Coles Interested in Returning to New York?
Could Coles come back to the Jets? It seems that it’s his first choice according to Dave Hutchinson of the Star-Ledger.
Coles, 32, never really wanted to leave the Jets and was a disappointment in his only season with the Bengals after signing a four-year, $28 million deal last offseason that paid him $10 million.
He caught just 43 passes for 514 yards and five touchdowns, not including an 11-yard touchdown against the Jets in the playoffs.
“I didn’t fit into the offense at all,” Coles told The Star-Ledger Thursday
“(Quarterback) Carson (Palmer) wasn’t comfortable with me. He likes tall receivers. He told the coaches he wasn’t comfortable throwing to me.”
Coles, who has had two previous stints with the Jets, said he’d like to end his career as a Jet.
“They’ll be the first team we call to see if they’re interested,” he said.
Coles loves the Jets, and has made it clear that he wanted to retire one. Where the disconnect came was in what he wanted in terms of compensation as an increasingly less productive receiver, and then the whole where would he play thing ….
If I’m the Jets, I’m interested in talking to Coles. If I’m the Jets, I’m not interested in is paying Coles $7 million a year for him to be a third (behind Cotchery and Edwards) or even fourth (behind Keller) option in this passing offense. If I’m the Jets, I make it clear that he’d need to contribute wherever he’s told, and that those premium perimeter routes he loves to run so much, might not be available to him anymore.
While there’s a lot of hand-wringing about the Jets slot receiver conundrum, they have enough options to go ’round for their passing game, especially in an offense that runs as much as this one does. Still adding Coles wouldn’t be a bad thing, but it would have to be at the right price … cheap.
You can’t go home again, and the team and the situation would be vastly different from what Coles left. Running “clear-out routes,” playing the slot … doing the dirty work that he can do, but hasn’t expressed much fondness in doing during his career is what might await him.
47 Responses to Coles Interested in Returning to New York?
-
Dylan says:
I would love to have Coles back if he is willing to take a pay decrease. He is a gritty receiver who is not afraid to go over the middle and take a hit. i never really understood why he wanted to leave in the first place. Its strange that Carson would say that though, considering that the Bengals don’t have any big receivers.
-
i think he makes a good slot receiver in this part of his career but how much money he is going to be talking?
-
head_coach says:
nooooooo. Sign him WHY? We need speed and youth at least.. i like coles but he is done. plus we wont get bolden or marshal or shipley? nooooooooooooo
-
steviek says:
at some point in every athlete’s career they’ve got to let go of the ego. he has to know he’s not the premier guy anymore and he’s made some money. if he’s ok with 1.5 or 2M for the slot receiver role, why not? works hard, teammates like him, he’s familair with the club. he’s not going to get much better offers anywhere else at this stage. plus, if he wants to a shot at the playoffs, this would be a decent spot. he wasnt on the team for that brutal divisional loss at pittsburgh.
-
btw if we sign him we mine as well sign TJ back. At least he didnt cry and moan like a girl about a contract
-
Le' Sean Roberts says:
Slot receiver? Maybe so…….great route runner.
-
teams already dont respect or passing game. Do u think Coles is gonna put any more fear in there hearts? i dont. Why cant this team move on? Mind as well sign tj chris baker and penny back. And see if Kendall is available. We need SPEED gentlemen!!! i rather take clowney or a draft pick,
-
Wolf says:
You guys cannot diss Coles, how dare you.
How many concussions have you suffered as a Jets fan?
Coles was always a proud man, whether we as fans liked it or not. You cannot tell that Coles is not an upgrade over the bum that is CLOWNey.
Mike T, do what you do, and do the right thing. Sign Coles and let’s get us a SB.
-
Ryan says:
as long as hes doesnt ask for a lot- of money and is cool with being a 3-4th receiver whats the harm, hed be a great 3rd down guy and a good locker room guy. Some of you guys think to much about certain moves. Its not that complicated, love to see him in green and white to end his career
-
M eazii says:
Wouldnt mind if its for cheap…maybe he can help develop woodhead onto a slot reciever and show him how to run routes
-
Merc20 says:
It’s the concussions that scare me… I’d say no to coles.. let it go. Bring him back whne he decides to hang em up and havea “Coles day”.
-
sjfalcon2001 says:
Come on let’s not overreach here, Coles is NOT the key to the Superbowl.
If our possible top options are no longer available and Coles is willing to work at his real value (I agree with steviek about the ballpark we are talking) and at whatever position the TEAM needs, then I am okay with signing him. But I think our money would be better spent elsewhere.
-
frustratedjetfan says:
Liked Coles but it’s soooo over. Draft an impact player on the DL and a WR. Since the Jets traded for Cromartie (as reported on SNY) our CB issue is resolved. We should try to get an impact WR and some young comers in this draft.
The Jets must go forward and stock young players with fresh legs. Coles is to old. Let’s move on.
-
James says:
If he’s willing to come back in a reduced role, I am all for it. He’d make a great slot since he’s more quick than fast and runs good routes.
-
Coles as a tough reliable hands guy for the right price, absolutely.
Laverneus no matter how many teams he plays for , is a Jet.
He’d be a 4th receiver adding depth and heart.
As for Palmer saying he wasn’t comfortable throwing to him..
that guy was throwing wet nerfs in the wildcard game.
He didnt look comfortable throwing at all to anyone.
Coles was the best WR they had that day. -
Dennis says:
Pick him up, but only on the cheap.. At some point, we need to start worrying about depth… I do love the draft pick trades here and there, but at some point we need to add to our depth on both OL and DL through the draft…
I say we fill some our our needs with some cheap free agent alternatives and hit the draft hard for some depth.
-
The thing about this trade that is so great is that it doesn’t affect our ability to add depth. We gave up one pick for one young player. Cromartie is practically the same age as Greene. Now we have one less position to worry about in the draft.
-
whose dissing coles? hes just old thats all…..
-
sunsetmusic says:
I’m torn with this…….he was a very good rec for the jets and has very good hands and route running skills. Also as long as its a CHEAP 1-2 mil deal…u can consider…..BUT ….I just hate how he handled leaving us twice and talking parting shots and causing a bit of a stir Constantly reminding us how “I’m not saying anything…” Knowing it caused a reaction…..its like now we reward that behavior and give him a chance cause now we winning….but he can be a solid slot and allow us felxibilty in the draft…. T
That why u respect a guy like Cotch not saying I’m a number 1 and I wanna get paid like one….although watching the guy play he is a great reciever….oh well…guess I’m indifferent but am not a fan of his like I used to and would want to be……but once u wear green and white…ill support u regardless
-
He complained about the way the Jets treated him when he took the money and went to Washington.
He complained when they released Pennington in favor of Favre.
He’s complaining now about the situation he voluntarily entered last season.
I love LC, but it’s reasonable that some people on this board are now complaining about him. -
mike s. says:
he is not the player he once was… and he doesn’t play special teams.
Move on. -
MrJetGreen says:
Coles would not be a #1 or 2 receiver and he doesn’t play special teams….Baker needs to put on his best suit and tie and happen to be in Floram Park while stopping in to say hello.
-
Big Papi says:
Did anybody bitch more than this guy in his entire career.
NO, THANK YOU!
Brandon Marshall here we come.
-
DHarvey says:
I always admired his guts going across the middle so it’s not his athletic ability I am questionig..just bad vibes we don’t need.
Coles is a putz..never like his self centered attitude–bringing him back would be like introducing a bad attitude virus into the team..
-
Bent says: Great, now can we FINALLY put to bed the misconception that no free agent will come here because Tannenbaum shows no loyalty to veterans under contract? If Coles who was “unceremoniously dumped” wants to come back, then how can that possibly be an issue?
Surprising that he hasn’t turned his back on the Jets despite the fact that some fans booed him (which I disagreed with) in week 17.
-
Green Goblin says:
Sign Coles….Perfect slot receiver at this point in his career and I think he’ll come cheap because no teami s gonna pay him big money coming off last season….
-
Steven says:
Fan of Coles, but I also think Clowney is pretty good and is young and fast…would only take coles if he’s available after the draft cuz Shipley and Tate look good and could land at out pick
-
I wouldnt mind it but I think i am over this bring Coles home nonsesne.
While he was a warrior he also was a pain in the ass with the FO and coaches.
This is not the Pennington/Coles Jets anymore. Cant we just get a guy in the draft that can give us Coles production with out the other nonsense?
-
WOJF says:
No thanks.
He is all about the money, always has been ,and will be expecting to be paid.
This man has an incredibly inflated ego and will never accept that he is a back up player, and with his concussion history he is not a fit in the slot where you get hit on every catch.
Bent, please hold off on making that statement until someone with actual options choses to sign here, all he said at this point was he was going to call. With his history of erratic statements, he is one of the last players anyone should use to gauge how free agents think about the Jets.
He would be stupid not to inquire, and one thing he is not is stupid, he plays the money game with the best of them.
I for one never stated that no “free agent would come here”, just that the contracts are going to be tougher to negotiate, not just with free agents but with existing roster.
-
Bent says:
Wise – My comment was aimed more at those who have said the Jets will NEVER be able to attract free agents because of how they treat their veterans, but the fact that Coles would still want to play here when he was one veteran that was supposedly wronged himself confirms my belief that it will not be a factor, because all teams treat veterans that way.
-
I also have the belief that Coles (like Mike Francessa) is partially bipolar.
He is so hot and cold its insane.
Really not interested in having him back
I still think Mr T has more ammo left in the gun in the next few days…..
-
BC says:
He’s washed up as far as I’m concerned. Good luck to him, though.
-
Not sure the Jets want him back, but I thought one of the most disappointing moments last year was when Jet fans booed Coles during the last game of the regular season….totally uncalled for in my opinion.
-
Bent —sorry, just saw your prior post. I guess we’re in agreement on this.
-
Vincent says:
Coles is a good player. Past his prime, but he can be a legit slot receiver at this point. Thing about it is though. Teams get a fast slot receiver every year in the draft. Jonny Knox Chicgago, Eddie Royal Broncos, Dexter Jackson (whoever). Those guys are burners/game changers and every year one of them is found in the 3rd 4th round. I’d rather see that than LC. Sorry buddy.
-
I say we move on without Coles. I always liked his play but it seemed he was never happy.Goodluck coles someone will pick you up.
-
I think I would stay away. With the long term future of Edwards uncertain I would much rather try and find a younger option than Coles. I also have to believe part of the reason he mentions the Jets is because he is familiar with the organization and they are familiar with him. After some very down years I cant imagine much of a market left for him. Right now he is in a spot similar o the one Amani Toomer was in last year. Toomer never found a job after being cut by the Chiefs. Had the Giants taken him back originally he probably would have lasted the season. I think Coles sees the Jets as his best chance for a 1 year home.
-
originalJetFan says:
Loved him as a Jet, but sign him only after …
marshall is not going to happen
can’t get a young receiver in draft
You decide Clowney will never work and cut him
he agrees to take 3rd option receiver moneyif all of those happen then sign him,
P.S. Check out Coles Rookie Yearbook with the Jets, i forgot, when ysigned him he was a Clowney type speed guy, deep threat. At least he evolved as his speed left to a gritty hardnosed guy! -
Marc says:
Stop talking about Brandon Marshall and Boldin and T.O!!!!! These guys will not the 3rd receiver on our team!
If you want to talk about Clowney, go ahead. At least it makes sense. However, do you think you know more about his talent and ability over Rex Ryan and Schotty? There is a reason he has been on and off this roster! If he wants to work harder and get better, that’s another thing, but he is clearly not good enough to be a premier receiver in this league.
Offer Coles a couple million and play the waiting game. The lack of special teams hurts his value. I think we’ll more likely draft a guy in the late rounds, or a bunch of undrafted free agents to find our own Wes Welker.
-
Bent says:
Vincent – I think you mean DeSean Jackson. Dexter Jackson has more fumbles than catches and has already been cut already by the Bucs. That was a bad pick and ironically a perfect example of the downside of drafting a slot receiver instead of getting a proven veteran.
Original – Yes, that was based on his reported 4.18 forty time. As his career progressed, it was clear he was more quick than fast, because he has never been able to get separation deep like Clowney. The only deep balls he catches are when there is a coverage breakdown or someone gets fooled by a playfake of some sort.
-
Reprocity says:
Ya but Coles Had Pennington throwing to him which is why he was never a deep guy and also why he started getting concussions.
Clowney doesn’t play the slot, and saying a WR is a 1234 is just pointless. Everything is package based. Woodhead is the only slot wr on the roster and that’s not good. WR are like 3-4LB’s, some play inside and some play outside. We really don’t need any outside guys.
Could Coles play in the slot? Does he want to? Give me Chrebet!!!!!!!!
-
Bent, In order to sign Coles… Who was his equal value equivelent?
-
Bent says:
I don’t know, repo, Coles was never able to get separation with Vinny at QB either.
Coles can definitely play in the slot. I’m not endorsing a move for him, but at this stage of his career, that’s where I’d put him.
“Bent, In order to sign Coles… Who was his equal value equivelent?”
Not sure I understand the question. They can sign him freely because he was cut, without losing a free agent first, if that’s what you meant. If you were asking what he might cost, I have no idea, but I doubt he could get much more than $2-3m a year, which would be decent value if his production matched that of last season.
-
I would sign him, instead of signing Bolden, we can sign Coles and we dont have to worry about tradeing RODES to the CARDS..
MAKE THE TRADEEEEEEEEEEEE JETSS
-
subwayfare says:
I wouldn’t bring him back, primarily because I’d like to see youth brought in where possible. Also, playing in the slot would entail a lot of hard contact and, with his concussion history, there’s too much risk for player and team. For LC’ s sake, I’d really like to see him hang it up.
-
trevor says:
id rather bring back stuckey to be honest
perfect #3 slot wr
If the price is right I’d sign him its just another move that well free up the draft