This afternoon Mike T was on the Afternoon Blitz on Sirius NFL Radio. Here are the highlights that I can remember: - Very pleased with rookies like Mangold, Brad Smith (especially) and Leon Washington (he probably mentioned D'brick, but I tuned in late). - Likes having the cap space, but that does not mean the Jets are going on a massive spending spree. - The team will take a systematic approach to the offseason. They'll take advantage of any and all "opportunities" that present themself from the beginning of free agency through the first game of the season (sited Kendall and Testaverde as examples of late pickups that made big contributions). - (In response to a question about going after restricted FAs...like Turner) Likes having 4 first day picks. Provides flexibility. Wouldn't be afraid of giving up draft picks if they felt the value was there. - Non-committal on a contract renewal for Cotch. Played it coy by saying that they are really pleased with Cotchery and if the opportunity presents itself the Jets would like to resign him to a reasonable contract (I read this as MT saying they don't intend to overpay for him). - Said the Jets will be players in free agency, but they will not overpay for players. - Team parted ways with Barlow on good terms. Wanted to give Barlow an opportunity to explore free agency. Would not rule out resigning Barlow under a different contract structure. - Really pleased with Clemens work ethic. - Thinks Pennington, Schott and Mangini are completely on the same page. Thinks another full offseason of Penny with BS will be fruitful. - Assured the hosts that the Jets will be well prepared when free agency begins. "We have a plan" I came away super impressed. MT came across as VERY smart. Exuded confidence. Gave insightful answers. Seemed to have an in depth understanding of the current players on the roster as well as players from around the league. My expectations for this offseason have just been ratcheted up! DbJ
I need to get satelite radio. I wonder if there is a link somewhere. Thanks for the post DBJ! I am getting more and more confident in our FO
I heard it also....He really got me pumped up about the offseason, knowing that they have a plan but will not go crazy. Can't wait to see what happens in the next week or so.
Yeah I heard him. I was extremely impressed. In fact, I don't know if I've ever heard a better player/coach interview on Sirius in over a year. He sounded very smart, well-spoken and friendly. He answered every question directly and had great things to say about Brad Smith when asked about him.
nice to hear clemens is working hard. i hope not over paying doesnt mean were gonna be low balling guys.. than were gonna struggle signing guys like last year.. dont know about you guys but i would of love to have had ted washington in th middle of the season last year.
Thanks for the recap guys. Really appreciate it a lot. Haven't heard much of him this offseason, so I'm glad I got something from the horse's mouth.
Oh...just remembered. He said they will make a decision on Ramsey, one way or another, very soon because he is due a roster bonus. Did not give a definitive answer that he will be cut.
good deal...im curious how much the bonus is? i wouldnt mind seeing ramsey cut he isnt the answer...and the future is clemens worst possible scenario it would be fun to watch brad smith run around in a lost season
I think they should make Clemens the clear cut 2nd stringer and cut Ramsey. No need to keep him on as a 3rd. Maybe we could sign someone to be a 3rd cheap. I really hope Mike Tannenbaum is interested in Michael Turner. This kid would be exciting...he and Leon would form a nasty duo.
If they cut Ramsey, they have to get a QB to replace him. That means there must be a better and/or more affordable veteran QB out there. I'm not really seeing any of those middle-of-the-pack veteran QBs in free agency this year. I don't like Ramsey at all - he's pretty much a lost cause. But I don't see any good alternatives either.
Ramsey was at one point a 3rd string QB last season...I think we should make Clemens the starter and just sign a cheap 3rd stringer.
not necessarily...obviously as a team thats been 3 or 4 qbs deep before i would think we pick up a young guy or vet for a minimum contract, but the fact that clemens will be the #2 and that brad smith plays some qb for us already gives us 2 1/2 qbs w/o ramsey which is enough for most teams...just maybe not a team that was so unlucky 2 years ago
I dunno if you're interested, but here is an offer for Sirius, and you get the radio free. http://x.azjmp.com/0NJ9T It's a link from my website, but it will take you to the site for Sirius membership/free radio.
No friggin way. Brad Smith is an emergency option at QB. Ramsey sucks but he's a better QB than Brad Smith. Granted we haven't seen what Brad Smith can do as a QB but I'm willing to bet Ramsey is still better. If the Jets only have two QBs and then Brad Smith they are asking for a situation like what happened in Herm's last season. Don't forget that Chad is still brittle. The Jets need insurance.
This is all pretty moot though as I am almost certain the Kellen Clemens will earn the backup job. Having a good 3rd stringer isn't necessarily a priority...we will be able to fill that position and save money.
It really sounds like he left a "would trade a pick for value" in there to imply that if they REALLY like a restricted FA or player enough to give up first day value. Sounds a little like something about Turner...
I am listening to the replay of yesterdays show and Adam Shine said that when he mentioned Turner to MT, "his eyes lit up".
Great post, best I've read since the Jets offseason began. Interesting comment about MT reaction to Turner. Couple that with the fact that he said they'll take advantage of all opprotunities that present themselves and who knows. Should be an interesting offseason.
