Jets New 3/23

hydro51 · Mar 23, 2006

Abraham glad to jet to Falcons
BY KEN BERGER
Newsday Staff Writer
http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/ny-spjets0323,0,4109403.story?coll=ny-jets-print

March 23, 2006

At the end of his first full day as a member of the Falcons -- and a very rich one, at that -- John Abraham sounded like a man who couldn't have been happier to escape the Jets.

"I loved every day of it, but it's over with now. It's time to move on," Abraham said by telephone last night after being introduced in a news conference at the Falcons' complex in Suwanee, Ga. "I had goals that I wanted to achieve there, but they're not going to happen there. They're going to happen in Atlanta."

Relieved to be freed from the uncertainty that went with receiving the Jets' franchise tag for the second straight year, Abraham said he never spoke with Eric Mangini after the coach was hired more than two months ago. He called other players he knew would be on the team to see if Mangini was giving him the cold shoulder.

"They hadn't talked to him, either," said Abraham, who got a six-year, $45-million deal from the Falcons. On a separate conference call yesterday, general manager Mike Tannenbaum declined to specifically address why the team would trade a gifted pass rusher in his prime. A person with knowledge of the Jets' thinking said durability and off-the-field concerns were prominent factors.

Abraham missed 23 of 96 regular-season games because of injury in six seasons with the Jets, though he started all 16 games last season. He was arrested on a drunken-driving charge in 2003, but pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of driving under the influence and has avoided trouble since.

"If they're living in the past, they're living in the past," Abraham said.

Asked if former general manager Terry Bradway lied when he said last year that the team intended to sign him to a long-term deal, Abraham said, "He did say he was going to get me a long-term deal, but it came from Atlanta, so it's not really a lie."

Abraham thanked the Jets for completing the trade with Atlanta, where he wanted to play because it's near his native South Carolina, and not trying to force a deal with the Seahawks, who initially made the best offer. The three-team trade for Abraham involving the Broncos, who sent their first-round pick (No. 29) to the Jets, was made official yesterday.

When asked if the Jets view the 29th pick as a way to select a player or as bait for a draft-day trade, Tannenbaum said, "Certainly more the latter."

Speculation already has begun that the Jets intend to use the 29th, the fourth and perhaps other picks to move ahead of the Titans (No. 3) and select USC quarterback Matt Leinart.

"That's how you start the franchise, and those guys are smart and they know it," said one person with knowledge of the current jostling for position among teams seeking a quarterback in the first round.

Notes & quotes: Tannenbaum said QB Chad Pennington is participating in the offseason conditioning program, which began Monday, but wouldn't say to what extent ... The Jets signed WR/PR Tim Dwight (Patriots) ... TE Chris Baker visited the Seahawks yesterday. RT Jon Runyan (Eagles) visited the Jets.
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hydro51 · Mar 23, 2006

Jets turn focus to fixing lines
Thursday, March 23, 2006
BY DAVE HUTCHINSON
Star-Ledger Staff
http://www.nj.com/jets/ledger/index.ssf?/base/sports-0/114309426987770.xml&coll=1

The Jets' ability to sign veteran free-agent right tackle Jon Runyan -- talks have heated up -- will go a long way toward determining what they'll do in next month's NFL draft.

With the acquisition of quarterback Patrick Ramsey, the Jets seem to have turned their attention to upgrading the offensive and defensive lines.

Should they sign Runyan, who visited yesterday and took a physical, or another veteran offensive tackle, the Jets are expected to target North Carolina State defensive end Mario Williams, who would be the heir apparent to John Abraham.

If the Jets don't sign a veteran offensive tackle, they'll likely eye Virginia left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson with the No. 4 pick in the draft.

Despite rampant speculation, it doesn't appear the Jets will try to package their two first-round picks (fourth and 29th) to try to move up to select USC quarterback Matt Leinart. They've also cooled on Vanderbilt quarterback Jay Cutler.

The Jets, who are in a retooling mode, have eight draft picks (not counting compensatory picks) and $8.3 million in new salary cap room with the trade of Abraham.

"We have three picks in the top 35," Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum said in a conference call. "If an opportunity came along, we'd evaluate that opportunity. But we're happy where we're sitting. It's an excellent opportunity to infuse three good young players onto the roster."

Tannenbaum, however, left his options open. "I won't rule anything in or anything out," he said.

The GM also defended the trade of Abraham to Atlanta, saying the team did well in getting a first-round pick (29th overall). He added the Jets would've kept Abraham if it couldn't get the right deal and said the club simply wasn't prepared to give the player a long-term deal.

"We did what was in the best interest of the team," Tannenbaum said.

Privately, the Jets weren't convinced that Abraham's injury history -- and off-the-field issues -- were behind him and it didn't want to take the risk of signing him to a long-term deal. "If they're living in the past, they're living in the past," Abraham said in a conference call. "That (his DWI arrest) was three years ago."

Asked if he was bitter, Abraham said, "No. Because it ended with me being in Atlanta. I can't hold grudges. I'm happy." Abraham said he never spoke with new coach Eric Mangini and didn't speak to Tannenbaum until yesterday.

Note: Tannenbaum said the Jets have 100 percent participation in the off-season program, which started on Monday. ... Jets TE Chris Baker visited Seattle yesterday.
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hydro51 · Mar 23, 2006

JET GM: WE'RE FLEXIBLE NOW
http://www.nypost.com/sports/jets/65848.htm

March 23, 2006 -- PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. - Jet GM Mike Tannenbaum, during a conference call yesterday to speak about the team's trading of DE John Abraham to the Falcons for the 29th overall draft pick, kept using the word "flexibility."

The more he used it the more it made you wonder how serious the Jets are about packaging their two first-round picks (Nos. 4 and 29) to move up in the first round in a trade for the Saints' No. 2 overall pick, where they would select a franchise quarterback - Matt Leinart.

The Jets have a total of eight draft choices - two No. 1s, three picks in the top 35 and two No. 4s.

"We have flexibility not only in the draft but in free agency, and we're very comfortable with where we sit," Tannenbaum said, referring to the Abraham trade. "Certainly, there are some scenarios out there. I won't rule anything in or rule anything out, starting with the fourth pick, the 29th pick and the 35th pick. We could move up or move back if we feel that's appropriate."

As for why the team never offered Abraham, only 27, a long-term contract, Tannenbaum indicated that it was part economics, part the team not thinking it could get enough bang for its buck.

Abraham, in a separate conference call yesterday, said he had no ill will toward the Jets despite being unhappy about being franchised the last two offseasons.

"It ended with me being in Atlanta," he said. "I'm where I want to be so, so I can't get mad and hold grudges."

As for Abraham's contention that former GM Terry Bradway lied to him about giving him a long-term deal if he played all 16 games in 2005, Abraham said, "He did say he was going to get me a long-term deal and I did, so it really wasn't a lie. I just got a long-term deal from another team."

mark.cannizzaro@nypost.com
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hydro51 · Mar 23, 2006

Jets Pass on Whether Pennington Is Throwing
By JUDY BATTISTA
Published: March 23, 2006
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/23/sports/football/23nfl.html?_r=1&oref=login

While the Jets have been retooling their roster, their off-season program began this week, with quarterback Chad Pennington returning to New York to continue his rehabilitation from shoulder surgery, General Manager Mike Tannenbaum said yesterday.

Tannenbaum said the Jets were happy with Pennington's progress, but he would not discuss specifics, not even to confirm that Pennington had begun throwing again, something that Pennington had already told reporters. Pennington had been recuperating in Florida, but is now under the supervision of the Jets' trainers and strength and conditioning coaches.

Tannenbaum also said the Jets would more likely try to move up in the first round of the draft by trading the 29th pick rather than use it to select a player. The Jets acquired that pick in the three-way trade completed yesterday that sent defensive end John Abraham to Atlanta.

Tannenbaum said the Jets intended to have Abraham play under the one-year franchise tender of more than $8 million. But the Jets never considered signing him to a long-term deal, and a person familiar with the Jets' thinking who was granted anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter indicated the Jets were concerned with Abraham's durability and about his reliability after an alcohol-related driving incident in October 2003.

"If they're living in the past, they're living in the past," Abraham said in a conference call with reporters Tuesday night when asked about that reasoning. "We're trying to worry about the present and the future. The incident happened three years ago. Nothing happened before that situation or after that situation. I'm moving on. I'm happy where I'm at."

Speculation has centered on the Jets' packaging their two first-round picks to move up to No. 2 in the draft, giving them the chance to select a top quarterback, either Matt Leinart, Jay Cutler or Vince Young. Tannenbaum would not comment specifically on what the Jets might do.

"We have flexibility not only in the draft, but in free agency," he said in a conference call. "We're very comfortable where we sit."

Yesterday, the Jets also announced the signing of the free agent Tim Dwight, a former Patriots wide receiver and punt returner.
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hydro51 · Mar 23, 2006

Abraham in big rush to leave
By RICH CIMINI
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/story/402207p-340658c.html

Two hours after signing a six-year, $45 million contract yesterday with the Falcons, a nattily-attired John Abraham faced the cameras in Atlanta, all but predicting a career year because "it's easier to play when you're happy."

Abraham, unhappy the last two seasons, is glad to be a former Jet. The feeling is mutual. Concerned about his durability and character, the Jets refused to make a long-term commitment to Abraham because they felt he was a "huge risk," according to a person familiar with the team's thinking.

GM Mike Tannenbaum, addressing the media for the first time in a month, refused to give a specific explanation on why they traded the three-time Pro Bowl defensive end, a move that leaves the Jets without a speed rusher. Tannenbaum focused on next month's draft, almost celebrating the flexibility that comes from owning two first-round picks (the fourth and 29th overall).

In fact, Tannenbaum used the word "flexibility" so often in a conference call with reporters (11 times, to be exact) that he sounded like a yoga instructor. The Jets acquired the 29th pick from the Falcons, via the Broncos, in a three-way trade.

"We're very pleased how it turned out, sitting here with the 29th pick for John," he said.

The Jets also recouped $8.3 million in salary-cap money - the amount of Abraham's franchise tender - allowing them to be aggressive in the second wave of free agency. As of last night, they were deep into negotiations with right tackle Jon Runyan, who spent most of the day meeting with Jets officials at Hofstra. The Eagles are interested in re-signing Runyan; a decision could come today.

As for draft possibilities, Tannenbaum refused to tip his hand (what a surprise), saying only that he won't rule out the possibility of trading up - or down - from the fourth spot. At No. 4, they could have a choice of Vanderbilt quarterback Jay Cutler, Virginia tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson and North Carolina State defensive end Mario Williams. If they trade up, it probably would be for Southern Cal quarterback Matt Leinart.

Tannenbaum dodged the QB question. He's "pleased with the progress" of Chad Pennington, who is participating in the offseason program. The GM declined to provide any specifics on the passer's shoulder rehab, but it's believed that Pennington, who began soft-tossing March 1, is limited to 15-yard throws. He and recently-acquired Patrick Ramsey will compete for the starting job. Ramsey has "significant untapped upside," according to Tannenbaum.

The rookie GM didn't provide much insight into the Abraham trade, except to say they had no intention of signing him to a longterm deal and were prepared to make him play on a one-year franchise contract. The Jets didn't want to commit $15 million, the amount of guaranteed money in his new contract, because they were concerned by his injury history and a "selfish" attitude, a source said.

Abraham missed time in three of his six seasons. The low point came in January, 2005, when Abraham sat out a playoff game with a sprained knee because he said he didn't want to jeopardize a big payday as a pending free agent. There was also a drunk-driving arrest in 2003.

"They're living in the past," Abraham said of the Jets. "That (arrest) happened three years ago. Nothing happened before that, and nothing happened after that. If they want to live with that situation, that's fine with me. We had our differences, but I'm moving on."

During his two months in limbo, Abraham never spoke to rookie coach Eric Mangini. Abraham said he wasn't offended by the cold shoulder.

"I called around; nobody talks to him, not even the guys coming back," he said. "I wasn't tripping. It was unsaid. Everybody knew I wasn't going to be here."

Originally published on March 23, 2006
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28rogerblaze51 · Mar 23, 2006

Thanks hydro... But yo, why you picked hydro? Is it because of the type of mary jane?

hydro51 · Mar 23, 2006

28rogerblaze51 said:

Thanks hydro... But yo, why you picked hydro? Is it because of the type of mary jane?
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Yes sir:breakdance:

StoneHaens · Mar 23, 2006

Does anyone know any insider Jets Newssites? The following are the ones i use :
http://www.nj.com/jets/
http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/
http://www.nypost.com/sports/jets/jets.htm
http://www.nytimes.com/pages/sports/football/index.html
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/
http://www.prosportsdaily.com/nfl/jets/

28rogerblaze51 · Mar 23, 2006

hydro51 said:

Yes sir:breakdance:
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Aiight... If i change my sn, it will be 28northernlights51 haha

Mr. Schnitzer · Mar 23, 2006

thanks Hydro!

vilmatic · Mar 23, 2006

I'll cange mine to Haze.

I hate that all the reporters can't agree on what Tannenbaum even said, but it scares me that more than one of them said he was more likely than not to package the picks to move up. Stupid Lienart.

NY2MD_FS · Mar 23, 2006

hydro good looking out with the reports yet again. Now go get yourself a doobie snack. :beer:

DownAndOut · Mar 23, 2006

vilmatic said:

I hate that all the reporters can't agree on what Tannenbaum even said, but it scares me that more than one of them said he was more likely than not to package the picks to move up. Stupid Lienart.
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I don't know about that. Seems alot of them also quoted him as saying they could easily move up or down or stay where they were:

"We have three picks in the top 35," Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum said in a conference call. "If an opportunity came along, we'd evaluate that opportunity. But we're happy where we're sitting. It's an excellent opportunity to infuse three good young players onto the roster."

Tannenbaum, however, left his options open. "I won't rule anything in or anything out," he said.

The bottom line is Tannenbaum isn't really saying anything which is just fine.

dwalsh · Mar 23, 2006

For the daily news or the Jets in the papers, go to http://www.newyorkjets.com/news/clippings/index.php#46

WayneChrebet · Mar 23, 2006

hydro51 said:

Yes sir:breakdance:
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and right under his name it says "totally addicted," how fitting.

Hydro, I hope you don't spend too much of your morning posting these articles...but it sure is nice. Thanks.

MiamiJet420 · Mar 23, 2006

Thanks hydro... here's a cyber toke of the Miami Kronic.... ..ooOOO

EcKo151 · Mar 23, 2006

I like the article if NY signs Runyan then they would focus in on Mario Williams.

JetFighter · Mar 23, 2006

I like how Abraham said "I've called around and nobody has talked to the guy (Mangini)". I remember watching NFL network during the Pro Bowl and Vilma was interviewed. He said he talked to Mangini for hours about football, winning, etc.

Hey Abe, Mangini didn't talk to you because you're a head case who was on his way out the door. He's talking to the players that matter to our future...

jdjets · Mar 23, 2006

blueberry hydro, yummy!

lightning · Mar 23, 2006

im getting sick of these conflicting reports

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