A day of big changes for Jets CLINK FOR LINK Thursday, February 23, 2006 By RANDY LANGE STAFF WRITER The Jets appear to be in the process of gutting their offense, but they definitely want to leave some pillars in place. As a result, Curtis Martin and the team reached agreement Wednesday on a reworked contract that will keep the future Hall of Fame tailback with the team for at least two more years. And a consequence of Martin's "taking one for the team," getting less money (terms of the deal weren't released) and a reduced role in the offense is this: It could ratchet up the pressure on quarterback Chad Pennington to do the same. "I have never been afraid to take a chance on myself," Martin said through the Jets. "I feel it's important to put the goals of the team ahead of individual goals, and I have restructured my contract to allow us the opportunity to be more competitive as we move forward. "I have a chip on my shoulder because last season was not what we wanted. I'm looking forward to coming back stronger and healthier and I'm thrilled it's with the Jets." After this past season ended, Martin instructed agent Eugene Parker and the Jets to avoid an "ugly situation" and quietly rework the remaining years of the eight-year, $46 million extension that he signed in August 2002. Pennington finds himself in much the same boat, although a more public one than his backfield mate of the past six seasons. Word quickly got out last week that Tom Condon, Pennington's agent, rejected a Jets request to turn $8 million in base salary and bonuses into incentives this season. Now Condon and general manager Mike Tannenbaum will meet at the Indianapolis combine workouts, perhaps as soon as today, to try to find a middle ground. And the Jets and their fans are eager to see if Pennington, like Martin, will absorb a pay cut and quite possibly a reduced role as he continues to strengthen his right shoulder for the good of the team under new coach Eric Mangini. "This puts a tremendous amount of pressure on Chad," one NFL source said, adding it wasn't clear whether Pennington and Condon were closer to accepting a new deal or asking for the QB's release. It wouldn't be fair to link Pennington and Martin too closely. Suffice it to say that Tannenbaum and Mangini continue to be impressed by Martin, the fourth-leading rusher in NFL history, whom they first worked with when Tannenbaum helped pry him away from the Patriots as a restricted free agent in 1998. "Curtis is willing to sacrifice in all areas of the arena for the New York Jets," Tannenbaum said. And Mangini, two days after saying of Martin's upcoming role only that "he's going to be in the competition for the running back spot," praised him as "one of the fiercest and most determined athletes in the game." While Martin will return and Pennington may, the Jets announced the first seven players from last year's nightmare season who will not. Cornerback Ty Law and the team mutually agreed not to exercise the contract options for the next three seasons and to part ways. This expected move saves the Jets $11 million under their salary cap. Also, Jay Fiedler, who took 17 snaps under center as the quarterback of his hometown team before dislocating his right shoulder right after Pennington re-tore his rotator cuff in Game 3, was released. The releases of fullback Jerald Sowell and offensive tackle Jason Fabini were made official, and the Jets also whacked defensive tackle Lance Legree, linebacker Barry Gardner and virtually unused seventh-round wide receiver Harry Williams Jr. Our Gang comedy Key Jets who are going, staying or are otherwise "in play" in the coming weeks: Already gone CB Ty Law: Last season's 10 interceptions couldn't overcome $11M in cap relief. QB Jay Fiedler: He'll never get to enjoy playing for his hometown team. FB Jerald Sowell/OT Jason Fabini: Will they wind up with the Patriots? Staying put RB Curtis Martin: Contract, carries reduced, but still in the mix. WR Laveranues Coles: Restructuring in progress but still a major factor. OT Adrian Jones: One of the few who may still be standing on the O-line. On the bubble QB Chad Pennington: Will he want to stay and play behind a gutted OL? DE John Abraham: Franchise-tagged and likely to be traded nearer draft. G Pete Kendall/C Kevin Mawae: One of these over-30 linemen is sure to go. -- Randy Lange
