The Jets roster continues to “fall apart at the seams” (sorry, E. Weeks) as WEEI radio has reported that OLB Marques Murrell has agreed to join the Patriots (Hat tip to Mel)
In truth, this is not a major loss for the Jets, who obviously feel Jamaal Westerman has more upside and probably intend to sign or draft another pass rusher this offseason.
For the record, this signing does not enable the Jets to sign another UFA because Murrell was a non-tendered RFA and the Thomas Jones signing does not enable them to sign another UFA because he was cut. However, the Jets can still pursue anyone who was cut, a non-tendered RFA or make an offer to any RFA without restriction.
Let’s hope they start doing that soon…
BTW — if the Jets’ doctors were fully confident with Leon’s prognosis, he would have been tendered a 1st. They offered him more money last year.
I hope for the best for Leon, but if the doctors are not confident with his complete return, It is too risky to give him big money. Riskier than taking the 49th pick in a crapshoot.
anyone know what the chiefs are gonna do with larry johnson now that tj is there…is he a free agent or are they going to cut him…id take lj for 2 years if the price is right and we dont have to give up anything
Nikolas,
Aren’t you jumping the gun a bit?
a. Kicking game. Jets signed Folk and Feely may still re-sign. Folk had an awful 2009 after a very promising start to his career. I like Feely more, but arguably Folk was a better kicker than Feely until 2009. Folk is also 8 years younger. Seems to me that the Jets are protected here. I want Feely back, but if Folk returns to his ’07-’08 form, there’s no drop off.
b. Safety-Here I disagree. Rex and Pettine did not think that Rhodes fit their defensive system and wanted to go in a different direction. With Cromartie replacing Lito, the nature of the FS position has changed and, in any event, Rhodes wasn’t the guy the Jets wanted back there. While inferior in talent, Smith, Digs, Lowery or the free agent that will be signed or the draft pick that will be made may UPGRADE this position. Why? For the simple and unremarkable reason that Rhodes was not the FS our coaches, who just transformed a mediocre Jets D into the NFL’s best, wanted.
c. Running Game. Again, T-Rich isn’t gone and the Jets can match any deal that is made for Leon. As for Jones, he was a back up. I agree RB depth is an issue, but Shonn Greene’s emergence means that the RB position is strong. FB is an easy position to fill (Hartsock could play H-back and basically be the same player) and a 2nd round pick in this draft could yield a quality RB. Get back to me when training camp begins because by then there will be enough depth, esp. because I think Leon and a drafted RB, FB or RB/FB will be on the roster.
d. DL (Douglas)-Well, with Big Jenks, the DL has Ellis, Jenks, Pouha, DeVito and Pitoitua. Oh, and there’s a chance that Gholston will play with his hand on the ground, too. Again, I like Douglas, but the reality is that Rex doesn’t carry that many DLs on game day, usually just 4 or 5. With Jenks back and Pouha’s emergence, Pitoitua and DeVito (and maybe VG) would be struggling for PT that each deserves. Plus, it’s a cinch that there will be other DLs in camp AND Douglas may be re-signed.
So, while the Jets have lost players, it is also true that at each of these positions the Jets have replacements already on the roster AND many of the players that you cite (Feely, Leon, T-Rich and Douglas) could come back. When training camp begins, I think that we will see that the Jets’ roster is strong and the FO spent their money wisely.
rusty,
LJ signed with the Bengals last year (I think LJ was released) as Benson’s back up and is now, I believe, a UFA. I don’t know if the Jets could or would want to sign him, but IMO he’d be a decent back up, as would Fargas.
rusty sanchez, Larry went to the the Bengals last year when the chiefs released him.
Sorry about that sack dance lol.
Larry Johnson was traded to the Cincy last year!
clint, tb
wow thanks didnt know that i remember them gettin benson but not johnson
jus thinkin of options for rb with leons injury and how its gonna effect him bein a question mark plus shonn being able to stay healthy all season i feel like we def need a 3rd rb who is above average
Rusty,
The Jets could always sign RFA LeRon McLain. He has a 1st round tender, but he’s exactly what the Jets’ need. An FB/RB that is a beast between the tackles. The chance that the Jets do this is -0-, but adding McLain would be perfect.
Joey Porter isn’t signing anywhere but ‘Zona. He wants to play there with Larry Foote and Haggans(former Steeler LBs).
Sergio Kindle isn’t a “Gholston”, he actually has experience at OLB. He is a further along than his former teammate Brian Orakpo. He dominated Bama’s line in the National Championship game, which was one of the best in the nation in terms of sacks given up.
Sackdance
Rationalizing the facts does not make them irrelevant. Offering hypothetical, and sure still possible, solutions for improvement, does not guarantee that they will be made. We have argued about this FO before and you appear to be a consistent defender of it without qualifications…but you cannot have selective memory and ignore the fact that Mr. Tanny has turned in the past a 10-6 team into a 4-12 team, just in one season. Since there is precedence, a rational person –not a cheerleader- should be cautious and not ignore the indisputable facts that SO FAR we have a LESSER team. Let’s just hope that Tanny and Rex will close the gap, but because I detect hubris I am afraid that they are capable of ruining another season.
Nikolas
Its not cheerleading. Tannenbaum, from when he took over in 06, has hired and coach and assembled a team that got with in one half of football from being in the Super Bowl. No one has done that here since Parcells. You cant blame people for giving the guy the benefit of the doubt…I was down today too but due to the nature of the final 8 restrictions, this off season is new ground.
In other words- before we can get anybody who is a UFA, we have to lose guys. We cant sign them, then cut people like its been in years before.
We have to be patient but if this team looks like this after the draft…I wont be so happy
Nikolas.
I’m saying that your speculative conclusion that the Jets are worse off is premature because many of the alleged facts that you cite may not be the case 2 months from now. And, citing 2007 is meaningless. Different coach, different core of players and better depth. For instance, the problem with letting Kendall go wasn’t that Kendall was all that good, but that the Jets didn’t have a replacement or the ability to acquire a replacement because he was allowed to leave during training camp. Contrast that to TJ being released. The Jets have a superior replacement in Greene and the ability to acquire better depth in the draft, free agency or from training camp cuts. While the Jets prospered this season, you were away from this blog. Now, that there’s a whiff of controversy, you’re back shorting the Jets while claiming that I’m a cheerleader. I see maturity and improvement by Tanny as a GM and I think Rex has the makings of a great NFL coach. You think these moves are indicative of decline, I see it as necessary housecleaning. But, no matter who is right, the basic fact is that your conclusions are premature. And, instead of refuting the facts that I cited in response to your speculative claims, you merely claim that I’m irrational. Do you refute the FACT that Rhodes did not fit Rex’s system? Do you refute the fact that Greene is superior to Jones? Do you refute the fact that Hartsock could (as he often did last season) play H-back and lead block? Do you refute the fact that Rex only activated 4 or 5 DL last year and that was without Big Jenks? I’m not rationalizing anything, I’m just citing you legitimate football reasons why your worries are illusory.
I simply don’t know what people are talking about. Yes, losing Jones and Rhodes is a slight step backwards. But the season is not starting tomorrow, We have 6 months until the first meaningful game. Many, many, many things are going to happen before then. With respect to Jones and Rhodes: Jones will 32 and the Jets already have a replacement with more talent. Yes, we need more RB depth now but we’ve got 6 months to find it. 2) Rhodes is a talented athlete who had a couple of good seasons but he was TERRIBLE for most of last year and it’s obvious that everybody on the team (from the coaches on down) hated his guts. Has one player come out and said they were sorry to see him go? He will be replaced and the defense will be fine. Guys, we’ve just went to the AFC championship, we’ve got a team full of talented, young, exciting players. and we’ve got a coaching staff and FO that have shown they are willing to do whatever it takes to win. Does that mean that every decision they make will work out — of course not. But please stop all the negativity and take a deep breath. This is the best shape the Jets franchise has ever been in. Try to enjoy it a little.
Where is the veteran QB to help Sanchez improve?! Bring in Jake Delhomme or Todd Collins. I know Derek Anderson has only been in the league for 5 yrs, but he could be an option too.
All I know is Mr.T better start replacing some of these guys we’re losing quick!! TJ, Murrell, Wright and maybe Leon…Traded Rhodes for a bag of peanuts!! Should look @ D. Landry of BMore for the safety spot!! I heard they were looking at a bum named Brodney Pool from Cleveland….he Sux!!
Brandon from lllinois
You mean where’s the Vet QB to come & try to slip Sanchize a “HGH” pill so he can frame him & take his job … Lol but Vet QBs are overrated .. Sanchize has been ballin since he was 6 years old plus what do we pay QB coaches for ?
Ryan,Flacco,BigBen (I think)didn’t have Vets plus Sanchize wasn’t horrible last year .. He was good .. He’ll be fine .. I think Ainge should be the back-up , I liked what I saw last pre-season..
Somebody tell Rusty Sanchez to pay attention…lmao…. LJ last played with the Bengals homeboy lmfao….He’s not a Chief!!
need a pass rusher…Charles Grant from N.O would be nice too!!
im not to worried about not picking these guys back up it just gives me an uncomfortable feeling we had an amazing special teams that was winning games for us for years and even the first 3 games of the season until ryan started sitting special teamers for back up linebackers and such. thats when our specials started to fall off im hoping rex doesnt just thing he can throw anybody in special teams and get the best in the league like we once had. im hoping it was westhoff who said we dont need wright or murrel anymore cuz maybe there production went down and that were gonna get some new younger special guys
Oh and i get a feeling were gonna be going cheap this offseason we havent even been rumored to do anything special besides what what rumored before the ofseason cro hear and rhodes gone. usually you hear something i dont hear anything except coles and that even that is doubtful. : (
Our # 5 outside LB is picked up by a team that WE used to pick up cast off people from. How is that not a good thing?
WEwill go after a rush LB in the draft that will either be a starter or 3rd down specialist and everybody drops down a slot. Thats the plan I,m sure, ther weas no room for Murrell.
Great day to me, New England is picking up our droppings!!! The world has changed.
I would like to know what Westoff thinks about the loss of Murrell and Wright? However, for that to have meaning, it would require honesty on his part, something that is very rare.
Sackdance
Actually you do have a problem with facts! The fact that last year I was not daily on this blog does not mean that I was not.
Some facts.
1) I congratulated the move of the FO to go get Sanchez. And I liked Sanchez more than you did, when you criticized his height!
2) I liked the move to go get Greene and I never complained for giving up too many draft choices for him.
3) I liked the move to go get Rex.
4) And I did not criticize the FO, actually I gave them credit for the season.
5) I liked the team even when it was 4-6 and many were killing it.
Now, I do not need you to tell me if my conclusions are premature or not. I said it myself when I stated in capital letters “ SO FAR”. And my claims are not speculative, there are claims of CAUTION and no CHEERLEADING as when we lose a player and everyone, including you, starts “Oh, any way he was not good, we going to get a better one”, this is crap.
Mr. Sackdance to your questions now.
a) You ask: Do you refute the FACT that Rhodes did not fit Rex’s system?
Answer:I refute as fact that we are better off without Rhodes, till they find a better replacement. Smith and Ihedigbo does not cut it for me.
b) You ask: Do you refute the fact that Greene is superior to Jones?
Answer: I refute as fact, that Greene alone is better than Greene and Thomas Jones…….. till they find a better replacement than Thomas Jones!
c)You ask: Do you refute the fact that Hartsock could (as he often did last season) play H-back and lead block?
Answer: I do not respond to trivialities!
d)Do you refute the fact that Rex only activated 4 or 5 DL last year and that was without Big Jenks?
Answer: I do not, but the fact that Ellis had to play the championship game with a broken hand it should tell you something . Like …that Douglas is valuable to this team?
Conclusion: Pray!
I mean, pray that they do not mess things up! Because money , PSLs and the New Stadium may have something to do with these moves and they are not simply tactical moves to a master plan for a SB.
murrel was in the doghouse last season, inactive down the stretch and most of the playoffs.
for better or worse he could not get on the field. i still think he may develop as a pass rush specialist and he still may flourish for NE, but like rhodes he was not going to get that chance here.
i am rooting for wright, not only on specials but to get a shot at reciever which is his dream. he is a true success story and i wish they had kept him, but believe this is more about HIM getting a real shot on offense and the jets not willing to guarantee that shot than it is about money or the Jets not wanting him.
Once they sign Landry and A Thomas no one will be crying.
If they don’t I will.
Please tell me that the rumor of the Jets looking to sign Jake Delhomme is just that a rumor…Tell me how he is going to mentor Sanchez when he is an interception throwing machine…Honestly I’d rather have Kellen back up Sanchez atleast he knows the system and how to hand the ball off…Please Mike T. dont waste any money on Jake PLEASE….Shoot I’d rather they get Collins atleast he makes good decisions with the football…
Nikolas,
Your lame attempt to refute my comments only adds to their value. And, for the record, I never blasted Sanchez for his height and I even said that I thought Detroit should’ve drafted Sanchez over Stafford. My concern with Sanchez was primarily arm-strength. But, when the rumors started before the draft that the Jets might trade up to get him, I looked at his film highlights and game clips and saw that the draft pundits who questioned his arm strength were wrong AND I said that his footwork and release were so good that his lack of elite height would likely not hinder him. Moreover, since I began posting on this site every year I called for the Jets to draft a first-round QB. I think if we could go back and look at who said what, I was likely as positive about Sanchez as anyone who regularly posts on here, even if I do wish he were an inch taller.
Nikolas, SackDance is right. Lat April, I called him out on his “must be 6 foot 3 inches to be a good QB” theory when we got Sanchise, and SD did say from the get-go that Sanchez was an exception to his otherwise universal beliefs.
bubby,
Thanks for the shout out. In fact, here’s the thread where Bassett first threw out the possibility of the Jets trading up for Sanchez because of the trade rumors:
http://www.thejetsblog.com/2009/04/22/film-room-how-serious-are-the-jets-about-sanchez/comment-page-1/
I forgot that I was still a bit concerned about his ability to throw the deep out to the left (the hardest throw in football), but I think my review was a rave and, then, I called for him to start from day 1! At some point I saw more of Sanchez (I did more YouTube searches) and said I thought he could make all the NFL throws, but my initial assessment was pretty fair.
Pats are expected to get 4 compensatory picks
http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/11420/patriots-win-out-in-compensatory-forecast
New England Patriots: Four seventh-round picks for losing receiver Jabar Gaffney, long-snapper Lonie Paxton, fullback Heath Evans and running back LaMont Jordan, but not signing any definite qualifying free agents. Gaffney could be good enough for a sixth-rounder.
All I can say is OY that and the 1 first and the 3 #2′s they have plus the rest of their picks the Pats should do well in this draft
JayM,
Four more 7th rounders means that the Pats have a boatload of picks and the higher likelihood that some will pan out, but we are talking about 7th rounders, which are barely better than UDFAs. All I know is that they have to be a lot smarter about the picks they do make because their last few drafts have been poor.
Agree SackDance but it gives them a lot of ammo to deal to move around in the draft.
NE Pats draft picks, looks like they will own the 7th round
1st Round (22nd Overall)
2nd Round (Jaguars 44th Overall)
2nd Round (Titans 47th Overall)
2nd Round (53rd Overall)
4th Round
6th Round
7th Round (PHI – Greg Lewis)
7th Round (DEN – Russ Hochstein)
7th Rounders don’t really mean much in terms of trades, unless they’re moving up from a 5th to a 4th or something. Their point value is basically nothing. You could package all 4 of those 7th rounders and it would get you into the 5th round. So I guess it can work to your advantage but, as Bent said, this is the ‘slim pickins’ area of the draft.
But a very deep draft, the 7th round picks will help the Pats move up to get the player they want if they so choose
The Pats have been terrible at drafting for years now, I’m not worried about them having 4 extra 7th round picks.
I’m not sure that I’d take all 4 7th rounders for a 5th rounder, as Brendan said the draft value of 7th rounders isn’t all that high and my guess is that the Pats would like to have 3rd and 5th rounders. 7 picks in the 6th round or later don’t scare me, but those 3 second rounders do scare me. If the Pats wanted to make a splash and draft in the top 10, they have the picks to swing a trade. You can bet that Suh, McCoy or Berry might last until the Raiders’ 8th pick and the Pats’ farm team might be more than willing to swap the no. 8 for the the no. 22 and a second rounder plus a pick next year.