Jets add to defense, but questions linger

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At the end of a big day in the NFL yesterday that saw numerous quarterbacks change teams, the Jets were left with the following: free-agent defensive end Kimo von Oelhoffen and a number of questions.

Specifically:

# Does the signing of von Oelhoffen mean John Abraham's days on the Jets are numbered?

# What is the plan at quarterback now that the Jets' top free-agent target, Jon Kitna, has signed with the Lions?

First, the defensive line.

Von Oelhoffen, a 35-year-old who had 35 tackles and three sacks for the world champion Steelers last season, signed a three-year, $9.2 million deal that included a $3.2 million signing bonus.

A former nose tackle, von Oelhoffen had 25 1/2 sacks in six seasons with the Steelers and his versatility should be a good fit in the Jets' new 3-4 alignment.

"Kimo is excited," said Mark Bartelstein, his agent.

So is Abraham ... about the possibility of leaving.

Abraham visited Seattle yesterday and is expected to visit Cleveland or Atlanta later this week. He already has visited Washington, and Denver also has expressed interest.

Abraham, who is seeking a long-term deal, is eager to leave. But since he is a franchise player, not a free agent, it will be difficult. A trade must be worked out with the Jets.

"The interest has been strong," said Tony Agnone, who represents Abraham along with Rich Rosa. "It's a complicated deal because we're dealing with three teams and we want to make everybody happy. That makes it more difficult."

Sort of like figuring out the Jets' quarterback plan.

When word got out yesterday that Kitna was headed to the Lions, the Jets put in a call to Josh McCown, a free agent who played in Arizona last season. McCown, however, isn't interested.

This leaves the Jets with a number of options, including:

# Wait on Patrick Ramsey. Washington is believed to be seeking a fourth-round pick for its backup QB; the Jets are said to be offering no better than a seventh-round pick.

# Sign Kerry Collins. He's on the market and familiar with the area.

# Draft Vanderbilt quarterback Jay Cutler with their fourth pick overall and groom him for the future.

# Attempt to trade up into the Saints slot at No. 2 and draft Matt Leinert. The Saints, who signed free agent Drew Brees yesterday, are willing to trade down but likely would ask for the Jets' No. 4 pick along with their second- or third-round pick in a deal.

No matter what they do, the salary cap should not be an issue. The Jets are a healthy $13.18 million under the cap, though a final resolution with Abraham will impact that number.

Notes: As expected, the Jets signed Patriots LB Matt Chatham, a special teamer, to a four-year deal. ... TE Jerame Tuman (Steelers), WR Antonio Chatman (Packers) and LB Zak Keasey (49ers) visited yesterday. ... Broncos DT Monsanto Pope is scheduled to visit today. ... The Jets are hoping to bring in Pats LB Willie McGinest, who was scheduled to meet with the Browns last night. ... Ex-Jets C Kevin Mawae signed with the Titans (four years, $13 million). ... Ex-Jets LT Jason Fabini will visit New England and Buffalo this week.