They paid him that money (and more because he had a guaranteed 20 mil) for the first two years but declined to finish the contract and pay him (I think) 7.5 for the third year. Here is his Jets contract: http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/arizona-cardinals/alan-faneca/. btw he only got about 3.5 from the Cardinals to play for them in 2010. He retired after that and is living comfortably thanks mostly to Mike Tannenbaum. He was a very good player but most GMs don't pay that kind of money for guards.
He was worse in 1 season w/ the Cardinals then with the Jets in either season. Regardless, he had great impact on the team and was again worth every penny when he was with us. Veteran leadership, anchored the run game.
Look the Jets had their best year under Rex in 2010 as did Sanchez: without Faneca. Every year teams have to cut players and change their rosters. Esp. huge contracts. Their evaluation of Faneca was that he wasn't still good enough to pay that kind of money. They also cut Thomas Jones after the 2009 season. So they went in a different direction and for one year it worked. But you're right Faneca was a good player.
This still does not take away Faneca and his impact on both Brick and Mangold. At the end of the day, he was worth the cash. Majority of this board tends to undervalue the G position, maybe you (along with others) will realize that this season when Suh / Kyle Williams / Dareus is tearing up our interior line because our guards are garbage.
I have a feeling Mathis isn't as good as many make him out to be. At least not this juncture in his career
I voted no because of the money he wants which obviously accede his worth or else somebody would have jumped at him by now. If he sits long enough and is willing to sign an incentive laden make good type contract... my vote would change.
