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JetsBlog:
A source has been telling beat reporters that the team has has hired former Director of Pro Personnel from the Eagles, Scott Cohen, into a new role with the Jets. The new role that the team has created for Cohen is that of Assistant General Manager

Bio of Scott Cohen:

Scott Cohen works closely with general manager Tom Heckert in assessing players on NFL rosters for potential free agents and trades, players available during the season, as well as players in other pro leagues (Arena League and CFL). He also provides advance scouting reports for most NFC opponents in addition to managing the pro scouting department and handling player tryouts.
With his background in college scouting, Cohen has been involved each year in evaluating players for the draft as well as being involved in draft day trades, projecting other team’s needs and selections. He has also negotiated contracts for undrafted and future free agents.

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The NY Post had this to say about the Chris Baker situation:

"When the Jets New York Jets made their aggressive trade-up move into the first round Saturday to draft tight end Dustin Keller, it left many people around the league scratching their heads in bewilderment. Count Jets starting tight end Chris Baker Chris Baker as one of them. ["I'm angry about the fact that they said, 'We're going to do something for you,' and nothing's being done," Baker told The Post. "It doesn't make any sense. I've been here six years and I've always done what they've asked me to do."]

Brian Bassett of TheJetsBlog makes a strong case for the Jets to keep Baker and that some of their success rests with him.

In other Jet's news they cut two runningbacks Joe Kowalewski and Stacy Tut.

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Jets signed:
RB - Jehuu Caulcrick
RB - Danny Woodhead
DE - Bryan Mattison

Giants signed:
WR- D.J. Hall
S - Nehemiah Warrick
DE - Antonio Reynolds
OT - Dylan Thiry
OT - Carnell Stewart
OG - Andrew Bain
OT - Glenn Bujnoch
DE - Wallace Gilberry

... The couple that stand out to be are D.J. Hall, Nehemiah Warrick, Wallace Gilberry, Danny Woodhead, and Jehuu Caulcrick. Gilberry could have gone in the 6th/7th round, Woodhead is FAST, strong, and seems to want to prove people wrong for being put down for his height (5'7) , Warrick is a big safety who was pretty highly thought of and actually has a chance to do something.

Tomorrow I will be doing a Giants draft review.

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1. Vernon Gholston, DE/OLB 6th Overall
This is one of those picks that is a high risk, high reward. Gholston is a complete physical BEAST. One of the best combines of all players, however, his only downgrade is his inconsistency. On some of his tape he looks like he can be the top player in the draft and on some tapes he looks like his name could be Rob Jackson. The way some scouts put it is his plays like he takes full games off and not just plays. If Mangini can get him to play every play like it's the last or at least 75% of plays this could become something real special. With one of the Jet's biggest needs coming into the off-season being to get more pressure on QB's and being a guy who loves projection I will give this;
GRADE: A-.

2. Dustin Keller, TE, 30th Overall
This is the pick I hated with a passion. Not so much by who they picked because the Jets did need a tight end, but the way they went about it was all wrong. If someone can please tell me why it would be great because I was curious as to why the Jets felt they had to trade up to get him? They moved up 7 spots to get him, gave up an extra pick, when they could have taken him 36th because there were no teams who were going to take him. On Keller's talent he is very skilled, fast, and has great athleticism for a tight end, but you would think especially the Jets would be weary of taking a tight end in the 1st round.
Grade: C+

3. Dwight Lowery, CB, 113th overall
This is a kid with a great instincts who knows how to play the game of football. He does not have great speed, but good speed, knows how to read a play, closes quickly, and has good leaping ability. His biggest knock is that he plays for a DI-A and is projected to struggle with pro wide receivers.
Grade: B-

4. Erik Ainge, QB, 162nd Overall
Before the 2007 season I thought Ainge would have went much higher. He fell, however, and the Jets should be glad. In terms of value this has to be a great pick. Ainge is a big kid, but does not have great arm strength and is a younger, healthier Chad Pennignton. He has good accuracy and is a good "game manager" who will lead you down the field with short crisp passes. The only thing that is negative about this pick is Andre Woodson was still available who is a good quarterback and has the potential to be much better.
Grade: B

5. Marcus Henry, WR, 171st Overall
They needed a wideout, they got a wideout, it was just too late in the draft. Henry is a big man at 6'4, but likes the speed and hands to make it as a good wide receiver in the NFL. I am not expecting much from him, but hopefully he proves me wrong.
Grade: C

6. Nate Garner, OT, 211th Overall
ESPN:

"Garner is big enough to engulf defensive ends and he can drive defenders off the ball. He is a far better run-blocker than pass-blocker."

Grade: D


...Overall I like what the Jets did grabbing a great pass-rusher, a quarterback, cornerback, and tight end. They would have been better off keeping the 4th round pick where they could have drafted a better wide receiver their draft would have been so much better. Overall it's still a good draft.
Grade: B

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NY Times:

"Now, for the first time, the selling of personal seat licenses is a real possibility in the New York area. Jets and Giants executives are considering using them at the $1.6 billion stadium they are building in New Jersey, which is scheduled to open in 2010. Although any decisions are months away and team officials are reluctant to discuss details publicly, sports business analysts and others around the N.F.L. said they expected to see the teams sell licenses.
Personal seat licenses are like taxi medallions or a seat on a financial exchange. Buying one entitles the fan to have first call on the purchase of a season ticket. Fans can re-sell and buy licenses among themselves or online, with the value pegged to the local market and win-loss dynamics."

Any way you think of it you were probably going to have to pay that money anyway. Even if they idea of seat licenses sounds funny or strange it is either the license or extra money on the ticket. So either way you were going to pay the money.

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T-Rock's Tackle:
"As you might have guessed just by the amount of time this thing is taking, the trade talks between the Jets and Broncos are starting to peter out. They're not RIP yet and could be resumed at any time, but nothing seems imminent. Why? A couple reasons from what I'm hearing out west. First of all, Robertson did fail his physical with the Broncos, but the team was willing to overlook the medical evidence based on the fact that Robertson hasn't missed any games the last few years. They were also willing to overlook it because they are a bit desperate for defensive line help. The other reason is money."

Well this is not the news that we were hoping to hear. Now that you can't even give this guy away the Jets may just have to cut him. There was some noise about them thinking about bringing him back for the season, but he we need to re work his deal and if he is not willing to do so with the Broncos(to a reasonable price) why would he for the Jets? Right now there is the best chance they release him from the team.

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Newark Star Ledger:
"The Jets and the representatives for unhappy wide receiver Laveranues Coles are close to hammering out a compromise in a contract stalemate that would result in the veteran reporting to the team's voluntary offseason workouts later this week or early next week, according to someone familiar with the ongoing negotiations. It's unclear what type of agreement the Jets and Coles are nearing, but the person characterized it as a "win-win" for both sides. Coles, 30, has said that the organization lied to him for the past two seasons about giving him a long-term contract. He has threatened to stay away until the start of training camp in July."

The Jets have to sign Coles and keep him happy. Wide receiver is their biggest need after helping the O and D lines this off season and outside of Coles and Jerricho Cotchery they virtually have no one with their next best wide out being Brad Smith or on some occasions Leon Washington.

In other Jets news:

• Jets DT Dewayne Robertson was in Denver for a physical last week. Trade talks are ongoing, so Robertson must've tested well. The former No. 4 overall pick has missed three total games since entering the NFL in 2003
• WR Troy Brown met with the Jets on Monday, but it's unclear how high their level of interest is as well. Brown is 36 and hardly played at all last season.

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Newsday:

"The Jets have agreed to terms with former Packers TE Bubba Franks, an NFL source has told the Daily News. Franks, a three-time Pro Bowler, is coming off one of his least productive seasons. But he provides depth, backing up Chris Baker. The Jets focused on Franks after failing to sign Colts TE Ben Utecht last week."

Good signing for the Jets. Bubba Franks is a great tight end and is someone who is very reliable. I really like and respect Bubba Franks he is an amazing tight end who will be a great second option for the Jets if Chris Baker is to get injured.

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ESPN:
"Law, who had 10 interceptions for the Jets in 2005, visited with his former team on Wednesday, according to multiple reports.

Newsday is reporting the Jets have strong interest in Law (Jets coach Eric Mangini was Law's position coach in New England), but the veteran cornerback doesn't want to sign with New York until he finds out if returning to the Patriots might also be an option.

Law, 34, was released by the Chiefs in late February."

I guess this all depends on if they land Foxworth or not. Even though they said Foxworth will not be in the deal they also said he was going to sign a long term contract. I really can't see Robertson being dealt to the Broncos without Foxworth being in the deal, but only time will tell. If I were the Jets I would much rather have Foxworth.

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Tom Rock's Newsday Blog:
"Just heard from a source who said that while the Jets and Broncos are back at the table talking about a trade involving Dewayne Robertson -- even with the tumult in the Denver front office -- the deal does not include CB Domonique Foxworth. In fact, I'm hearing that the Broncos are closing in on signing Foxworth to the kind of long-term contract he's seeking, so he probably won't be signing his letters "Disgruntled in Denver" for much longer

A post or so ago we reported that Domonique Foxworth is working with the Broncos on a long-term extension, info we got from a source. Well, just got off the phone with someone with far greater knowledge of the situation who said: "Nope."
Turns out the Broncos and the cornerback aren't talking about an extension or a long-term deal. The good news is that the part about the Jets and Broncos discussing D-Rob is on the mark, and for Jets fans, that's the most important part."

Don't know if Foxworth signing a contract means he will be in the deal. Because other than him (and draft picks) I can't see anyone the Jets would need being traded to them. Maybe Dre Bly? Other than that I can't see anyone that the Jets need being close to value for Robertson or trade able for Denver (Marshall, Cutler, Williams, Bailey)

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Palm Beach Post:

Running back Jesse Chatman won’t be back with the Dolphins. He has signed a one-year contract to play with the AFC East rival Jets. Financial terms weren’t disclosed.
Chatman visited the Jets last week and felt at home with offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, whom he worked with in San Diego.

A few things I understand about this deal:

1. It is most likely for the league minimum
   
2. It was to add depth to the running back situation
3. If Darren McFadden falls to them it WILL NOT effect if they draft him

Solid pickup, it's always good to have depth (i.e. see the Giants last year) and veteran presence is always good. If McFadden falls HAVE TO take him, the guy is a stud.

The Jets are also talking to the Bronco's defensive back Domonique Foxworth who is a restricted free agent. To sign him would cost a 3rd round pick, but there is a chance of some kind of trade seeing as the Broncos are looking for a defensive tackle *cough* Dewayne Robertson*cough*

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Si.com:
Tony Richardson has confirmed to SI.com that he has agreed to terms with the New York Jets. The financial terms were not disclosed, but the deal is for one year. Richardson, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, is latest addition to a revamped Jets' offense; and he will be counted on to pave the way for Thomas Jones in the running game.

After having a terrible run game last year the Jets are really trying to improve and give Thomas Jones some help.

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ESPN:
The Jets and Bengals agreed to terms on a trade on Sunday that would send defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson to Cincinnati, but by Monday the deal was "on life support," according to a source close to the situation.The Jets were to receive the Bengals' fourth- and fifth-round picks (Nos. 114 and 151) in the upcoming draft, according to league sources. But sources say that Cincinnati and Robertson's agent, Hadley Englehard, were unable to agree on contract terms.The deal could be revisited, but for now it is on hold. The Jets would apparently still like to move Robertson before he is due a roster bonus in June. No other deal is imminent, however. Completion of the trade had been contingent upon Robertson agreeing to a new contract -- he had two years remaining on his rookie deal with New York -- and passing a physical.

Not really much to say he will be traded soon and there are a bunch of teams interested so just keep your eye out on the situation.

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Having already solidified the left side of their offensive line with the addition of former Steelers standout guard Alan Faneca, the New York Jets have now bolstered their right side, agreeing to terms with former Patriots and Lions lineman Damien Woody to play right tackle, according to sources.
The Jets have spared no expense in improving their offensive line in the first week of free agency. Faneca signed a five-year, $40 million deal that included more than $21 million in guarantees, making him the league's highest paid offensive lineman. Now the Jets have given Woody $25.5 million over five years with $11 million guaranteed.

The Jets are on a spending spree. It wasn't bad, however, the moves that they made. The revamped both of the biggest problems (O-line and D-Line) without having to give up much at all. This has been an amazing off-season for Gang Green

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ESPN:
Only a few years after a disappointing and unproductive stretch in which Calvin Pace missed much of the 2005 season following a bye-week accident, the former Arizona Cardinals hybrid defensive end/linebacker has landed a monster contract.

ESPN.com has learned that Pace on Monday afternoon reached an agreement with the New York Jets on a six-year, $42 million contract. The deal, negotiated by agent Pat Dye Jr. and his associates at Atlanta-based ProFiles Sports Management, includes a signing bonus of $20 million and $22 million in total guarantees.
The contract, which makes Pace one of the highest paid linebackers in NFL history, will pay out $26 million in its first three years.

The Jets are going all out this off season. First Faneca and Jenkins and now Pace. They have really gone all out to revamp their offensive and defensive line and boy have the done just that. Besides this giving the Jets an abundance of play makers on defense it really effects their draft. With this deal the Jets are now extremely unlikely to draft Vernon Gholston. It also makes it very likely if Darren McFadden falls to them at #6 he will be drafted and can you really blame them. McFadden is one of the best prospects to come out of college in a little while. He has the potential to be one of the best running backs of all times. There is also a chance they draft another cornerback to compliment budding star Darrel Revis.

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ESPN:

"For the past three years, Faneca has been considered one of the best guards in football. He has waited for the chance to be the highest paid at his position.

His time arrived Saturday when he agreed to a five-year, $40 million deal with the New York Jets that includes $21 million in guarantees. Not only is Faneca now the highest paid guard in the league; he's the highest paid offensive lineman."

There really isn't much to say after talking about this two times. The deal is 1 more year and $8 million more than previously reported, but it is still a good deal. Faneca is not the best OT, but he is up at the top and prices are going to go up each year so it is not a stretch to see him as the highest payed OT. The Jets OL is now amazing and good job by them getting their man.

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UPDATE 2/29: The Jets received a fourth-round pick in the upcoming 2008 draft. Now, if Vilma reaches certain playing time levels AND he winds up signing an extension with the Saints then the Jets will get either a second or a third rounder in 2009 but they would have to sort of pay back the original value of the deal by giving the Saints a fourth-round pick.

UPDATE 2/29: The deal is now official. And is for a 3rd or 4th round pick.

UPDATE: According to a league source, the Jets will receive a conditional draft pick from the Saints likely for the 2009 draft.
Saint's Beat:

The Saints are close to finalizing a deal that will bring middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma to the team in a trade with the New York Jets, league sources said. The deal could be announced as early as later Thursday night or sometime on Friday. Vilma, 6 foot 1, 230 pounds, is a four-year NFL veteran. He played in nine games for New York, his season shortened by knee surgery. He had 43 total tackles in the nine games he played in 2007 for the Jets.

It appears that the deal will most likely be for a 3rd round pick. It is also being said that it might be worth a 2nd round pick in the draft. Vilma is a stud when healthy and if I was the Jets I would try to hit the Saints up for Robert Meachem. He would fit what they need a lot more than a 2nd or 3rd round pick. The only thing to hope is that Vilma goes to New Orleans returns to pro ball form and that David Harris bombs this season or gets injured seriously hurting is development and career.

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UPDATE: 6:43
Alan Faneca's agent denies that his client as signed with the Jets.
"False report. It's a false report," agent Rick Smith said. ESPN's website reported the two sides agreed to a four-year, $32 million contract. It appears Faneca is still weighing offers. He could easily wind up with the Jets, but there's no deal yet - Rotoworld

ESPN:
"The New York Jets and guard Alan Faneca have tentatively agreed to a four-year, $32 million deal that includes roughly $23 million in guarantees, ESPN's Michael Smith reports. Faneca is expected to travel to New York this weekend, when the deal will be finalized. The Jets plan to play Faneca at left guard."

It had been reported earlier that this deal was done, but quickly taken down. This has been a big day for the Jets. Trading Vilma, acquiring Jenkins, and now signing Faneca. This gives the Jets an amazing O-Line. To go along with Faneca they have left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson and center Nick Mangold. Kellen Clemens should know have a significant amount of time to throw the ball and Thomas Jones could return to the same form as when he was with Chicago.

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Jets Official Website:
The New York Jets announced today that they have acquired DT Kris Jenkins from the Carolina Panthers in exchange for undisclosed draft choices and signed DT Sione Pouha to a contract extension. The announcements were made by Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum.

As I noted last night the Jets were close to acquiring him yesterday in a 3 team deal. It appears the the picks will be a 3rd and 5th according to Mike and Mike, so its a pretty good deal. Jenkins fills one of the Jets biggest needs immediately.

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ESPN:
Faneca could be the Jets' No. 1 priority in free agency, according to the New York Daily News.

The Jets they have a glaring hole at left guard, which Faneca is more than capable of filling. The 31-year-old has appeared in seven straight Pro Bowls and is considered one of the elite offensive linemen in the game. Faneca is expected to command at least $19 million in guarantees.

Jets could really use a guy like him. They need a vet on the o-line to help protect Clemens who got sacked quite often during his time and seemed to rush on a lot of his pases.

The Jets are also setting their sights on Samuel, but the free-agent cornerback appears to be favoring the Saints and Bucs at this point, according to multiple reports.(ESPN)

Can you imagine Revis and Samuel together????? That would be one sick secondary. It seems highly unlikely that the Jets will get him and there have also been rumors that they are not interested at all, but just think about those to in the secondary. And then if they drafted Gholston as many project they could have some D next year.

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