Jets: Team more likely to focus on draft, not free agency Thursday, January 11, 2007 BY DAVE HUTCHINSON Star-Ledger Staff Although the Jets will have a free-agent war chest approaching $28 million, general manger Mike Tannenbaum suggested yesterday that he might not be a big player in free agency. "I feel comfortable where our cap situation is ... (but) philosophically we want to build our team through the draft as much as possible. That's something that Eric (Mangini) and I are committed to," he said. "We want to try to keep as many of our players as we can. It's one of the core beliefs we share with (owner) Woody (Johnson) and (team president) Jay (Cross). With that said, if there are opportunities in the free-agent market we feel makes sense, we'll take a look at it. "One thing we know about (free agency) is you have to accept the consequences of any decision you make, good or bad, because it stays on your cap. ... You have to live with (it)." With the Chargers apparently prepared to place a first-round tender offer on running back Michael Turner -- meaning any team that signs him to an offer sheet must give up a first-round pick if San Diego doesn't match -- it appears the Jets might not pursue him. Of course, they could try to work out a trade. Otherwise, at the opening bell of free agency the Jets will almost certainly go after Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel, who tied the Broncos' Champ Bailey for the NFL lead in interceptions with 10 this season, and/or Patriots linebacker Tully Banta-Cain, who had a career-high 5 1/2 sacks this season. Both are fourth-year pros. Both will be unrestricted free agents. In addition to their cap space, the Jets have six draft picks -- four on the first day (a first-rounder, two second-rounders and a third) -- with which to retool their team. Tannenbaum did an excellent job in his first draft a year ago, coming away with left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson, center Nick Mangold, running back Leon Washington and all-purpose performer Brad Smith. Cornerback Drew Smith and safety Eric Smith (no relation) also contributed. Re-signing wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery and outside linebacker Victor Hobson will take up some of that projected $28 million as well. Cornerback, help along the defensive line and linebacker depth appear to be the Jets' priorities. Running back, however, is at the top of the Jets' wish list. Tannenbaum pointed out that the Jets' running-back-by-committee approach is being employed by many teams and is the wave of the future. He hinted that's the direction in which the team will continue to go. Tannenbaum praised Washington, saying he got better as the season progressed and earned more playing time by improving "skill sets," such as protecting the football and blitz pickup in pass protection. "He earned the right to play more," said Tannenbaum, adding that many so-called "scat backs" such as Washington can't play on third downs because they can't pass-protect. "The game wasn't too big for him. He could definitely help us (in the future). I don't want to say that he could be this guy and that he can only help us for a certain amount of reps." Whatever the Jets do at running back, it appears that either Cedric Houston or Kevan Barlow will return -- not both. Barlow, a former starter with the 49ers, could be the wild card. At the very least, the Jets will draft a running back, but if Barlow returns to his 1,000-yard form, he could be the perfect complement to Washington. He has said he felt like he was playing on "one leg" last season because he hadn't fully recovered from off-season knee surgery. Dave Hutchinson may be reached at dhutchinson@starledger.com
Seems odd that lee suggs fails his physical here, yet Barlow, who it appears hasn't fully recovered from knee surgery, passed...I guess its not a lock that he'll be released after all, since he could be a better player as he makes the knee stronger over the off-season. Other then that, it seems hutchinson isn't saying anything that any common sense jets fan doesn't already know.
I would rather they went after Banta-Cain than Samuel if they're hell bent on bringing in Patriot players, though I'm not thrilled about either. We only have 2 picks on the second day, that kinda sucks.
i think the Jets FO showed last year there willing to wheel and deal in the draft.. so 2 picks in the 2nd day isnt set in stone.
If I was a betting man, I'd say that given the fact that we're going to tie up Hobson with a long term deal, which is certainly warranted given his play this season, Barton takes a walk, possibly via trade for a pick- 4th round perhaps? Does anyone know what the cap hit would be if Barton were traded or cut?
Im not sure i wouldnt mind. though he is the most undiscipline player on the team he is abone head play waiting to happen at any moment. i would move hobson to MLB and bring abdulis(sp?) thomas from baltimore or draft a olb.
Speed is not an absolute necessity in MLB, so much as it is on the outside for your speed rushing OLBS- Hobson, with his size and strength against the run, would be a great fit for MLB. Hobson isn't any slower than Barton, who appears to have held his own there.
another reason Barton may go is because he's getting up there in age. he'll be going into his 9th season and will be 30 years old next season. barton played well, but didn't stand out and they want young guys -- which is why i think they'll shy away from signing A. Thomas. if Hobson does move inside, that would give us an ILB corps of Hobson, Vilma, and Schlegel. if we sign Banta-Cain, then draft someone - preferably Lamarr Woodley - then we have those two and Bryan Thomas on the outside. that's a solid group of LB's. the fact that we only have 2 second day picks leads me to believe they'll really pursue Samuel or Banta-Cain. cheers
That's exactly what I'm hoping for at this point. Banta-Cain could switch off with Woodley until Woodley begins to show his potential. Banta-Cain would be a good backup thereafter.
I wouldn't take what he said about going after the Draft rather the FA that seriously. Of course he wants to say that. If he was to say that he will emphasize in FA it increases the value of the players. Plus they don't want other teams knowing what players they plan on going after. It's just a smoke screen to decrease the values of Michael Turner and Assante Samuel.
Was thinking the same thing....sounds like a smoke screen...whoever we target we must address the pass rush first
I hear you but you're not going to diminish the values of Michael Turner and Assante Samuel. I think their agents will turn it into a freaking bidding war on way or another, so perhaps Tangini is just putting people on notice that we're not participents if that happens. It would be nice to acquire one of them, but not if we have to pay through the nose.
exactly. i'm pretty sure Samuel's 10 INT's will be enough to make him a hot commodity, regardless of what Tannenbaum says to a NY newspaper reporter. cheers
