Where Will Kendall Land?
Everyone’s talking about Pete Kendall’s summer of discontent, but no one’s talking about where he could end up. Here are some thoughts about teams that could use the big guy to help strengthen their offensive line. Please note, this is just guessing based on how awful a team’s line is or existing relationships that the Jets or Kendall might have with teams.
One more thing, does the comment about Pennington being an “egg back there” a few years back seem to belong to Pete Kendall? Remember it shortly after the time he took a paycut….
Bucs (5:2) - The Bucs are extremely thin along the line, and look to be installing a scrambler in Jeff Garcia as the QB. Pete Kendall could provide a nice transition for the Bucs as they work in rookie Arron Sears. The Jets and Bucs don’t meet, and Bruce Allen needs to show improvement on his team and Kendall could provide some help to a battered line as he looks towards retirement in the next few years. There would be a number of familiar faces in Tampa, where he would reunite with Anthony Becht, and BJ Askew, along with former O.C. Paul Hackett. I think this is the most likely place.
Lions (3:1) – The Lions have one of the worst lines in the league and QB who needs time to get the ball downfield to one of the most interesting crops of receivers, ever. Between the two peniciled in starters, the Lions only have 7 starts last year at Guard … ouch. The Jets don’t play the Lions, which makes the situation even better, but Matt Millen won’t pull the trigger on this though, because it makes too much sense.
Texans (4:1) – Gary Kubiak is working with big bruisers linemen who don’t subscribe to the zone-blocking scheme. Kendall is a quick learner and has played in the Heimerdinger system, who knows how a thing or two about zone-blocking. If Kubiak wants to keep his new QB Matt Schaub upright, bringing in Kendall would be a wise move.
Arizona (10:1) – Wouldn’t it be ironic if he ends up back in Phoenix? A new regime is in power now, and Mangini has a good relationship with Whisenhunt. If Elton Brown falters or gets injured look for a move here, where Kendall would protect Leniart’s front-side.
Redskins (15:1) - Todd Wade is the key here. If the Skins think he can’t play at Guard, they might be desperate to get in a veteran who knows the ropes. Wade isn’t know for his skill at run-blocking, and Kendall could provide a nice stopgap.
Miami (25:1) – If Kendall is going here, it’s of his own accord. No way that Tannenbaum trades him in division. The hope is he’ll get traded before he makes his way (and his knowledge of the offense) to Miami.
Chiefs (20:1) – As the Trent Green trade showed, Carl Peterson is a pain in the ass to deal with, but the loss of Will Shields could prove that Kendall might be a nice “Mr. Right Now” for the Chiefs.
Cowboys (33:1) – Since the Jets play Dallas, it’s likely they’ll discourage this move, unless the price is right (higher than a fourth). Dallas has a decent line, but Left Guard Kyle Kosier is the weak link on the unit. Although he’s not the guy calling the shots, new head coach Wade Phillips has a personal relationship with Li’l Schott from their days in San Diego.
Raiders (40:1) - The Jets and Raiders don’t have a history of liking to help the other team, and although the line is in shambles, it’s not so dire at Guard.
Packers (50:1) – The Pack isn’t really known for their wheeling and dealing, but Kendall might be helpful in their run support over either Daryn Colledge or Jason Spitz, young starters who are known for their pass protection for the Pack.
Giants (80:1) – Although the Giants seem to have no plan at Left Tackle other than hoping Dave Diehl can suddenly get quicker, the interior of the line seems to be in decent shape. Kendall could provide better help on the left than what they might have, but it seems an unecessary step for the Giants. Tack on the fact that the Jets will play the Giants during th regular season, and it seems that this might not work.
Filed under: Main Page, Opinion/Bassett




Which begs the question, What might we possibly be getting back from these potential buyers? In terms of general expectations, to start, is, say, a 4th round pick next year a fair, and sadly modest, representation for our hopes? A 3rd? Something this year? And what?
Haven’t commented in a while but am very excited for the upcoming season. Kendall will probably expect increased compensation from the team that he goes to. As an old offensive lineman, you also need to ask who’s willing to pony up the dough? In a trade I don’t think Kendall brings back better than a 4th or 5th rounder and wouldn’t be surprised if it’s a 6th.
At this point, I would take a 7th rounder just to get him the hell out of there and away from the Fish and the Pats.
I think the Jets know that Pete represents a solid backup guard. The only problem is that he’s overpaid at 1.7 mils so Swartz is going to have to convine his client that the best place for him is in NY and that it would be in his best interest to give the Jets back 0.7 mils so they won’t cut him.
If Pete won’t make it right with the Jets I think they should send him to Detroit for the rude awakening…………..
[...] Jets still haven’t addressed their preseason distraction, but TJB has a good writeup on where Pete Kendall will end up if the Jets cut [...]
I hope it’s Detroit. Can’t imagine living in a worse city – and that’s what he deserves.
Hope he enjoys spending his big bucks up there – shopping at Walmart, Filene’s Basement, etc and eating at Red Lobster when he feels like gourmet food…..
[...] If Kendall does go, TJB (yeah, I know, a blog on the Link Machine, so sue me) has a list of destinations and odds on where the guard could end up. [...]
I believe that eggshell comment was never officially attributed to anyone, but was rumored to be Mawae.
JUST IN: Jets cut Tony Fisher, and signed Tony Hollings, also it looks like Marques Tiuasisopo (check spelling)is doing terrible again today, can we please cut him??? I knew it was a mistake picking up this guy, i hope Brett Ratliff plays well so we can cut Tui, but that leaves us with ZERO NFL experience behind Pennington if we do.
Oh i forgot to cite my findings, here is the Link to confirm Fisher getting cut and Hollings being signed. http://njmg.typepad.com/pelz/2007/07/jets-camp-day-7.html
Patience, all Kendall is doing now is keeping the media busy. Not taking any playing time from anyone.
Be sure that Tangini has been in touch with all of the above teams, the minute someone goes down or just does not produce as expected, Pete will be banished to siberia.
Since he is such a family man that wants to be so close to his home in NJ, I think he goes to HOU or AZ for a 6th round pick. Of course, best offer from anyone outside the division will get him, but doubt they can get more than a 6th straight away.
PERHAPS!! A high priced veteran nose tackle, proven back up QB or even a corner with the injuries mounting. We have the cap space.
I would add New England to the list too! We all know Kendall is a local Boston kid and would want nothing more then to stick it to his old team up in enemy territory.
Isn’t Kendall detracting from his trade value by all this public whining? Isn’t it in his own best interest to shut up?
AT, nope, he does not want to be traded, he wants to be released so he can sign for more money. That’s why he’s being an ass, and that’s why Jets are letting him act out.