Dare I say that the New York Jets can do no wrong in the 2010 off-season? After reaching the AFC Championship last season out of nowhere, it can be argued that the Jets have had a stronger off-season than any other NFL team. They have acquired a Pro Bowl caliber receiver in Santonio Holmes, a troubled corner with an incredible ceiling in Antonio Cromartie, and a pass-rusher who still has plenty left in the tank to devote to a defense that really doesn’t need much help in Jason Taylor. The only move the Jets have made that doesn’t seem to make much sense is letting go of Thomas Jones and replacing him with a rapidly aging LaDainian Tomlinson — but remember they were able to snag USC running back Joe McKnight in the 4th round.
I think it’s about time for them to face an off-season obstacle and it looks like one is in the process of being built. Darrelle Revis — probably the best shut-down corner in the league and a Defensive Player of the Year snub last season — is holding out from OTAs in search of a new contract. Center Nick Mangold is reportedly considering following suit, as he has also grown frustrated with a lack of discussion about a new contract.
This was bound to happen for the Jets. As it stands right now, they have 20 players who will be owed a contract at the end of the season. It’s been baffling how they’ve been able to bring in superstar after superstar and work everything out financially. A couple of major holdouts from players like Revis and Mangold could create some serious problems for the Jets’ brass.
Revis has reportedly expressed a desire to make more than $15.2 million per year and surpass Oakland cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha as the league’s highest-paid corner. Why wouldn’t he? He is set to make only $1 million this season and head coach Rex Ryan has said he is the best corner in the league on numerous occasions. While I’m sure owners appreciate their coaches being confident in their team’s talent, you have to wonder if the Jets’ front office guys cringe a little bit every time Ryan says that. Whether it’s true or not, there’s really no need for the head coach to handcuff the front office when it comes to contract negotiations. If the Jets don’t make Revis the highest-paid corner in the league, Rex Ryan has given him good reason to sit out until he is.
Sources:
Source: Jets’ Revis a holdout from OTA [ESPN New York]
Without negotiations, Mangold considering skipping work too [Pro Football Talk]
