While former Colt Marlin Jackson cancelled his visit with the Jets because they lost out to the Eagles on him could another player make a trip to New York in the next few weeks?
The Jets saw early this season just how good a mid thirties safety can be with their own eyes. Darren Sharper is looking to the bright lights and big city …
“If the love was right, that would have been taken care of. The love would have been reciprocated,” said Sharper to Mike Triplette of the New Orleans Times-Picayune.
Sharper plans to make some free agent visits in a week or two, when his surgically repaired knee has healed. He speculated that he might be a good fit with the Jets.
“The New York teams, there’s something about the big lights and the big city that fits me, and I know I would fit there,” Sharper said.
The 34-year-old wants a pay hike from his $1.7 million contract. But the Saints are wisely unwilling to break the bank for an older player, just like they were with Scott Fujita.
Sharper says he plans to play for a few more years and uses Rod Woodson as an example of someone that played outstanding well into his mid-thirties.
One safety (Antrel Rolle)already got his money from New York, so if Sharper would come anywhere in New York, then the Jets clearly are the team. That Sharper is not hurrying to get signed is a sure sign that he might be looking to sign with a club that might … at the present time … be restricted from doing so like the Jets are.
I’d love to see the Jets find a mid or late round project player while Sharper holds the fort for a year, or for a few games …
UPDATE: Crazy Eddie points out in the comments that there would be no restriction on the signing of Sharper. Still at 34, he just might be trying to take his time to avoid some offseoson workouts with a new team … cheers
I thought that the Jets could sign from another final 4 team without restriction. Man this whole thing is confusing.
I’m not against it for a year, but why not sign OJ Atogwe away from the Rams?
They signed him low, so no draft pick compensation is required. He’s 28 going on 29, he’s a smart player, and no other player in the NFL had caused more turnovers than him since ’05(Atogwe’s rookie year) with 33(19 INTs, 14 FF).
Crazy Eddie,
That had been the initial report. I was particularly happy because I thought it meant the Jets might have their TJ replacement in Chester Taylor. But that information wasn’t reported correctly. Players from other final four teams fall under the same rules as all other players. But if Sharper was willing to take more bonus money or something, then it could be done.
I woudln’t mind bringing in Sharper to tutor a younger safety, because let’s face it Sharper is as good a safety as this league has had for a long time (outside of Ed Reed).
A nice fantasy, but I find it too hard to imagine this happening. I mean, Revis on one side, Cromartie getting whipped into 2007 shape by Rex on the other and then a truly elite ball hawk roving in between? It would be the end of passing in the AFC East.
draft a stud safety. Sign Darren Sharper for one year.
We get a talented rookie that could be used in other situations than starting (3rd-down pass-rush, dime coverages) and we get to start a veteran instead of said rookie as to minimize any growing pains for a hopeful elite defense.
MAKE IT HAPPEN TANNY!!!!!!!
Just to back up what Brendan says, the confusion surrounds an ambiguously worded clause, the correct interpretation of which depends on the meaning of the phrase “such teams”.
I’ve never seen formal confirmation that the restrictions do or don’t apply, so I’ve suspected the validity of those reports for a while.
I don’t think Sharper is impossible though, as I can see a few ways of complying with the rules but still having a low enough cap number to match with an outgoing free agent, but still plenty of upfront money.
The issue with Atogwe (and Landry) is that the offer sheet could be matched, so maybe they’re investigating a trade instead.
Thanks Brenden, so basically, unless Feely or Douglas sign somewhere soon. No shot.
Thanks for finding that article Bassett, I had been wanting to locate that quote.
Sounds like a winner that has “possiblity” written all over it….If not, I have a feeling with Revis and Cro as our CBs and lil’ Jim at Safety we’ll be fine regardless. Everyone that wants us to trade up for Berry (really the only Safety worth trading up for) or Mays needs to realize that you don’t need a superstar filling every position of your secondary. But at the same time I think all the talk is good, because if fans are thinking we’re gonna trade up for a safety I’m sure certain teams are thinking the same….which the JETS will def not do. Come on guys, are we forgetting our #1 need is an elite Pass Rusher??? If any top 3 team are serious about trading out for more picks/players/whatev, then get Suh! It’s that simple. We get Suh, our defense is unstoppable. We’re talking at least 6 shut-outs next year. Think I’m exagerrating? That mofo is the real deal.
On Atogwe’
“I’m going to give the Rams credit for being ballsy on this, they gave him the lowest tender. This guy can play. There is no reason for us not to take a shot at offering him at 4yr/$20M signing bonus heavy, so when cap returns it’s not as restricting.
If the Rams match, they’d do so begrudgingly and we’ll still be in the same boat we are now, so be it, we tried. If the Rams don’t match, then we have ourselves one of the most underrated players in the league, and have now successfully filled our vacancy at S, while still maintaining all of our draft picks.
Before anyone says anything otherwise, Yes! he is fair game, even though he’s on the rams and they weren’t a final 4 team. He’s a 1st right of refusal RFA.
The Rams don’t want to pay him as much as last year, and that’s where we can bust a hole in this one, signing bonus…
There’s no downside to trying this!
We could poison pill here, which would virtually assure us of getting him, but keep in mind that it’s kind of frowned upon by the league. “
eddie – they can still negotiate terms while they wait for a UFA to be taken by another team.
gulf – who are you quoting there?
The downside is that if the offer is matched, he’s off the market. That’s why I prefer a trade.
I don’t want any team to use the poison pill this year. I’ve never liked it and it’s just going to lead to a team using it on us.
Minor nit – In order to restrict future cap hits, you don’t want it bonus heavy, you want a high first year salary. A bonus would be prorated.
He just had surgery. I’d stay away.
I WOULD LIKE TO SE SHARPER IN GEEN AND WHITE FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS! GO JETS
Bent,
The quote isn’t from anyone “famous”, I just have similar thoughts on the situation.
Another team would have to swoop in and match the Jets if anyone wanted Atogwe. The Rams aren’t gonna pay him like they did the previous year, which is why they tendered him so low…
i would LOVE sharper on a one year deal. the only thing missing from our top ranked defense was turnovers. sharper knows how to get takeaways.
I think the whole reason we cut Rhodes for future cap space to sign our own guys. I don’t think we can sign the Rams safety unless he will take 4 or less a year. Don’t forget that we need to sign Ferguson, Mangold, Revis, Harris, and Cro in the next two years with Mangold and Harris expiring after this year. I think we will go cheap on safety and running back to keep money open for these guys.
GulfBreeze,
From what I’ve read, the reason the Rams tendered him so low is they expect to match any offer for him. If they weren’t going to match an offer why wouldn’t they just give him a 1st or 2nd round tender and get something back for him?
With that being said I would sign Sharper to a two year deal with alot of money in the first year so we can still extend everyone else.
Gulf – all other tenders for Atogwe would cost 110% of his 2009 salary, which comes to over $7m. This is their only possible shot at signing him for less.
Brendan – my comment to gulf answers your comment too.
Jeff – no, it would need to be a LOW cap number in the first year, as it will need to match with that of an outgoing free agent.
Get this man in Green and White, i think he will do amazing with our defense… He is old but he is in awesome shape and is probly the smartest Safety in football..
Just imagine Sharper, Revis, and Cro and you add another corner and it could potentially be the best secondary ever. Man i know were all dreaming but i really hope this one goes down, he wants to play here and he is by far better than Rhodes even at 34
Brendan/Bent,
That’s where the “poison pill” comes in.
Is it right? No, but business is business…
Bent, nice pick-up on the quotes, haha
The idea of signing Sharper is getting me through these uncertain times as a Jets fan, with all that is going on. This would allow us to draft pass rusher(s) with early picks and draft a nickelback who can potentially take-over the duty when Sharper gets too old.
What kind of money will he get?
Signing Sharper to a 1 or 2 year contract and then drafting a safety this year seems like a pretty perfect plan.
Gulf poison pill won’t happen while the Owners band together against NFLPA. Also it would mean we’d lose Leon in the same fashion and possibly Edwards as well.
Yeah, I hope that’s right TJBfan.
I think teams would view it as unethical. I’d probably take the compensation and run if Braylon got an offer anyway, especially if it wasn’t a late pick.
Marc – Sharper outplayed his 1.7m salary last year. Ed Reed is set to earn about 6m, if he doesn’t retire. My guess is somewhere between the two.
Sign him!! Hes a playmaker and wants to be in NY we need him badly !
I guess I would make a horrible GM, because I would have found a way to sign Sharper already.
I would sign Sharper, too. It would take the pressure off for drafting a Safety in the first 2 rounds, give the Jets draft flexibility and add a complete stud at FS. Then, the Jets can concentrate on getting the WILL/DE hybrid pass rusher that would be the only missing link on what would be a much-improved defense (Sharper over Rhodes; Cromartie over Lito and Big Jenks back in the DL rotation). And, Rex saw the Ravens add an aging Rod Woodson and he, along with a number of other astute vet signings, helped to make that Ravens D awesome. Plus, could you imagine how much adding a wily vet like Sharper would mean to Revis? Revis is already an absolute sponge when it comes to preparation, how about giving him Sharper as a guy to consult with? Plus, Sharper, Revis and Leonhard are serious gamers, that has to rub off on Cromartie. A perfect addition that likely won’t happen.
I’m all for this as well. A one or two-year deal, draft a safety in the 2nd round and groom him to be Sharper’s replacement. It’s win-win.
If they are interested, let’s hope he’s keen enough to want to sign a deal which accommodates their need to comply with the restriction.
If I were the Jets front office I would do the following..
1-Sign Darren Sharper for 1 year
*2-Move up in the draft and draft S Taylor Mays
3-Re-sign Leon Washington
4-Sign Coles to be our Slot receiever
5-Move Gholston to DE
As for the draft, here is the following
1st-Safety(Taylor Mays,Berry)
2nd-Defensive End or Running Back
4th-Defensive Tackle,Running Back or Receiver
5th-Cornerback, Wide Receiever, or Running Back
6th-Fullback,Runningback, maybe Kicker?
7th-Maybe Offensive Line or Cornerback Filler
Revis, Cro, Sharper, and Leonard would be insane. The Jets would probably end up with over 30 picks on the season. I think even Manning would be nervous throwing against that secondary. Sharper would be an awesome addition, but I’m not sure if the Jets can/will spend the money on him.
GIVE ME BERRY OR GIVE ME SHARPER!!!
Randy- If we got Sharper, why would we move up (and lose at least one extra pick) to get Mays, when we could get a diamond in the rough at a later round?
Everyone suggesting that Sharper would agree to a one year deal just shows that typical Jetfan shewdness, expecting to get everything without giving up anything…Why would Sharper sign up for one year when he’s already 34? Not much security in that deal.
Yes he has expressed interest in joining the team. He’s smart and knows this system would destroy opposing offenses, but it’s gonna come down to either long term (3-4 years) or $$$ which we won’t be able to do while locking up our youth. I love the idea but the reality of it dosen’t seem that plausible.
^shrewdness
It’s going to have to be a long deal to have a low salary cap number in the first year and a big enough contract value.
Reshad Jones!!!!
Maybe Sharper would be willing to take less money if it means more than 1 year. Do you think he would take about 2 years 7 mil or 3 years 10 mil, with almost all of it coming after the first year? Its not like he needs the money immediately or anything.
Sharper is as good as it gets in terms of being a “centerfielder”…
Im with Jesus Revis on this one, this guy should have been brought in already and they should be working on a contract right now
The Jets are very restricted in what they could offer and still comply with all the rules. They may be able to get around it somehow.
It depends what he wants, but if he’s keen to play for them (which that quote doesn’t really tell us), they’ll find a way.
It’s best not to get bogged down in specifics.
I think Feely signing with another team would give the Jets the best chance to sign Sharper. He will probably make at least 1.5 mil, which is probably more than either Douglas or T-Rich will make.
Btw is Aundrae Allison under contract for 2010? He had a pretty nice pre-season before getting injured. I’m surprised that nobody even mentions him as a possible candidate for 3rd receiver next year.
Yes, he is.
If somehow this team signs Sharper the trade of Rhodes looks brillant.
We then draft a safety and have a very nice player playing centerfield for 2 years.
My initial thoughts are Shaprer is using the “bright lights” of NYC as a fear tactic for NO to come to the table with some more cash.
I heard Sharper had arthroscopic knee surgery.
If this gets done LOOK OUT. We will have made our defense frightfully better than we have ever seen. I’d like to add Larry Johnson as the 3rd back if he comes cheap. Leon will get resigned with the Jets no doubt in my mind now that TJ is gone. What an off season so far: Highlight Rhodes leaving.
Ok thanks Bent.
Im liking this idea more and more.
Wouldn’t Mind Seein This Two More Times Next Season.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5S-flQ8fzg&feature=related
Randy – Taylor Mays is awful, i think he’s going to be a huge bust. However, if any coach could bring the best out of him it would be Rex, but i just don’t think it’s worth the risk, especially to trade up for him. If we’re trading up for a FS a) we didn’t sign Sharper or Poole and b) it better be Berry or Thomas. With a draft this deep i think we can afford to wait till the 4th to draft a safety.
Dmazz – i would love to get Larry as our 3rd RB, but i don’t think he’s a free agent.
Green Lantern – Me too man, if this happens i honestly believe this D could be in for a season that is borderline historic. Also, if he signs with us it assures this never happens again (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhtamKEkSD0&feature=related) and that our D will receive a much needed boost in turnovers.
I’m sooooo ready to get 42 in green and white.
MAKE IT HAPPEN TANNY!!!!!
as much as I RESPECT and APPRECIATE Darren Sharper..he’s 40 years old…..we’re trying to get YOUNGER,not OLDER.
kc, we’re also trying to get BETTER, and I have to think the only way the Jets would agree to this is if he accepted a 1 or 2-year deal without a lot of guaranteed money. Our secondary would instantly improve, and if we drafted correctly, by 2012 at the latest we’d have his replacement ready to go.