Rumor Mongering Galore!!
Phew! What a day yesterday! We’re still trying to wrap our brain around what all this means for the Jets, and we have plenty of time to do that, but so far, you have to be positive about what’s been done.
In the meantime, here’s what I can see going on for the Gang Green.
Faneca Announcement Today? — It seems that Faneca will make his announcement tonight at 6PM.
Truth by Triangulation? — The St. Louis Post-Dispatch has reported that the Rams are likely resigned to the fact that Faneca is going to the Jets, and are working on overtures towards former Titan Guard Jacob Bell. Let’s just hope the Niners aren’t still hiding in the weeds …
What’s the Deal With Calvin Pace? — Bucky Brooks says it’s done, while the Herald had reported (but now removed the page) that Pace was headed to New York today. There’s been so many false reports in the past 48 hours, it’s hard to know what’s real and what’s not. I’m not convinced he’s heading to New York, so we’ll just have to wait it out.
Randall Gay Into Fray — Eric Mangini wants to talk to his old charge, Randall Gay according to the Boston Herald. Based on Gay’s schedule it likely won’t be until Tuesday of next week.
Randy Moss in Green? — When Tannenbaum was on the con call last night to talk about some of the moves, the beat writers asked him in particular about whether or not the Jets were pursuing Randy Moss. Tannenbaum gave his typical non-answer, so take that lack of information I just imparted to you for what it’s worth.
Tannenbaum is the Ultimate Rumor Mongerer — Regarding Dewayne Robertson, Tannenbaum said this yesterday. “I know there’s a lot of rumors out there about Dewayne. [He's] 26, he’s done a lot of things for us as well. I don’t want to comment on any rumors. But depth on the defensive line is important, there’s nothing imminent, and Dewayne should be here.” I love Tannenbaum, but this is really no time for him to get holier than thou on this, he was the one spreading the rumors of his availability at the Combine. I wasn’t even there and I know that his fingerprints were all over the buzz at the Combine! We’re fans, but that doesn’t make us stupid!!
Jets Could Use a Real Fullback — With Stacey Tutt (an H-Back) and JoeKo (Tight End / H-Back) on the roster and no true fullback, the Jets might be wise to put out some feelers for guys like Richardson and Lorenzo Neal. Sure, maybe they only need a true fullback for 25% of their gameplanning, but this is why someone like Lorenzo Neal, who is 37, might be a perfect fit. It shouldn’t be a top priority, but it would be a nice tweak.
Lito Sheppard Likely to be Moved — With the signing of Asante Samuel, is Lito Sheppard out of a job and a team? Already listed as a second stringer on the Iggs website, we’re not convinced that Andy Reid was the one cranking out the HTML / PHP code for that page, but it’s an interesting sign nevertheless. The Jets wanted another corner, but under their terms. Sheppard is a former first rounder, just 26 years old, does has some injury concerns, but has solid man coverage skills.
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Looks as though the Jets like my baseball team the Mets have their finger on the pulse of the off season, which is very nice considering we were so bad last year. We might just fill most of our needs going into the draft, does this mean the Jets are considering drafting Run DMC? If they get Pace, not a great need for Gholston. They might go best avaiable at that point in the draft. I am still split on McFadden and Gholston, Jones isnt exactly young and Washington is a great back up and return specialist, whereas Gholston is a beast and can be a great player for NE if we dont take him. You know its bad when you worry that NE has the pick after the Jets and will pick someone who will wreak havoc on them for years to come.
Don’t forget Pociask!
Regarding Gay, is it feasible that he doesn’t need to make a visit because he already visited last year and knows Mangini well?
“We’re fans, but that doesn’t make us stupid!!”
I think what would make us stupid is hoping for a GM who makes no effort whatever to enhance the value of his players in potential trade talks. Saying we love Dewayne, need DL depth, expect him here to contribute, blah, blah, blah, is business 101.
Would anyone prefer he publicly say, “We really have no use for the guy now and are going to be stuck with him and his big cap number unless we can dump him on someone?”
Reguarding Dewayne it wouldn’t be dumping him on someone because I believe if he goes to a team that plays a 4-3 in the right system getting him for a 2nd or 3rd could be a steal for that team. Unless Mangini and Tannenbaum are looking to move him on the outside as a DE.
Bent- The only thought I have on Gay would be if they wanted to show him the new facility in Florham Park. But you are right.
That’s my point. We’re trying to get value. If other teams think you don’t have any room or use for a player they will offer nothing. Sure, his proclamations that we want him for depth ring a little hollow considering the Jenkins deal and D-Rob’s contract, but if you’re playing a bluff, you’ve got to hold onto your cards as long as you possibly can.
Re: The Niners lurking in the weeds…
They just gave Justin Smith 45m over 6 years (20m) guaranteed. However, they may still have the cap space to potentially make a last ditch bid for Faneca. Maybe not though, because they were rumoured (sic) to be 20m under and have already signed Smith, Isaac Bruce, Dontarrius Thomas, J T O’Sullivan and DeShaun Foster.
The Smith signing has Niners fans confused, because he doesn’t have an obvious position in a 3-4 defense, so maybe this is a sign that they are determined to spend their cap space (Nolan is on thin ice), which might mean that they could risk a big 11th hour bid, if they do have the cap space or it could mean that they are resigned to not getting Faneca and instead ensured they spent the money elsewhere.
Bent – the niners signed Isaac Bruce for probably big $$, Justin Smith and were looking into Briggs…with that being said, I can’t see them coming up with cash for Faneca as well
Subwayfare makes an excellent point (even though no one appreciates the fare increase taking effect on Sunday). The Jets must express a desire to keep D-Rob in order to inflate his value. However, D-Rob is a developing playing who could make a bigger impact with Jenkins on the line. It might be worthwhile to hang onto him and see how he further develops.
Since we can’t trust ESPN, what is the best source to get confirmation on the Fanaca signing? Please let that happen….the Jets need this one.
Don’t forget if Robertson leaves next year we’ll get a third round comp. pick (in actual fact we almost certainly won’t but don’t get me started on that again).
Thanks, Frank. I did the math and I don’t even see how they can afford Briggs, let alone Faneca too. Briggs doesn’t suit a 3-4 either, so maybe there will be one less team competiting with us for 3-4 talent.
I think we just wait for the press conference tonight for confirmation, zen, but it does look likely (I realise we’ve been burned before in this situation).
Pace signing may make sense – what if Gholston is gone before we pick @ 6? remote possibility
Frank, 2 years, $6 mil for Bruce. Subway you and I were right about the whole D-Rob thing
I think Pace is looking forward to the Jets matching the Dolphins offer. I’m sure he’d rather play for the New Jets rather than the same ol’ fish. If that happens, look for Randall Gay to make a visit! THEN you can start looking at the draft! With some luck we could be drafting for replacements rather than starters, which is where we should be anyway. I would really prefer this not be a routine event.