Clemens Restructures Contract
FLORHAM PARK–The day started with some bizarre Tweeting of an ESPN AFC East Preview video (which appeared on espn.com) where the announcers said that Darrelle Revis had returned from his holdout. He has not. Clearly this was pre-taped on the assumption that Revis would be back by the time it aired and somebody mistakenly made it live. The link has since be taken down.
As you’ve seen, Kevin O’Connell was waived leaving Kellen Clemens as the number three quarterback. In addition, Clemens restructured his contract this morning. Although he handled himself very calmly and very professionally, I can’t imagine Clemens is too happy about how all of this has played out.“We talked about it. I just wanted to make sure all parties were on the same page,” Clemens said. “We have an understanding and I’m fine with it.” Asked to elaborate, Clemens said he preferred to keep those details to himself.
He did say that the new deal of course lowers his salary. The choice he was given: restructure or be cut. “I took a reduction in pay in order stay here,” he said.
The bottom line is that the team wasn’t going to pay their two back-ups in excess of $1 million dollars each. Clemens was originally scheduled to make $1.1 million, while Brunell is making around $1 million. Clemens is now making more than the veteran minimum but less than the $1.1 million.
Rex Ryan commented later, “The only way Kellen Clemens was not going to be on this team was if he had a chance to be a starting quarterback and then I would have traded him. You can’t have all your quarterbacks at X amount of dollars. But I also told him if he could get a starting job I would not stand in his way.”
Someone whose star continues to rise is Danny Woodhead. “The more I’m around Woodhead the more I’m like, ‘Is this in pencil or is this in pen?’” As I’ve been saying, the writing is on the wall for David Clowney’s release.
John Conner is a freight train and Ryan loves it, although Conner is actually hurting people. He was the cause of Josh Mauga’s concussion. Mauga didn’t practice again today. “He’s beaten up almost everybody we’ve got on the team,” Ryan said about Conner. “Usually you never have to worry about an offensive player taking out a defensive player on an isolation block.” Apparently you do when the offensive player is Conner.
Jeff Cumberland had no idea that Ryan already confirmed that all four tight ends would make the team. He responded with only a slightly raised eyebrow, and calmly said, “I’ve got my foot in the door. Now I have to take the opportunity to build it up.”
With Calvin Pace out for a while, Vernon Gholston will get some snaps at outside linebacker, which he is taking in stride. This started immediately after Pace went out with his injury against the Redskins. “It was on the sideline,” he said, “they said ‘Vernon go to rush.’ I said, ‘OK.’” For the most part his role will remain the same. The biggest difference will be that he will have to drop into coverage a little bit more but pass rushing will still be his primary responsibility.
None of the starters will play, including Mark Sanchez who will not only wear the play-calling headset, but according to Rex Ryan, will call the plays. This is something Ryan did with Ed Reed and Ray Lewis when he was in Baltimore. It could be a very good learning opportunity for Sanchez. It might also be very entertaining.
Brodney Pool (ankle) and Kenwin Cummings (stinger/shoulder) were once again working on the bikes, not on the field. Also out or limited were, Donovan Warren (head), Josh Mauga (head), Charlie Tanner (knee) and Damien Woody (back).
39 Responses to Clemens Restructures Contract
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Brunell is Number 2 but I digress. We really need a legit backup QB, but we have who we have.
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Good news on Woodhead. I’m amazed at the number of fans who are down on him. I’ve said this before, his talent is in the open field whether that comes from a flare dump off pass as a RB or a slot receiver. The only place he fails is running up the middle which for some reason Shotty called several times last year. With Danny’s ST contributions improving,not to mention he could always do KR or PR as a backup, I’m starting to view him as another Ed Smith..a guy who isn’t a starter but fills in as a backup in a bunch of places. Apparently Rex likes him and he’s the fan with the most votes! Go Danny!
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He does well in the open field? Really? that’s his stregnth? If he manages to get the football with no one around he can really excel? Well so can Sage Rosenfields I believe…sign them both up!
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Good move by Clemens, and by the Jets. I’d prefer KC as backup, and Brunell as Sanchez private mentor.
I’d feel more confident with Brad Smith in at QB, than Brunell ;) -
Love what I’m hearing about Connor. Hopefully T-Rich keeps his production up because he’s an asset this team on and off the field; would hate to see him get cut. Not yet at least.
Cumberland is exciting too. Having Keller and him as two legit receiving options is nice to have, plus we have some blocking TEs to boot. Speaking of TEs, the Patriots have made improvements there. Brady is going to have a field day with the two rookies and Alge Crumpler.
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Clemmons is #2. Never really seen Clemmons play really bad however, it took some befor we had a decent ofencive line..
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You can never have too many experienced quarterbacks. Remember we lost Pennington and Jay F in the course of 5 plays in 2005
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I can’t wait until we run Conner on an iso against Ray Ray. We should run it five times in a row if we can. He’s not their best player anymore but beat him and we can steal a lot of their mojo.
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Why can’t we all “pretend” Brunnel is #2, let him mentor Sanchez, and never let him see action.
If Ryan wants to giev Sanchez some downs off, put in Clemmens. Plus, if Clemmens does well (yeah right) they can maybe trade him at the end of the season for a #6 pick or something. -
“I’ve got my foot in the door. Not I have to take the opportunity to build it up.”
huh?
Shouldn’t that be: “Now I have to take the opportunity to open it up”…?
Jocks! lol
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Lisa Zimmerman says:
Not jocks – writer writing too fast! Fixing!
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Not sure this writer is worth even reading after last week….BUT
http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2010/08/31/source-darrelle-revis-jets-still-talking-contract/
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Lisa Zimmerman says:
Danny Graziano is a pro. I would think this is highly accurate.
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I’m really happy we kept Clemmons. He has really handled himself well through the last few years. I was really routing for him 2 years ago, and while he is not a starter, he is a great team guy and a JET.
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I’m starting to get the feeling that we don’t know the real story as far as the QBs are concerned. Based both on performance and what we’ve seen on Hard Knocks, I think that the Brunnell signing is really all about Sanchez’ immaturity but nobody can say that publicly. The Jets felt they needed to bring in a mentor, decided Brunnell was the right guy, and were then willing to overpay Brunell to keep him from resigning with NO. Given his financial problems, Brunnell was all for it. Ryan always says he’s a straight shooter and the best guys plays, etc. But this #2 QB thing simply makes no sense. Brunnell was anointed with the job before he even walked in the door and has been an absolute zero since he’s gotten here. I know KC has his issues but anyone being honest has to recognize that he’s outplayed Brunnell by a mile during preseason. Now KC renegotiates and says he’s OK with their “understanding” but won’t elaborate. I bet the understanding is that his salary is bumped up if and when Sanchez goes down (god forbid) and KC gets a certain number of snaps. I’m not usually a conspiracy theorist but the way this thing has played out and the way it’s been explained simply make no sense. At least not to me.
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Agreed. I think it was, from the get-go, the front office trying to get KC to take a pay cut. I believe they always had, and still have, KC as their #2. Interesting point about Sanchez’ immaturity issues.
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it maybe a USC (Pete Carroll) trend.
How many USC/Pete Carroll alumn have had true individual success in NFL so far?
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I believe there is a competition that no one will acknowledge, if Brunnel stinks up the joint this weekend Clemens will be number two if he plays well, at least in the coaching staffs mind.
Brunnel might technically be number two on game days, but if Sanchez has to miss a game or two, Clemens starts.
That is likely the deal, unless of course Brunnel shows a lot more this week.
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i think brunell is the “No.2″ to help sanchez with experience buuuuut i think if sanchez went down kellen would jump in first brunell has had like 15 snaps i trust kellen a little bit more.
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Bent says: It’s probably good cop/bad cop.
Cavanaugh does all the technical stuff, works with the OC and is viewed by Sanchez as his boss. Brunell is more of a friend, a confidante and someone Sanchez can trust, but beyond learning the offense, giving Sanchez advice or encouragement is as far as his job goes.
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Jets69 says:
Clemens is smart. With this fifth year he gets his pension as I said on 1050 espn today
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I’m really pulling for the guy, especially after these recent pre-season games. I’m happy that he took the cut and stays with us. I just hope the whole episode has lit a big-time fire in him, and that he kicks absolute butt Thursday night.
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A waste of money and a roster spot. Brunell may be washed up, but at least he’s a has been. Clemens is a never was. He’s just not now and never has been an NFL calibre QB. Some QB that’s better than Clemens will be cut. If Clemens has been guaranteed a roster spot, I think this is a mistake. If they really need a QB, I’d rather sign Jeff Garcia from the UFL. Clemens is horrible.
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REAL JET FANS PLEASE GO TO YOUTUBE AND LOOK AT KELLEN CLEMMONS AGAINST THE B RAVENS WHO WERE THE BEST DEFESIVE TEAM COACHED BY REX RYAN LORD PLEASE LET THIS KID FINALLY GET HIS JUST DESERVES.
I CANT BE THE ONLY ONE WHO IS A JETS FAN AND WATCH KELLEN CLEMMINS, BE SO DISRESPECTED THIS IS A YOUNG KID WHO NEVER GOT A CHANCE WHEN COMPETING WITH PENNINGTON HE PASSED FOR YARDS THEN HIM AND SCRAMBLED AND SCORED MORE POINTS, NOW THIS GOOD LOOKING KID COMES IN, SANCHEZ HAS DONE NOTHING!!!!
THIS IS A DEFENSEIVE TEAM ,KC KNOWS THIS OFFENSE SO GOOD HE JUST HAD FUN LAST WEEK PASSING TO Santonio Holmes, I FEEL SO SORRY FOR THIS KID HE HAS DONE NOTHG WRONG HIS 1ST YEAR HE WASNT GONNA START HIS 2ND YEAR JETS HAD THE WORST OFF LINE EVER AND GARBAGE RECIEVERS .KC KEEP YA HEAD UP YOUR CHANCE WILL COME
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I CONCUR WITH DA HOOD!
Great point on the pension, above, and his contract is guaranteed if on the opening day roster, so renegotiating really a no brainer for Kellen.
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Bent says:
He had a nice game, but…
1. The Ravens lost to the otherwise winless Dolphins that year.
2. He only had 80 passing yards entering the 4th quarter
3. The Ravens were 20-3 up and dropped into a soft zone/prevent.
4. Over half of his 4th quarter yards came on yards after the catch by Cotchery.
5. He still only put 13 points on the board.
6. They still lost and would have only gone to OT if McCareins made the catch.
7. Brooks Bollinger’s performance against SD in 2005 was better. Say no more.It was his best ever game, but in reality the boxscore is far more impressive than the game.
With that said, he probably is the best option they have to hold the fort is Sanchez goes down.
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Looks like the Browns may cut Ratliff. I feel better with Brett as a back up. At least when he play, Clowney will have 7 receptions for 150 yds and 2 TDs.
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Bent says:
How will we get the other team to agree to put their third stringers in though?
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Someone please explain to me why there is a duplication of QB Coach (Cavanaugh / Brunnell)?
- Brunnel has shown nothing in the way of being a capable back-up
- Brunnell is taking a roster spot
- Brunell is taking up cap space (Jets internal cap space)
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I always thought the Jets should have kept Ratliff and traded Clemens to the Browns. Mangini didn’t want Clemens. He wanted Ratliff.
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To be clear, I’m not against having Brunell on the roster. The Jets brought in Sanchez, played him as a rookie, and have been committed to surrounding him with all the tools and resources necessary to become a successful NFL QB. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. If Brunell helps Sanchez grow into a mistake-free, consistent winner then it will have been worth every penny (and the roster spot). I just think that maybe the team has been less than totally honest about how they’ve explained the various moves made at the QB position this spring and summer. There’s nothing new about that. When was the last time Tanny was 100% honest about the team’s thinking with respect to potential roster decisions. The short answer is never. Well OK, being 100% honest with the media is not Tanny’s primary responsibility. His job is to put a winning team on the field. If Brunell can be a part of that, in whatever capacity, then it’s fine by me. Whether they tell the media that he’s the #2 or the #3 or a surrogate coach/mentor what difference does it make. It doesn’t matter what they say about the #2 as long as there is no expectation that the #2 will actually get on the field for meaningful minutes in a regular season game. If Sanchez has to come out for a series, does it really matter who goes in to hand off 3 times. However, if the worse case scenario were to happen and a backup would have to become the starter for a few games, then things might start to look very different. I just don’t think the things they’re saying about the QB postion this summer really add up. Of course I’m speculating but isn’t that what this blog is for. Most importantly, I hope we never find out. I hope Sanchez plays every snap, has a great season, and we win the Super Bowl.
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Dear BENT, THANK YOU YOU KNOW FOOTBALL UNLIKE ALOT ON THIS BOARD.
YOU SAY MOST OF KC YARDS WERE AFTER THE CATCH C”MON HE WAS THE QB HE MADE THE GREAT PASSES. AND TELL ME WHAT HAPPENS IF McCareins MAKES A CATCH , THAT A GIRL COULD MAKE,
THIS IS WHAT I MEAN THIS IS WHAT CLEMENS HAD TO WORK WITH, AND L.COLES C’MON MAN HE WAS SO WASHED UP.
AND PLEASE EVERYBODY KEEP N MIND CLEMENS WAS NEVER GIVEN 1 YEAR TO PLAY, NO HE HAD TO COME IN WHEN PENNINGTON GOT HURT AND HE WON MORE GAMES THEN PENNINGTON DID THAT YEAR,
YOU CANNOT BE A QB IN THE NFL AND ONLY GET TO PLAY MAYBE 4, 5 OR MAYBE 6 GAMES IF OUR ON THE SIDELINE AND NOT EXPECTED TO PLAY BUT YET STILL YOU DESTROY THE B RAVINS SECONDARY AND YOU BEAT THE P.STEELERS WHO ALSO HAD THE #2 DEFENSE IN THE LEAGUE. THE #1 RAVINS AND THE # 2 STEELERS DEFENSE AND UMM THE STEELER WIN THE SUPERBOWL A YEAR LATER.
THIS KID HAS TO LOOK OVER HIS SHOULDERS EVERYTIME HE GETS IN A GAME, CAUSE HE IS SCARED TO MESS UP, BE HONEST COULD YOU PLAY LIKE THAT???
BUT ON TOP OF ALL OF THAT THIS KID HAS PRODUCED FOR SOMEONE WHO NO ONE LIKES, NO ONE GIVES HIM A CHANCE, WHY CANT HE GET 1 YEAR JUST AS SANCHEZ , THEN YOU SAY HES GOOD OR HIS BAD,
DONT JUDGE HIM WHEN HE COMES IN AFTER SANCHEZ GETS HURT AND HE DOESNT HAVE A GOOD GAME THIS KIDS HEART IS TORN APART WHEN HE FINALLY MIGHT HAVE HAD A CHANCE WHAT DO THE JETS DO BRING N FARVE ,
ADDING INSULT TO INJURY FARVE JUST WANTED TO HAVE FUN DIDNT ASSCIATE WITH THE TEAM AND JUST THREW THE BALL AND DIDNT GIVE A DAMN WHAT HAPPENED. WOW!!
WHEN YOUR THE STARTER AND YOU KNOW YOUR THE STARTER YOU GET THE REPS, YOU GET MO TIME WITH YOUR RECIEVERS, AND YOUR CONFIDENCE IS SKY HIGH..SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME WHY THIS KID TORCHED 2 OF THE NFLS #1 AND #2 DEFENSES WITH NO OFF LINE AND ONLY COTCHERY AS HIS RECIEVER. GO HEAD REX LET EM GO AND SEE WHAT HE DOES TO YOUR DEFENSE AGAIN!!!
I GIVE UP JUST HOPE HE GOES TO ANOTHER TEAM
AND BENT YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPEN WHEN A ACCIDENT OCCURRED IN DALLAS WITH A QB NAMED, D BLEDSOE A QB WHO WOUDNT HAVE GOTTEN A CHANCE BECAME A STAR,
AND THE SAME GOES FOR A GUY NAME T BRADY HE ALSO WAS BURIED ON THE BENCH BUT GUESS WHAT THEY BOTH GOT A CHANCE
Why do we think Brunell should be the number 2?