Your New York Sports Blog

"The free-agent signing period begins in two weeks. From what I hear, the Jets, with more than $20 million in salary-cap room, plan to be aggressive. They don’t have to worry about losing any core players, as their list of unrestricted free agents is rather modest. Suffice it to say, there wasn’t any discussion inside Weeb Ewbank Hall on whether any of the following players deserved the franchise tag.

The free agents:

LB Victor Hobson - The former second-round pick is a solid starter, but there are strong indications that he will hit the open market. The Jets haven’t shown much interest in re-signing him, and Hobson really wants to test the waters. He’s not a top-tier free agent, but he could score a decent contract once the first wave clears. His chances of returning to the Jets appear unlikely. The Chargers and Chiefs could be potential landing spots.

FS Erik Coleman - The Jets have shown “no interest” in re-signing Coleman, according to a source, so he definitely will hit the open market. As a rookie in 2004, Coleman was a bright spot, looking like a longtime starter. Once Eric Mangini arrived in 2006, it became apparent that Coleman wasn’t his type of safety. The Chiefs could be a suitor.

CB Hank Poteat - He’ll have a place in the league as long as Mangini is coaching. The journeyman actually did a decent job last season, starting nine games and recording two interceptions - the first two of his career. He’s the new version of Otis Smith - smart and coachable. Look for him to re-sign for the minimum salary, plus a modest signing bonus. That’s another thing the Jets like about him - cheap labor.

TE Sean Ryan - He disappeared last season, playing in only 10 games with three catches. They used the No. 2 tight end as more of an H-back, moving around the formation, and that didn’t suit Ryan. He’ll probably move on. The former Cowboy could be reunited with Bill Parcells in Miami.

C Wade Smith - His biggest ally, line coach Tony Wise, is gone. That hurts Smith’s chances of returning, but his versatility helps. He can play center, guard and tackle. Clearly, he’s just a minimum-salary player.

QB Marques Tuiasosopo - It could be one-and-done for Tui, who carried the clipboard for the entire season. He’ll be nothing more than the No. 3 guy in New York, even if Chad Pennington isn’t back. Look for him to move on."

(Pictures added by me)