How a Big Day of AFC East Acquisitions Affects the New York Jets

There was a flurry of action around the AFC East on Thursday, including one ex-Jets player being snapped by a rival.

Brad Smith, the dynamic kick returner/wide receiver/wildcat quarterback/specials teams ace, has indeed played his last game as a New York Jet, as I had anticipated.

The Buffalo Bills have come to terms with Smith on a four-year deal worth $15 million, a pretty good deal for a guy like him. I wish him well as he stays in the division. Just not against us.

What it means for the Jets is that rookie receiver Jeremy Kerley out of TCU will probably take over most of Smith’s duties as a kick returner, special teamer, and perhaps even wildcat snaps. The Jets seem confident in his abilities to let Smith walk.

Meanwhile, the Miami Dolphins acquired running back Reggie Bush from the New Orleans Saints and gave him a new two-year, $10 million contract.

It likely means that free agent running backs Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams are probably on their way out of Miami, and Bush will pair up with rookie Daniel Thomas to form the new-look Miami backfield.

Bush will be an interesting player for the Jets to gameplan for. He isn’t exactly a big threat between the tackles, but he is an excellent receiver out of the backfield, and he’ll be a nice option in the passing game for Chad Henne, should he remain their starting quarterback.

It was the New England Patriots, however who made the biggest splash in the AFC East today. In addition to acquiring Albert Haynesworth from Washington, they also acquired wide receiver Chad Johnson Ochocinco from the Cincinnati Bengals and restructured his contract over three years.

Ochocinco has had his share of run-ins with Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis, but Revis has always had his number.

I expect the Patriots to get the most out of Haynesworth and Ochocinco, and they’re nothing to be trifled with. But quite frankly, I think the Jets match up pretty well with them. I think it’ll be a good battle.

Even with the other three AFC East teams making big moves, I feel confident that the Jets can match up with them, and anybody in the AFC. It should be fun to see the new players. Can’t wait!

 

Follow me on Twitter @metsjetsnets88 and @JetsReport

 

New England Patriots Acquire DT Albert Haynesworth

Even though the New York Jets have advanced further in the playoffs the last two seasons, the New England Patriots remain the team to beat in the AFC East.

The back-to-back defending AFC East division champion Patriots have made their first big bold move off the 2011 offseason, acquiring big defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth from the Redskins for a 2013 5th-round draft pick.

The 30-year-old Haynesworth was an All-Pro player in 2007 and 2008, his last two seasons with the Tennessee Titans. But ever since signing a seven-year, $100 million deal with the Washington Redskins in 2009, he has struggled.

After a final rift with head coach Mike Shanahan last December, the Redskins evidently concluded that they had just had enough, and dumped him today.

Bill Belichick obviously was willing to take a chance on him for such a low asking price in a trade, and Haynesworth will now try to rehabilitate his image and his game in New England, where he will be playing for a contender again.

The Jets will have their hands full with big Albert and Vince Wilfork on that Patriots defensive line, but it’s nothing that perennial All-Pro center Nick Mangold can’t handle.

While the Patriots have improved, acquiring a 6’6, 335 pound behemoth, I’m confident that Mangold, Brandon Moore and the rest of the Jets offensive line will keep him in check.

 

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New York Jets Reportedly Met with All-Pro CB Nnamdi Asomugha on Day 1 of Free Agency

Free agent cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha may be the biggest prize of the 2011 NFL free agency class, and will definitely have his share of serious suitors.

A player of Darrelle Revis’s caliber at cornerback, Asomugha will likely be offered the sun and the moon by any team that can afford it.

But is it possible that money may not be the determining factor for Nnamdi? Having a chance to win, among other things, could also affect his decision.

It’s being reported that the Jets met with Asomugha on day 1 of free agency. Perhaps just to check in, but still, it’s exciting nonetheless.

Having a player of his caliber opposite Revis would give the Jets the best defense in franchise history. It would be quite the heist for Mike Tannenbaum.

 

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New York Jets Re-Sign OL Wayne Hunter as Damien Woody Retires

The Jets have come to terms with free agent right tackle Wayne Hunter, according to sources.

Hunter, who filled in as the starting right tackle after starter Damien Woody went down with a leg injury last season, will get a four-year deal worth around $13 million, according to Tony Pauline of Sports Illustrated.

That would appear to be starter money, so Hunter will likely enter training camp as the favorite to start on the Jets’ offensive line over at right tackle, although I’d imagine he will compete with second year tackle/guard Vladimir Ducasse.

In a related story, Woody has decided to hang it up, as he has hinted that it was either the Jets or bust for him this year.

The longtime veteran lineman Woody played all over the line during his career, and played three excellent years at right tackle for the Jets from 2008 to 2010.

I don’t think we’ve seen the last of Big Wood, to be honest. I think it’s possible we see him on TV as an analyst or on the sidelines as a coach, maybe. He’s a gifted player with a strong mind and personality. He’s got a post-football future.

But the Jets will definitely be affected by the loss of Woody, who was an elite player when he was on the field. You don’t replace those guys very easily.

However, the Jets do have a great offensive line coach in Bill Callahan, who always gets the most out of his players. Hopefully Hunter or Ducasse steps up big, and keeps Mark Sanchez upright in 2011.

 

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New York Jets Extend Offer to Santonio Holmes as 2011 NFL Free Agency Begins

With the shackles on NFL free agency unlocked, it didn’t take long for the hot stove to heat up.

As undrafted rookie free agents inked deals with their teams today, NFL teams also began talking to free agents of their own.

While no teams are allowed to officially cut players until Thursday or sign any until Friday, that hasn’t stopped the New York Jets or any other teams from negotiating with their own players, (and in some cases, other teams’ players.)

According to Jenny Vrentas of the Star-Ledger, the Jets have made a formal contract offer to free agent wide receiver Santonio Holmes.

It was pretty interesting timing, Vrentas notes, because the news came in about the Jets’ offer to Holmes soon after the Washington Redskins came to terms with free agent receiver Santana Moss on a three-year, $15 million contract.

Many people have speculated that the Redskins could be a suitor for Holmes thanks to the deep pockets of owner Daniel Snyder.

Now, I won’t pretend I know the Redskins’ cap situation, but after spending a significant amount of money on Moss, who coincidently is a former Jets receiver himself, I do have to wonder if that would incline them to back off their interest in Holmes a tad.

While there are not yet any details on the terms of the contract offer, the fact that the Jets reached out and offered Holmes a deal first indicates that he is their top priority in free agency.

Holmes is a game-changing, play-making receiver and the Jets would be wise to try to lock him long-term to further the development of third-year quarterback Mark Sanchez.

While teams and players are not allowed to officially sign contracts until Friday, agreeing to a deal is still on the table. Until then, the Jets will continue to negotiate with Holmes and his agent, as they try to find a deal to keep him in Green and White.

Hopefully by Friday, Holmes is at Jets camp signing on the dotted line. Until then, buckle your seat belts.

 

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