JETS READY TO GO SHOPPING (QB Still the target at #4 )

hydro51 · Mar 11, 2006

JETS READY TO GO SHOPPING

By MARK CANNIZZARO
JOHN ABRAHAM Door is open. Photo: WireImage JOHN ABRAHAM
Door is open.

http://www.nypost.com/sports/jets/65063.htm

March 11, 2006 -- With Chad Pennington signed to a newly restructured contract that'll keep him in New York for at least another year, the Jets' focus turns toward helping rebuild their depleted team in free agency, which finally begins today.

With the new collective-bargaining agreement, the 2006 salary cap moves to a more palatable $102 million and $109 million in 2007. That's good news for the Jets in their attempts to move franchised DE John Abraham in a trade as well as opening the opportunity to make a significant move or two in free agency. Denver is believed to be very interested.

Early indications are that the Jets, who are poised to trade for Redskin QB Patrick Ramsey for a fifth-round pick in this year's draft and as possible conditional pick in 2007, are seeking a starting-caliber left tackle.

Former Titan Pro Bowl LT Brad Hopkins has already visited, though he has several other visits planned.

Atop the Jets' wish at tackle is Atlanta free agent Kevin Shaffer, who's got youth and talent. The Jets' interest in a tackle could also include former Patriot Tom Ashworth, though he's not a LT anchor type.

After replacing released center Kevin Mawae, the Jets might look at Miami's Seth McKinney, who was coached by Jet OL coach Tony Wise.

At the moment, the only experienced linemen on the Jets' roster are veteran G/C Pete Kendall, T Adrian Jones (one year starting) and G Brandon Moore (two years starting).

At quarterback, before consummating the deal with Washington, the Jets might take a look at Bengal backup Jon Kitna, who was successful as a starter the year before No. 1 draft pick Carson Palmer was handed the reins two seasons ago.

Other quarterbacks the Jets may look at include Arizona's Josh McCown and Miami backup Sage Rosenfels.

Another free agent to keep an eye on is Denver TE Jeb Putzier, whom they coveted last offseason, making an offer to sign him as a restricted free agent before Denver opted to sign him back.

With the Jets having scheduled private workouts with USC QB Matt Leinart and Texas QB Vince Young, there are strong indications that they'll make a move for one of the top collegiate QBs with their No. 4 overall pick.

The Jets are believed to be coveting Vanderbilt's Jay Cutler.

*

Abraham will visit four teams next week, hoping to work out a deal for a trade, his agent told the AP yesterday. Agent Rich Rosa knocked down speculation that Abraham is close to a deal with Denver, not specifying what teams were interested in the three-time Pro Bowl selection.

mark.cannizzaro@nypost.com
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Ten · Mar 11, 2006

Keep Jones at LT.

hydro51 · Mar 11, 2006

Jets wait on Ramsey; Broncs after Abraham

Jets wait on Ramsey; Broncs after Abraham

BY RICH CIMINI
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/story/398666p-337854c.html

The Jets began the free-agency signing period at 12:01 this morning with two hot items on their agenda - Patrick Ramsey and John Abraham.

Searching for a starting-caliber quarterback, the Jets remain involved in trade talks for Ramsey, a Redskins backup, but it apparently will take a few days before Ramsey's destination is known. The Jets have made an offer, believed to be a seventh-round pick in next month's draft, but the Redskins are holding out for a fourth-rounder or better.

Ramsey, who has permission from the Redskins to speak with other teams, is drawing interest around the league and he's expected to visit the Dolphins next week. Ramsey, 27, huddled with Jets officials three days ago at Weeb Ewbank Hall.

The Jets will continue to explore other options at quarterback. The two free agents atop their list are the Bengals' Jon Kitna and the Cards' Josh McCown. When last season ended, the Jets, looking to acquire competition for the injury-plagued Chad Pennington, had identified Ramsey and McCown as their top targets.

Meanwhile, the trade market for Abraham is heating up. The disgruntled defensive end, a free agent with the franchise tag, is generating interest from the Broncos, Seahawks, Falcons and Browns, according to a person familiar with the situation.

As of yesterday afternoon, Abraham's representatives hadn't opened negotiations with any teams, the person said, but they were involved in discussions. The Broncos appear to be the front-runner. They need an outside pass rusher, and they also have the ammunition to pull off the trade. The Jets are seeking a first-round pick, and Denver has two - the 22nd and 29th choices.

Before a trade can be executed, Abraham, who is expected to start visiting those teams in the coming days, would have to agree to a long-term contract with the interested team.

He's believed to be seeking $18 million in guarantees. The Jets, refusing to give Abraham the deal he covets, have been shopping him since the scouting combine last month.

In another free agency development, former Jets center Kevin Mawae, who visited the Dolphins Wednesday, has attracted another divisional rival - the Patriots. One league source said Mawae already has made a secret visit to Foxboro
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hydro51 · Mar 11, 2006

Jets to meet with QB Kitna

Jets to meet with QB Kitna
Saturday, March 11, 2006
BY DAVE HUTCHINSON
Star-Ledger Staff
http://www.nj.com/jets/ledger/index.ssf?/base/sports-0/1142059188143910.xml&coll=1

Although talks between the Jets and Redskins have heated up regarding a trade for quarterback Patrick Ramsey, the Jets are tentatively scheduled to have Bengals quarterback Jon Kitna in for a visit next week, according to someone with knowledge of the team's thinking.

The Jets, who are believed to be roughly $15 million under the $102 million salary cap, are said to be offering a mid- to late-round pick for Ramsey, possibly a fifth-rounder, and/or a conditional 2007 pick that could be as high as a third-round selection depending on Ramsey's playing time.

Ramsey, who visited the Jets on Wednesday, is a former first-round pick who has struggled in Washington. Only 27, he would compete with Chad Pennington for the starting job if signed. He has one more year at $1.68 million on his contract.

Kitna, 33, is a proven veteran who has been on the Jets' radar for quite a while. He's expected to visit Detroit this weekend.

As free agency hits today, the Jets have been low-key. However, they might try to make a big splash and go after either left tackle Kevin Shaffer (Falcons) or center LeCharles Bentley (Saints), a pair of big-ticket items who would help solidify the offensive line.

Meanwhile, the agents for Jets Pro Bowl defensive end John Abraham said yesterday that their client plans to go on tour next week, visiting three or possibly four teams in an effort to find a new home.

Abraham, who has been slapped with the franchise tag ($8.3 million) but has requested and will be granted a trade, will visit Denver, Washington, Seattle and perhaps Oakland or Atlanta.

The Jets are believed to be seeking a first-round pick for Abraham. Denver, with a pair of first-round picks (22nd and 29th), appear to be the front-runners. The free-spending Redskins don't have a first-round pick.

Abraham, 27, is said to be seeking a long-term deal that includes roughly $18 million guaranteed.

"We've said all along that John is going to keep all of his options open," said Rich Rosa, who represents Abraham along with Tony Agnone. "John is going to pick the team he wants to play for and see if the Jets can make a deal with that team."

In another development, S Tebucky Jones has visited the Jets. Also, the club might pursue former Patriots LB Willie McGinest.
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hydro51 · Mar 11, 2006

Abraham deal in the works?

Abraham deal in the works?
BY KEN BERGER
STAFF WRITER
http://www.newsday.com/sports/footb...658383mar11,0,178376.story?coll=ny-jets-print
March 11, 2006

Pursuing his desire to be traded right at the outset of free agency, John Abraham will visit four teams interested in a sign-and-trade deal with the Jets in the coming days, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.

The plan is for Abraham to visit the Broncos, Seahawks, Falcons and Browns, said the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity. The Jets have two weeks to work out a trade before Abraham loses his right to negotiate with other teams as per his franchise player designation.

PC Richard & Sons
Although the person said speculation that the Jets and Broncos were close to a deal Friday was premature, there have been strong indications in recent days that Denver has emerged as the front-runner.

As a prelude to trading Abraham, the Jets would sign him to a long-term contract negotiated between his agents and the team that is acquiring him. Once the contract is signed, Abraham would have to be traded the same day. That way, the signing bonus would not accelerate against the Jets' salary cap. Instead, the money would be prorated against his new team's cap.

As free agency opened Saturday, the Jets were weighing their options at quarterback. They were said to be considering several alternatives to trading for the Redskins' Patrick Ramsey, including Sage Rosenfels, Jon Kitna and Josh McCown. The team also is expected to seek help at offensive tackle - Brad Hopkins, Tom Ashworth and Kevin Shaffer are possibilities - nose tackle, linebacker and defensive line.
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vilmatic · Mar 11, 2006

nice - all my articles in one thread, helpfully highlighted. You're hired.

tpjets62 · Mar 11, 2006

vilmatic said:

nice - all my articles in one thread, helpfully highlighted. You're hired.
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I'll second that!!

RobA · Mar 11, 2006

Ten said:

Keep Jones at LT.
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Yeah, no need to replace a servicable LT who is young and cheap. He can only improve.

DonnieIsTheKing · Mar 11, 2006

Ten said:

Keep Jones at LT.
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Agreed. If we sign Sage Rosenfels I might have to cry.

PennyandtheJets · Mar 11, 2006

RobA said:

Yeah, no need to replace a servicable LT who is young and cheap. He can only improve.
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How do you know he can only improve?

DonnieIsTheKing · Mar 11, 2006

PennyandtheJets said:

How do you know he can only improve?
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He's 25 years old and has started one year in the NFL. He was also a TE for his first 2 years in college and is just starting to get used to blocking on every down.

JETS READY TO GO SHOPPING (QB Still the target at #4 )

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