New York Jets News And Notes From Day 2 Of Free Agency

Day two of free agency was another very busy day for the New York Jets as the team was able to sign a couple of players, while losing two as well.  Here is a recap from day two.

Santonio signs- The New York Jets made a big splash on Wednesday as the team agreed to a deal in principle with wide receiver Santonio Holmes.  The deal is reportedly 5-years/$50 million dollars, with $24 million dollars guaranteed.  The contract has been reported to be very cap friendly with only $2.45 million dollar cap hit for 2011.

This is a huge signing for the Jets as they can keep their best offensive weapon while retaining the ability to sign other free agents.  Santonio was somewhat inconsistent with his hands in 2010, but came up big when it counted the most including several big catches to win games for the New York Jets. (Note: The official contract announcement cannot be made until 6:00 pm EST on Friday)

Folk returns- According the Chuck E. Vine of the Titan Group, placekicker Nick Folk has signed a one-year deal with the New York Jets.  Folk will compete with Nick Novak for the starting position.

Clemens heading to DC- Former Jets quarterback Kellen Clemens has signed a one-year deal with the Washington Redskins.  Clemens had some ups and downs with the Jets and I truly hope that he gets a fair shot with the ‘Skins.

Hartsock signs with Panthers- Former Jets tight end Ben Hartsock signed a two-year deal with the Carolina Panthers.  Hartsock was a physical blocker who endured the wrath of Jets fans for his untimely penalties.

Sanchez named captain–  On Wednesday New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan announced that he will be make quarterback Mark Sanchez the offensive captain.  Got to give the young quarterback credit, he has come a long way in a short amount of time.

Braylon out, Moss in? On Wednesday wide receiver Braylon Edwards tweeted (then deleted) that Jets management does not want him to return to New York.  This fueled speculation that Gang Green was going to try and sign Randy Moss, but that notion has been shot down by several local analysts.  Most experts are stating that there is a very small chance that Moss signs with the Jets and that is music to my ears.  In my eyes the Jets need to give Sanchez receivers he can grow with, not one year band aids.

Rex high on Westerman- On Wednesday Rex Ryan mentioned that he was excited to see what linebacker Jamaal Westerman can bring to the table in terms of a pass rush.  Ryan offered: “I’m excited to see (Jamaal) Westerman, we need to give him an opportunity. He does a great job. Every week he played the best pass rusher on the scout team and he’d do a good job so I’m excited to see him. ”

It will be interesting to see what Westerman brings to the table as I think he can definitely do some things in the Jets defense.  Last year the Jets were “forced” to play Vernon Gholston and now Jamaal will truly get his shot to show what he can do.  I think the former Rutgers star will leave his mark.

Harris to sign long term? There are several rumblings that the New York Jets are trying to work out a long-term deal with linebacker David Harris.  This should come as no surprise as Harris is currently playing under the franchise tag which is a substantial cap hit for the Jets (approx $10 million).

Nnamdi next? The biggest free agent story is the Jets pursuit of All-Pro defensive back Nnamdi Asomugha.  Gang Green is reportedly putting on the full court press to sign Asomugha and is considered by many to have a realistic chance to get a deal done.  In the end it is going to come down to money and it appears that Nnamdi will have to leave some of it on the table if he wants to sign with the New York Jets.

Tyson Rauch

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