I had to do was trade 5th rounders for Pro Bowlers, I'd feel pretty lazy, too. :beer:

[AbdulSalam]

Its great to have a mentor but somebody will have to be able to actually play QB if Sanchez goes down. Can Brunell still play QB? I'm not sure he's got much left.

[sec314]

Its great to have a mentor but somebody will have to be able to actually play QB if Sanchez goes down. Can Brunell still play QB? I'm not sure he's got much left.
Yes, # 1 is we need someone to play QB if Sanchez goes down, he needed a mentor last year more then this year. Everything we have done goes out the door if the QB goes down, we don't play the Bucs every week. Can Burnell play or is he just the best option at this point? Who knows, maybe one of the young backups would step up if needed. Bottom line, Clemens needs to be replace.d

[Barry the Baptist]

What was the last time we actually had a back-up QB you felt comfortable with? I can name you all the ones I NEVER cared for, with KC the most recent in chronologicial order.

Hey Pat Ryan won a playoff game :rofl:

[evojoe67]

I'd like to try, and dump off one of these guys O'Connel/Ainge too. All they are good for is running OTA practices.

If we're going to keep 4 QB's again i'd rather see us keep Ainge & O'Connel and rid ourselves of KC.
We already know what Clemens gives us and i believe Ainge has more upside and O'Connel is worth a longer look.

[mr nyjet]

im not a big fan of brunell...


they only want him because babe parilli wasn't interested.:mad::rofl:

[Coach K]

Between the Jets having Gannon counseling Sanchez and targeting Brunell for a mentor on the sideline, I like the moves that they are making to try to develop Sanchez.

:up::up::up:

yeah they are finally going the extra mile. even more exciting with all the reports of Sanchez putting in Peyton Manning like hours at the facility with film and going over the book with Schotty.

loving it

[SackExchange82]

I never liked Brunell to much, but we need a backup & I guess Vinny's not coming back out of retirement again so what the hell right?

[ajetsfan4ever]

m.bulger.....

[Chrebet86]

I like Brunell, and think Sanchez can bennefit from having him on the sidelines...definitely a step up at the least.

[Le Tricolore]

I've always thought he was pretty mediocre, but he'd make for a great backup for Sanchez, methinks.

[IrishSteveZ]

im not a big fan of brunell...

Tell that to a Saints fan and they'll give you 20+ reasons why you should be. He did wonders for Drew Brees.

[abyzmul]

m.bulger.....

... sucks.

[Chrebet86]

He did wonders for Drew Brees.

Did he? I remember Brees kickin ass before he left San Diego. Not saying Brunell didnt show Brees anything, but Brees was definitely a top qb in the league at the end there in San Diego.

[MikeHoncho]

Anybody not in favor of bringing him in.. just know it's not to play, it's to just help Sanchez develop. If Sanchez goes down for an extended period of time we are screwed any way you slice it, whether it's Brunell or Clemens.

[Chrebet86]

I like Sanchez and we are better with him, but i think this team can win with a QB who can hand the ball off and makes good decisions, i dont think we'd be screwed.

[JetBlue]

Tell that to a Saints fan and they'll give you 20+ reasons why you should be. He did wonders for Drew Brees.

Brees was great in San Diego and great in New Orleans long before Brunell backed him up since 2008. the idea that Brunell is even somehow remotely responsible for Bress' success is asinine.

[WhiteShoeWillis]

m.bulger.....

What is A. Cromarties 2009 opposing QB rating?

[abyzmul]

What is A. Cromarties 2009 opposing QB rating?

Wasn't it 70% or close to it?

[WhiteShoeWillis]

Wasn't it 70% or close to it?

I was playing jeopardy. Bulger had somewhere between a 70 and 74 qb rating last season. Cro had a 72 rating against.

[abyzmul]

I was playing jeopardy. Bulger had somewhere between a 70 and 74 qb rating last season. Cro had a 72 rating against.

I figured that's what you were doing. I hate Marc Bulger. He looks like a shrew.