NEW YORK JETS DAILY CLIPS

March 21, 2014

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Table of Contents

ASSOCIATED PRESS ................................................................................................................................................ 2

Idzik: Jets have been "productive" in free agency (Dennis Waszak) ......................................................................... 2

NEWSDAY .............................................................................................................................................................. 3

Idzik defends lack of signings (Kimberley Martin) ..................................................................................................... 3

Signing Michael Vick would make perfect sense for Jets (Bob Glauber) ................................................................... 4

THE RECORD .......................................................................................................................................................... 5

Jets GM John Idzik is preaching patience (J.P. Pelzman) ........................................................................................... 6

NEW YORK POST .................................................................................................................................................... 7

Snail’s pace? Ryan, Idzik say Jets ‘productive’ in free agency (Bart Hubbuch) ......................................................... 7

Cromartie heads to Cardinals, calls Jets ‘disloyal’ (Mark W. Sanchez) ...................................................................... 8

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS ........................................................................................................................................ 8

GM John Idzik's free agency flop costs NY Jets (Manish Mehta)............................................................................... 9

Former NY Jets CB Antonio Cromartie agrees to a one-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals (Seth Walder) ........ 10

STAR-LEDGER ....................................................................................................................................................... 11

Jets general manager John Idzik on failure to land free agent cornerbacks: 'Do we feel like we missed opportunities? No' (Darryl Slater) ........................................................................................................................... 11

NFL free agency 2014: Former Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie signs one-year deal with Arizona, per report (Darryl Slater) .......................................................................................................................................................... 12

NEW YORK TIMES ................................................................................................................................................ 13

Idzik Says Jets Seek ‘Sustainable Success,’ Not Quick Fixes in Free Agency (Tom Pedulla)..................................... 13

ESPN NEW YORK .................................................................................................................................................. 14

Rex Ryan, John Idzik on same page (Rich Cimini) .................................................................................................... 14

Analysis: Takeaways from Rex & Idzik (Rich Cimini) ................................................................................................ 16

NJ.COM ................................................................................................................................................................ 17

What, Jets worry? Rex Ryan feels 'really good' about team's cornerback situation (Dom Cosentino) ................... 17

Jets inquired about trading for DeSean Jackson, according to report (Dom Cosentino) ........................................ 18

Rex Ryan on Darrelle Revis: 'Now he's a Patriot, and that's just the way it is' (Dom Cosentino)............................ 18

NFL free agency 2014: Top 10 NFL free agents still on the market (A.J. Perez) ...................................................... 19

NFL free agency 2014: Herm Edwards advises Jets fans to 'let this thing unfold' (Dom Cosentino) ...................... 20

METRO NEW YORK .............................................................................................................................................. 22

Michael Vick will be offered chance to compete for Jets’ starting job: Source (Kristian Dyer) .............................. 22

Former Jets corner Antonio Cromartie signs one-year deal with Cardinals (Kristian Dyer) .................................... 23

THURSDAY’S SPORTS TRANSACTIONS .................................................................................................................. 24

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ASSOCIATED PRESS

Idzik: Jets have been "productive" in free agency (Dennis Waszak) Associated Press March 20, 2014

http://pro32.ap.org/article/idzik-jets-have-been-productive-free-agency

NEW YORK (AP) — John Idzik is still calm and deliberate, even when panicked New York Jets fans are begging for more.

Sure, the Jets have upgraded at wide receiver by signing Eric Decker and replaced the departed Austin Howard with Breno Giacomini at right tackle. There have been few splashes, though, by the Jets since the NFL's free agency period began last week.

They still have plenty of holes to fill on their roster. Just read the frantic posts by fans on Twitter and Jets message boards. Don't worry, insists Idzik, the Jets' second-year general manager.

"Nine days in and in the days leading up to free agency, we feel like we've been productive," Idzik said during a conference call Thursday. "Yet, we also recognize that there are still opportunities that await us as we go forward — not only free agency, but other avenues, such as waiver claims, trades, street free agent signings, and of course, the draft."

Free agent quarterback Michael Vick is scheduled to meet with the Jets on Friday, but Idzik would not discuss the visit or a potential signing. If he signs with the Jets, he would be reunited with Marty Mornhinweg, his former offensive coordinator in Philadelphia, and provide strong competition for second-year quarterback Geno Smith.

"Whenever you have some inside knowledge of a player with a coach who has worked with him or a player that has played with him, some member of your staff has been around him for a while, that is a tremendous advantage," Idzik said. "There is less projection."

Mark Sanchez is due a $2 million roster bonus next Tuesday, so the Jets soon need to make a decision on his future. Idzik said the team and Sanchez's representatives have been in close contact. If the Jets cut Sanchez, as expected, they'll be in the market for a veteran backup — a role perhaps Vick could fill.

Idzik highlighted the fact the Jets have already re-signed seven of their own free agents, including right guard Willie Colon, linebacker Calvin Pace, tight end Jeff Cumberland and kicker Nick Folk — something he thought was "somewhat unrecognized."

Despite the signings of Decker and Giacomini, the Jets have lost out on several chances to upgrade at cornerback. Darrelle Revis, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Vontae Davis and Alterraun Verner have all signed elsewhere, and the Jets cut Antonio Cromartie, who signed with Arizona on Thursday.

"We really have operated off a consistent plan," Idzik said. "We said all along that we would be judicious and selective in free agency."

Idzik refused to look at it as missed opportunities, adding that the Jets would remain "open-minded" when it comes to free agency, trades and the draft. Still, the Jets are thin at cornerback — once one of their strong spots — with Dee Milliner and Kyle Wilson currently the likely starters.

"I feel very good about our corners," coach Rex Ryan insisted, running through a list of players that also includes Darrin Walls and Ras-I Dowling.

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There were some reports Ryan has been angry at the Jets losing out on various free agents, but the coach said his emotions are directed at the player and not at Idzik and the team for failing to seal the deal.

"As far as ever being upset with John, no, there can't be anything further from the truth," Ryan said. "I know the plan. We are together. We are side by side in this the entire way."

Idzik said the Jets told Cromartie the team would welcome him back, but there would have to be a fit by both sides. Cromartie, who dealt with hip issues that hindered him last season, got a one-year deal with the Cardinals.

As for Revis, neither Idzik nor Ryan went into whether there were talks about bringing him back after Tampa Bay cut him.

"This isn't fantasy football," Ryan said. "There are a lot of factors that go into obtaining players. ... Now, he's a Patriot. That's the way it is."

Idzik made it clear that he won't stray from his game plan, no matter how much pressure to make moves and spend big money comes from outside the team's facility.

"What we're trying to build here is sustainable success," Idzik said. "We're not going to put a finger in the dike and try to do something for short-term gain if we feel like it's going to hurt us in the long term. We want to do things that are going to help us in the short term, but we realize they're going to help us in the long term, too.

"That's how we define winning."

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NEWSDAY

Idzik defends lack of signings (Kimberley Martin) Newsday March 21, 2014

http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/jets-gm-john-idzik-defends-lack-of-free-agent-signings-1.7457490

Minutes before John Idzik and Rex Ryan were set to address reporters Thursday on a conference call, news of Antonio Cromartie's defection to the Cardinals hit social media.

It appeared to be the latest blow to a cornerback-needy team that has failed to land a big-name target for its secondary. But while Cromartie's decision to sign a one-year deal with Arizona stirred up angst among Jets fans, Idzik insisted the organization is on course with its plan.

He and Ryan presented themselves as a united front, standing "side by side'' in their free-agent acquisitions -- or, more accurately, lack thereof. Idzik denied the idea that he's moving at a glacial pace, saying the team set out to be "judicious'' and "selective'' in free agency.

"Do we feel like we missed opportunities? No, no, we don't,'' said Idzik, who characterized the past nine days as "productive.''

Idzik added there will be plenty of time to acquire players via "waiver claims, trades, street free-agent signings and, of course, the draft.''

While the quarterback position remains a topic of constant conversation (see: Michael Vick and Mark Sanchez), the Jets' biggest area of need is cornerback. But instead of focusing on the free agents who

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got away -- Cromartie, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (who signed with the Giants after visiting the Jets), Alterraun Verner, Vontae Davis and Darrelle Revis -- Idzik and Ryan focused on the moves they have made.

They highlighted the re-signings of seven players, including Nick Folk, Calvin Pace and Willie Colon, and Idzik noted that those types of moves go "somewhat unrecognized.'' When asked about his depleted secondary, Ryan said, "I feel very good about our corners.''

Cromartie still had hopes of a reunion, but a team source said the Jets weren't interested in re-signing the eight-year veteran, who was hobbled by a nagging hip injury in 2013. As a result, the Jets' top corners are Dee Milliner, Kyle Wilson and Darrin Walls. But Ryan denied a recent report that said he's upset with Idzik's inability to secure pieces for his secondary.

"There can't be anything further from the truth,'' Ryan said. "I know the plan. We are together. We are side by side in this the entire way.''

One cornerback option was Revis, who signed with the rival Patriots after being released by the Bucs. But neither Idzik nor Ryan would discuss whether they tried to re-sign the former Jet.

"This isn't fantasy football,'' Ryan said. "There are a lot of factors that go into obtaining players. When Darrelle went to N.E., it was like, 'OK. He's now a Patriot. It is what it is.' ''

The Jets still have plenty of decisions to make in the coming days -- most notably at quarterback. In addition to Vick's scheduled visit Friday, Sanchez is expected to be released before he's due to earn a $2-million roster bonus Tuesday. Idzik said the Jets have remained in "constant contact'' with Sanchez's representatives but wouldn't divulge their plans for the team's starting quarterback from 2009-12.

Several roster moves are expected at One Jets Drive. Idzik said they'll be the right ones for the organization.

"What we're trying to build here is sustainable success,'' he said. " . . . Winning is something that's going to be pervasive here. It's going to span time.''

Report: Jets 'inquired' about Jackson. The Jets are among the teams that have inquired about a trade for Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson, according to NFL.com. Vick and Jackson share the same agent and reportedly are close friends. They also have ties to Jets offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg, who spent seven years in Philadelphia.

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Signing Michael Vick would make perfect sense for Jets (Bob Glauber) Newsday March 20, 2014

http://www.newsday.com/sports/columnists/bob-glauber/signing-michael-vick-would-make-perfect-sense-for-jets-1.7456716

He is an established quarterback with playoff experience.

His arm strength is terrific, as is his mobility -- even if that mobility sometimes leaves him exposed to injury.

He's totally familiar with the offensive coordinator's system.

And he has shown that he is the consummate teammate, whether he's the starter after winning the job in training camp or the backup after someone else takes his job.

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So tell me: Is there any compelling reason for the Jets not to sign Michael Vick? Especially with the Jets looking as if they're about to cut ties with Mark Sanchez? (He's due a $2-million roster bonus on Tuesday, part of an $11-million compensation package for 2014.)

There is not.

In fact, it is a perfectly sensible move for the Jets to make. If they do agree to terms with Vick after he visits with the team on Friday, they will be a better team for it.

Think about how good a fit Vick would be: At age 33, he's still young enough to be a viable quarterback, either as a starter or as Geno Smith's backup. He knows offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg's system better than any quarterback on the Jets' roster, having worked with him with the Eagles.

Vick showed last year that he would not be a locker-room disruption regardless of whether he starts. After being replaced by Nick Foles, Vick took the demotion like a true professional and did not make one wave in the locker room after Chip Kelly made the call.

"Awesome" was how one member of the Eagles' staff termed Vick's demeanor after Kelly named Foles his permanent starter on Nov. 26. Not once did Vick say anything that could be construed as divisive, and he lent his full support to Foles, who was terrific in running Kelly's offense.

If you're worried that there would be more of the controversy that surrounded Vick upon his return to the NFL after serving prison time for his involvement in an illegal dogfighting ring, don't be. Vick has rehabilitated himself, he's open about how wrong his behavior was, and he has become an advocate against animal cruelty.

On the field, Vick is a vibrant player who is good enough to get to the playoffs, as he showed when coach Andy Reid anointed him over Kevin Kolb in 2010. Vick had a career year with 21 touchdown passes and six interceptions. A year later, he leveled off, as did the rest of the Eagles, referred to as "The Dream Team" because of so many free-agent signings.

Vick was troubled by injuries the following year, although the entire team bottomed out in Reid's last season. Vick won the starting job over Foles last season and played well early, but then more injuries and Foles' excellence kept him on the bench.

Vick is looking for a fresh start, and all he asks is a chance to compete for the starting job. With the Jets offering no assurances to Smith that he'll be handed the No. 1 spot this season, there's nothing wrong with bringing in Vick for a competition in training camp. If he can beat out Smith, so be it. If not, Smith will have proved himself worthy in fending off a strong challenge.

General manager John Idzik talks about creating competition at every position, so here's a good opportunity. As for Sanchez, who is coming off shoulder surgery, it's time for him to get a fresh start with a new organization. He has been a good soldier during his five seasons with the Jets, but a change of scenery will benefit him. The Raiders and Browns are interested.

All Vick asks is to have a chance at being a starter again. The Jets ought to give him that opportunity. Open up the competition in training camp, and may the best man win.

Either way, the Jets will be better at the quarterback position. Either Smith holds off Vick and shows he's ready to take a major step forward in his development, or Vick recaptures his form under Mornhinweg and gives the Jets a playoff-caliber quarterback in 2014.

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THE RECORD

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Jets GM John Idzik is preaching patience (J.P. Pelzman) The Record March 20, 2014

http://www.northjersey.com/sports/jets-gm-john-idzik-is-preaching-patience-1.746974

Free agent quarterback Michael Vick is scheduled to visit the Jets today, but general manager John Idzik declined to discuss him on a conference call Thursday.

Nor did Idzik talk in specifics about Darrelle Revis, the former Jets cornerback who signed with New England last week after being released by Tampa Bay.

What Idzik did address was his overall plan, which, as you probably guessed, is built on patience.

“We really have operated off a consistent plan,” Idzik said. “We said all along that we would be judicious and selective in free agency.

“We feel like we’ve been productive,” Idzik added. “Yet, we also recognize that there are still opportunities that await us as we go forward — not only free agency, but other avenues, such as waiver claims, trades, street free agent signings and, of course, the draft.”

Although the Jets have re-signed seven of their own free agents, a fact Idzik believes has gone “somewhat unrecognized,” they have made deals with only two players from other teams. They signed wide receiver Eric Decker, formerly of Denver, and ex-Seattle right tackle Breno Giacomini on March 12, the second day of free agency.

But they haven’t gotten a starting cornerback to pair with Dee Milliner, the ninth overall pick in the 2013 draft. Former Jet Antonio Cromartie, released March 9, signed a one-year contract with Arizona on Thursday. Idzik admitted the Jets had been in touch with Cromartie while he was on the open market, but refused to directly address any questions about Revis except to say he didn’t think Revis’ parting with the Jets last April was “acrimonious.”

Revis was traded to Tampa Bay because the Jets were unwilling to meet his contract demands, and he later said Idzik had lied to him about wanting to keep him as a Jet.

As for finding a starting corner, Idzik said the Jets would be “open-minded” and indicated a trade could be a possibility. At this point, the likely starters would be Milliner and Darrin Walls with Kyle Wilson as a slot corner.

“I feel very good about our corners,” coach Rex Ryan said.

Ryan also denied reports he is upset with Idzik for not being more proactive in signing players.

“As far as ever being upset with John, no, there can’t be anything further from the truth,” Ryan said. “I know the plan. We are together. We are side by side in this the entire way.

“This isn’t fantasy football,” Ryan said when asked about Revis. “There are a lot of factors that go into obtaining players. … Now, he’s a Patriot. That’s the way it is.”

As for Vick, Idzik wouldn’t talk in specifics, but he did say, “Whenever you have some inside knowledge of a player with a coach who has worked with him or a player that has played with him, some member of your staff has been around him for a while, that is a tremendous advantage. There is less projection.”

Of Vick’s five seasons with Philadelphia, four were spent working with current Jets offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg.

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The Jets must make a decision at quarterback soon to find someone to back up and/or compete with incumbent Geno Smith. Former starter Mark Sanchez will be owed a $2 million bonus if he still is on the roster Tuesday.

Idzik said he has been in “constant contact” with Sanchez and his representatives.

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NEW YORK POST

Snail’s pace? Ryan, Idzik say Jets ‘productive’ in free agency (Bart Hubbuch) New York Post March 20, 2014

http://nypost.com/2014/03/20/snails-pace-ryan-idzik-say-jets-productive-in-free-agency/

Jets GM John Idzik adamantly defended his conservative approach to free agency while Rex Ryan tried to dispel reports he is dismayed by the lack of signings in a conference call with area reporters on Thursday.

Idzik insisted he hasn’t missed any opportunities despite losing cornerbacks Antonio Cromartie and Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie to other suitors and allowing Darrelle Revis to be snatched up by the arch-rival Patriots.

Idzik was on the defensive because the Jets have landed two prominent free agents (wide receiver Eric Decker and offensive lineman Breno Giacomini) in the first nine days of the signing period despite more than $30 million in salary-cap room.

“We said all along that we would be judicious and selective in free agency,” Idzik said. “Nine days into free agency, we feel we’ve been productive.”

Idzik pointed to the re-signing of seven of the Jets’ own free agents, including offensive lineman Willie Colon and pass rusher Calvin Pace, as a sign he hasn’t been asleep at the wheel.

“For us to be able to re-sign seven of our own players … a lot of times, that goes somewhat

unrecognized because they’re not from a new team,” Idzik said. “To be able to get them back was big for us.”

Ryan, meanwhile, denied reports he was upset with Idzik’s slow pace or losing out on Cromartie, Rodgers-Cromartie (who signed with the Giants) and Revis.

“As far as ever being upset with John, there can’t be anything further from the truth than that,” Ryan said. “We’re in this together and have a great plan. It might not be the plan that everybody wants immediately, but I know the plan. We’re together. We’re side-by-side in this, the entire way. [Free agency] is a long process.”

The Jets showed no interest in bringing back Revis, who was one of Ryan’s favorite players, but the coach said he wasn’t miffed. Nor, Ryan said, was he upset that Cromartie signed a one-year deal Thursday morning with the Cardinals.

“He’s now a Patriot, and it is what it is,” Ryan said of Revis. “This isn’t fantasy football. There’s a lot of factors that go into attaining players, and salary is certainly one of them.”

Ryan said he is content to go forward with the young and mostly inexperienced secondary the Jets are currently stuck with, led by former No. 1 picks Dee Milliner and Kyle Wilson and promising former undrafted free agent Darrin Walls.

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Ryan also raved about former Patriots cornerback Ras-I Dowling, a second-round pick by New England who was cut because of an inability to stay healthy.

“I feel really good about our corners,” Ryan said. “But there’s going to be opportunities there. This doesn’t shut the door on other guys coming in, but I’m happy with the guys that we have.”

While the Jets have been mostly quiet in free agency, some big moves at the quarterback position could be imminent heading into the NFL owners meetings that begin Monday in Orlando.

The Jets are hosting Michael Vick’s free-agent visit Friday, and Mark Sanchez could be cut before a $2 million bonus can kick in next week.

Idzik wouldn’t mention Vick by name but indicated the Jets are interested in him because of his connection to offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg. Vick played under Mornhinweg with the Eagles.

“Whenever you have inside knowledge on a player … that is a tremendous advantage,” Idzik said when asked about Vick. “There is less projection, especially if you’re dealing with a position that entails a lot like quarterback.”

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Cromartie heads to Cardinals, calls Jets ‘disloyal’ (Mark W. Sanchez) New York Post March 20, 2014

http://nypost.com/2014/03/20/cromartie-signs-with-cardinals-tweets-of-disloyal-jets/

Another day, another cornerback off the market for the Jets. This one might sting a bit more, though.

Antonio Cromartie, whom the Jets waived on March 9 to save salary-cap space, agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the Cardinals on Thursday.

Over the past two weeks, the Jets have seen Rex Ryan’s favorite, Darrelle Revis, sign with the rival Patriots; Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie left their facility without a deal only to ink one with the neighbor Giants; Aqib Talib signed a lucrative deal with the Broncos; coveted corner Vontae Davis re-signed with the Colts; Alterraun Verner, who praised the Jets, took his talents to Tampa Bay; and now Cromartie leaves town Arizona-bound.

The latest blow must leave Ryan pulling his hair out, as his pressure-heavy defense places a premium on cover cornerbacks.

The free-agent market for cornerbacks is getting thinner seemingly by the minute, and the Jets, who began the offseason with nearly $40 million in cap space, have just Breno Giacomini and Eric Decker to show for it.

The Jets waived Cromartie before he was due a $5 million roster bonus. He would have counted $15 million against the 2014 salary cap. But the possibility of re-signing him remained, because while he struggled last season, he’s still considered a top cornerback — which the Jets are desperately lacking.

Cromartie took to Twitter to rail against the Jets for a lack of loyalty, or at least he seemed to. His two tweets were soon deleted, and his wife appeared to take the blame.

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NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

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GM John Idzik's free agency flop costs NY Jets (Manish Mehta) New York Daily News March 20, 2014

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/mehta-idzik-free-agency-flop-costs-jets-article-1.1728901

Somewhere between the predictable generalities and catch phrases like “sustainable success,” Jets general manager John Idzik insisted Thursday that everything was going according to plan.

Green-and-white Kool-Aid drinkers aside, nobody believed him.

The sentiment in NFL circles from executives and agents is that Idzik whiffed on free-agent targets after misreading the market. Idzik, the only one of seven general managers hired last year without an extensive player personnel background, has overanalyzed free agency, leaving a cavernous hole at the defensive position that Rex Ryan values most: cornerback.

“Do we feel like we missed opportunities?” Idzik said during a conference call. “No. No we don’t.”

The facts suggest otherwise.

The mission was relatively simple: Sign a cornerback. Don’t overthink.

For all the rhetoric about free agency preparation, budgets and player-value assessments, the Jets’ need for a veteran cornerback was elementary and the means plentiful. With a handful of quality options and an ocean of salary cap space, this shouldn’t have been an arduous task. However, Idzik reverted to his capologist roots and rigid ways to miss out on a quality corner market.

So, Ryan was left to tell the world this comical fib: “I feel really good about our corners.”

It was fitting that news of Antonio Cromartie’s one-year deal with the Cardinals surfaced minutes before Idzik and Ryan started their spin cycle on the half-hour conference call. The Jets missed out on signing cornerbacks Vontae Davis, Alterraun Verner and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie before Antonio Cromartie, who made it clear that he wanted to return, headed west. Idzik’s lack of flexibility and low-ball negotiating tactics have cost the Jets.

The most grievous misstep was the GM’s inexplicable decision to not even entertain the possibility of reacquiring Darrelle Revis. High-level Jets personnel wanted to sign Revis, who inked to what amounts to a one-year, $12 million deal with the Patriots after getting cut by the Buccaneers, but Idzik wasn’t interested.

“It has to feel right from both ends,” Idzik said about signing any free agent. “It’s us evaluating the player, it’s us evaluating the person and how he fits into the locker room, into our organization, in our community … Then it’s us placing a value on that.”

Ryan’s nose likely grew a few inches as he waxed poetic about the Jets’ Three Musketeers in the secondary: Dee Milliner, Kyle Wilson and Darrin Walls.

Ryan insisted that he was happy with that bunch. The only people happier: Every wide receiver in the NFL (and some in the upcoming draft).

Although the Jets could theoretically trade or draft another cornerback in the coming months, Idzik’s best option was to lock up one of the top available veterans in free agency. He classifies free agency as a “need-based operation,” so why didn’t he fill the team’s biggest defensive deficiency?

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Idzik doesn’t have a reputation around the league as a closer. He’s not a deal-maker. He has operated more like an accountant than a GM with football instincts during this free agency period, according to people who have negotiated with him.

Cornerback isn't the only position that Idzik has swung and missed on.

The Jets landed wide receiver Eric Decker, but could have further strengthened the offense last week if not for Idzik’s hard-line stance. His lack of financial flexibility cost the Jets one offensive skill position player from a playoff team last year, according to a person familiar with the team’s negotiation.

While the Broncos and Patriots pounced on free agents like Aqib Talib and Revis, Idzik plodded along, sticking to his top secret (INSERT INDEFINITE AMOUNT OF TIME) plan.

He shouldn’t be fiscally irresponsible, but sometimes going over budget with so much cap space available is required to get a valuable commodity. However, Idzik hasn’t exhibited the ability to quickly adapt to the ever-changing landscape during free agency.

“If we feel we need to add depth or we have a shortcoming,” Idzik said, “We will address it. Sometimes it takes time.”

His head coach has one year to make the playoffs or suffer the consequences. The fan base has only been waiting since the ’60s. No rush.

Pass the Kool-Aid and drink up.

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Former NY Jets CB Antonio Cromartie agrees to a one-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals (Seth Walder) New York Daily News March 20, 2014

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/cromartie-jets-arizona-agrees-1-year-deal-article-1.1728255

Right before Rex Ryan and John Idzik hopped on a conference call with reporters, yet one more cornerback passed them by. This time, it was Antonio Cromartie, the cornerback they cut just before free agency and the best remaining corner on the open market. Cromartie agreed to a one-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals Thursday.

The Jets’ weakness of defense last season was its secondary. Now, with Cromartie gone, they appear even worse in that area with Dee Milliner and Darrin Walls the current presumed starting cornerbacks with Kyle Wilson in the nickel.

Perhaps the greatest indicator of their current situation at corner was this line from Ryan Thursday, which he gave while intending to talk up his cornerbacks.

“Darrin Walls is kind of like our relief pitcher, he’s filled in for us,” Ryan said Thursday. Of course, there’s a reason relievers don’t start, and the Jets look like a team that needs a number one corner, even though Ryan said, “I feel really good about our corners.”

Idzik wouldn’t get into specifics over any negotiations with Cromartie.

“What we said to Cro when we terminated him was we would welcome him back and of course when he’s free, he enters that realm of free agency,” Idzik said.

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Cromartie seemed to voice some discontent on Twitter, though his wife later claimed it was she who Tweeted from the cornerback’s account, “It’s amazing how you can be so loyal to someone and they can be so disloyal to you. But you live and learn.”

Now, will the Jets pursue another cornerback? And how?

“We will evaluate what’s out there in free agency, and obviously the draft looms,” Idzik said, before indicating that the trade market was a possibility as well.

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STAR-LEDGER

Jets general manager John Idzik on failure to land free agent cornerbacks: 'Do we feel like we missed opportunities? No' (Darryl Slater) Star-Ledger March 20, 2014

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2014/03/jets_general_manager_john_idzik_on_failure_to_land_free_agent_cornerbacks_do_we_feel_like_we_missed.html

John Idzik, the Jets’ second-year general manager, is clearly taking the long view for rebuilding the franchise.

The problem for coach Rex Ryan: He needs to win immediately, what with his contract reportedly lacking guaranteed money past 2015. Ryan is essentially coaching for his job again in 2014.

Moreover, Ryan’s defense relies on cornerbacks who can successfully play man-to-man coverage. As you know by now, the Jets are still looking for a new No. 1 cornerback. The man they cut to create that vacancy, Antonio Cromartie, has reportedly signed a one-year deal with the Cardinals. So he is no longer an option.

Ryan and Idzik appeared on a joint conference call with reporters Thursday, during which most of the questions focus on the Jets’ inability to find a replacement for Cromartie during the first week and a half of the free agency signing period.

Given the depth of this year’s cornerback free agent class, does Idzik feel like he missed an opportunity here?

“I don’t see it as a missed opportunity,” he said. “It has to feel like a fit. By that, I mean you’re going to evaluate the player and the person as best you can. When you’re evaluating unrestricted free agents, there may be multiple teams involved. That may affect that player’s value on how he perceives himself to be in your organization, his value to you. There’s got to be a fit there. A lot of forces drive that.

“Do we feel like we missed opportunities? No, no we don’t. We realize how fluid free agency can be. It can be very unpredictable. It’s our charter to always develop quality alternatives as you start moving through this thing, and that’s precisely what we’re doing right now.”

Idzik is known for his deliberate style, and that was reflected in what he said about his overall view for the Jets – in terms of winning now, versus building for the future.

“We’re always aiming to win, OK?” he said. “We’re in a very competitive league. What we’re trying to build here is sustainable success. We’re not going to put a finger in the dike and try to do something for short-term gain if we feel like it’s going to hurt us in the long-term. We want to do things that are going to help us in the short term, but we realize they’re going to help us in the long term, too. That’s how we define winning.

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“Winning is not just a one-time thing to us. Winning is something that’s going to be pervasive here, it’s going to stand time. That’s what our aim is. When we define winning, that’s not just winning the first week of free agency, it’s not winning the draft, it’s not winning the preseason games. It’s winning going forward in what we do. It’s sustainable success. So that enters into everything that we think about here.”

During free agency, Idzik said, “We really have operated off of a consistent plan. We said all along that we would be judicious and selective in free agency. So far, nine days in, we feel like we’ve been productive. We also recognize we still have some things to do.”

Particularly at corner, now that Cromartie is officially gone.

“When you lose a player, sometimes you’re able to act quickly, and you feel it’s a good fit for both ends (with a free agent replacement candidate),” Idzik said. “And other times, if you just don’t feel that way, then you may take a little more time. That’s where we are with our corners. We’ll evaluate what’s out there in free agency, and obviously, the draft.”

Why did the Jets not have serious interest in bringing back their former star corner, Darrelle Revis, who went to New England?

“We won’t get into speculation on levels of interest or conversations regarding players,” Idzik said. “This is just a general statement: It has to feel right for both ends. It’s us evaluating the player. It’s us evaluating the person and how he fits and fits into the locker room. And it’s us placing a value on that.”

Regarding Cromartie, Idzik said, “What we said to Cro when we terminated him was we would welcome him back. What we made clear to him was we weren’t closing the door on anything. And we were in touch with Cro. When it reaches that stage where a player is free, both sides have to feel good that it’s a fit, given the circumstances. We were going to monitor it and see where it took him, and that’s what happened.”

The Jets still clearly have a need a cornerback, though.

“You don’t want to force the issue,” Idzik said. “If you rest too far on need, when you do deals with guys coming in the building, you want to make sure the player, you want to make sure the person, and you want to make sure the deal fits. Because that enables both the club and the player to maximize the chance of living that deal out – and that’s important to us, continuity with good players, good people. We recognize our needs, but we wanted to address them in a very well thought out and judicious way. We don’t want to satisfy the need for the day. We want to satisfy the need going into the future.”

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NFL free agency 2014: Former Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie signs one-year deal with Arizona, per report (Darryl Slater) Star-Ledger March 20, 2014

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2014/03/nfl_free_agency_2014_former_jets_cornerback_antonio_cromartie_signs_one-year_deal_with_arizona_per_r.html

The Jets are now in serious trouble as they seek a new No. 1 cornerback.

The man they released to create that vacancy, Antonio Cromartie, has signed a one-year contract with the Cardinals, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Cromartie had previously visited Arizona.

Outside linebacker Calvin Pace, who just re-signed with the Jets, had lobbied for the team to bring back Cromartie.

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You can add Cromartie to the list of free agent corners who are no longer available. The list also includes Vontae Davis (Colts), Alterraun Verner (Tampa Bay), Aqib Talib (Denver), former Jets star Darrelle Revis (New England), Captain Munnerlyn (Minnesota), Brandon Browner (New England) and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (Giants) -- a cousin of Cromartie.

The Jets hosted Rodgers-Cromartie for a visit last weekend, but he also visited the Giants, who offered him a better deal.

The Jets' second-year general manager, John Idzik, is known for his deliberate style, and that is certainly reflected in the pace with which he is approaching free agency. But the Jets now seem to be in a dire situation at cornerback.

The Jets’ starting corners last year were Cromartie and rookie Dee Milliner, who struggled at times, and even though he finished strong, he does not seem ready to be a No. 1 corner.

The Jets’ other corners are slot corner Kyle Wilson, along with Ellis Lankster and Darrin Walls. The Jets also picked up Johnny Patrick off waivers from San Diego. But like Wilson, Lankster and Walls, he is not a No. 1 corner type.

Walls replaced Milliner last season when the rookie was benched, so Walls seems the most likely second starter at this point.

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NEW YORK TIMES

Idzik Says Jets Seek ‘Sustainable Success,’ Not Quick Fixes in Free Agency (Tom Pedulla) New York Times March 20, 2014

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/21/sports/football/nfl-roundup.html?ref=football&_r=0

With the arrival of spring, the Jets are already playing defense.

John Idzik, under fire in his second year as general manager for his relative inaction so far in free agency despite ample space under the salary cap, insisted Thursday that he was following a plan that would lead to lasting success. Coach Rex Ryan, under scrutiny after missing the playoffs for three consecutive seasons, voiced support for Idzik amid reports to the contrary.

Idzik, who was joined by Ryan on a conference call with reporters, said: “We’re always aiming to win, but we’re in a very competitive league. What I’m trying to build here is sustainable success. We’re not going to put a finger in a dike to try to do something for a short-term gain if we feel like it’s going to hurt us in the long term.”

According to Ryan, he is working “side by side” with Idzik. Ryan said: “I know the direction of this football team. We’re in great hands because we have John as our general manager.”

The comment came shortly after Antonio Cromartie, a cornerback the Jets had released but hoped to re-sign to a lesser contract, agreed to a one-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals. Cromartie’s decision left the Jets with an urgent need for a cornerback to play opposite Dee Milliner, whose progress late in his rookie season helped the team finish 8-8.

Idzik, who is rapidly gaining a reputation for being deliberate, watched the New England Patriots sign Darrelle Revis to a one-year contract worth $12 million hours after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers released him. In one of Idzik’s first major decisions, the Jets traded Revis to Tampa Bay for the Buccaneers’ first-

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round draft pick last year — No. 13 over all, which they turned into the promising defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson — and a fourth-round pick this year.

Idzik declined to say why the Jets did not try to sign Revis, who made a gradual recovery in 2013 from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. But Idzik said, “I don’t know that I would characterize last year’s departure as acrimonious.” Immediately after the trade, Revis accused Idzik of misleading him.

Idzik said of Cromartie’s release, “What we made clear to him was that we weren’t closing the door on anything and we were in touch with Cro.” The Jets also failed to land Cromartie’s cousin, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, a cornerback who added his name to an impressive list of free agents signed by the unusually active Giants.

Idzik noted that the Jets retained seven players who could have left as free agents, including the reserve cornerbacks Ellis Lankster and Darrin Walls, while adding a needed wide receiver in Eric Decker and signing Breno Giacomini to replace Austin Howard at right tackle.

The Jets are expected to make a push to sign quarterback Michael Vick when he visits them on Friday as a prelude to the team’s releasing Mark Sanchez, who is owed a $2 million roster bonus next Tuesday. Marty Mornhinweg, the Jets’ offensive coordinator, knows Vick well from their four years together with the Philadelphia Eagles. Vick, who will turn 34 in June, may be given the opportunity to compete against Geno Smith, who struggled in his rookie season with 21 interceptions and 8 fumbles, 4 of which were lost.

Idzik insisted that he operated with a long-term vision. “Winning is not just a one-time thing to us,” he said. “Winning is something that is going to be pervasive here. It’s going to span time. That’s what our aim is.”

WOODSON STAYS IN OAKLAND Safety Charles Woodson agreed to a one-year deal to extend his second stay with the Raiders to a second season. Woodson, 37, started 16 games and had 75 solo tackles, 1 interception, 2 sacks, 3 passes defensed, 3 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries. (AP)

PANTHERS SIGN COTCHERY Carolina signed the free-agent receiver Jerricho Cotchery to a two-year contract. Cotchery has spent 10 seasons in the N.F.L., the last three with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He also played for the Jets (AP)

CAMPBELL TO BACK UP DALTON The Cincinnati Bengals signed quarterback Jason Campbell to be Andy Dalton’s backup. Campbell has played for Washington, Oakland, Chicago and Cleveland. He started eight of the Browns’ last nine games last season. (AP)

SEATTLE SIGNS LINEMAN The Seahawks signed the free-agent offensive lineman Stephen Schilling. In three seasons with the Chargers, Schilling appeared in 18 games with three starts. He played at both left and right guard during his time in San Diego. (AP)

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ESPN NEW YORK

Rex Ryan, John Idzik on same page (Rich Cimini) ESPN New York March 20, 2014

http://espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/story/_/id/10639883/rex-ryan-john-idzik-downplay-new-york-jets-slow-start-free-agency?ex_cid=espnapi_public

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In a transparent attempt to calm a frustrated fan base and present a united front, New York Jets coach Rex Ryan and general manager John Idzik addressed the media Thursday, downplaying their relatively slow start in free agency and insisting they're working in tandem amid reports that Ryan is upset by Idzik's failure to acquire a top cornerback.

The latest blow occurred minutes before the media session, when they heard that former Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie, whom they were interested in re-signing, had reached a one-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals.

"I could say something smart alecky, which starts with a P, that I'm really upset about him leaving," Ryan joked, alluding to a report that said he was "pissed" by missed opportunities in free agency.

Ryan wanted to re-sign Darrelle Revis and fumed when they failed to reach a deal with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, sources said. That the players signed with the Jets' rivals -- the New England Patriots and New York Giants, respectively -- created a perfect storm for fan and media rage.

"I'm an emotional guy and sometimes I do get upset if a guy is in here and he chooses to go somewhere else," Ryan acknowledged. "I'm upset more with that individual. As far as being upset with John, there can't anything further from the truth. We are in this together and we have a great plan. It might not be the plan everyone wants immediately, but I know the plan. We're together. We're side-by- side in this the entire way. Some players recognize what we have here, some don't. If they don't, that's it, I'm done with them."

Ryan coveted Revis and made his feelings known, source said, but the front office showed no interest in re-acquiring the star cornerback, whom they traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last year. As of now, the Jets have a gaping hole at corner opposite former first-round pick Dee Milliner.

"Quite honestly, when Darrelle went to New England, it was like, 'OK, that's it, he's now a Patriot,'" said Ryan, claiming he's happy with his current cast of corners. "From a coaching thing, this isn't fantasy football. There are a lot of factors that go into it."

Idzik sidestepped questions on why they didn't pursue Revis, but he acknowledged there was interest in bringing back Cromartie. He took umbrage with the perception that the Jets have missed out on big names in free agency. So far, the Jets have added two starters, wide receiver Eric Decker and right tackle Breno Giacomini, along with re-signing seven of their own free agents.

The new hot name is free-agent quarterback Michael Vick, who is scheduled to visit Friday night with the Jets. Idzik wouldn't answer specific questions about Vick, but he noted the importance of having "inside knowledge" -- an obvious reference to offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg, who spent four years with Vick at the Philadelphia Eagles.

"That's a tremendous advantage," Idzik said. "There is less projection, especially when you're dealing with a position that entails a lot, like the quarterback position. ... Anytime you have somebody who has witnessed how that player has handled himself in various situations, we're definitely going to lean on that. It enables you to make a wiser decision."

The Jets have to make a decision on Mark Sanchez by Tuesday, when a $2 million roster bonus is due. Idzik has been in touch with Sanchez and his representatives, but he wouldn't tip his hand. From all indications, the Jets will release Sanchez, putting pressure on them to sign Vick.

"When there are big decisions to be made -- and, obviously, decisions involving your quarterback are very big -- we're going to take advantage of time and gather all the information we can," Idzik said.

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Idzik is known for his deliberate approach, which frustrated players and agents, but he said he won't make knee-jerk decisions. The Jets have about $25 million in cap room, but he's in no hurry to spend it.

"We're not going to put a finger in the dike to do something for short-term gain if we feel like it's going to hurt us in the long term," Idzik said. "Winning isn't a one-time thing to us. Winning is going to be pervasive here. It's going to span time."

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Analysis: Takeaways from Rex & Idzik (Rich Cimini) ESPN New York March 20, 2014

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/36791/analysis-takeaways-from-rex-idzik?ex_cid=espnapi_public

Thoughts and observations on the Rex Ryan/John Idzik media conference call:

1. The timing was unusual, especially since both men will be available to reporters next week at the NFL owners meetings in Orlando. The motive here was clear: It was a public-relations move, an attempt to change the narrative after days of Idzik bashing by fans and media. Just their luck; news of Antonio Cromartie's departure broke a few minutes before the call started.

2. Idzik acknowledged there was interest in re-signing Cromartie, who accepted a one-year contract from the Arizona Cardinals. Idzik: "What we said to Cro when we terminated him was we’d welcome him back. ... What we made clear to him was we weren’t closing the door on anything." This tells me that Cromartie's hip wasn't an issue for the Jets. So why didn't they re-sign him? Money? Still no word on his contract with the Cards, but I'm guessing it's about $6 million. Unless Idzik pulls a good cornerback out of his hat -- that would be a neat trick -- it looks like he misplayed the market, leaving the Jets high and dry.

3. Ryan went heavy on the praise, gushing about his current crop of cornerbacks, even mentioning Ras-I Dowling at one point. What, you're not familiar with him? He's a New England Patriots castoff who spent most of last season on the practice squad. At this point, it's posturing. The Jets have to create the perception they're happy with their depth chart because, in all likelihood, they will have to explore the trade market to find a starting-caliber corner.

4. Idzik wouldn't answer a specific question about Michael Vick, but speaking in general terms, he noted the importance of having "inside knowledge" on a player from a coach or a staff member. Obviously, he was referring to offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg, who coached Vick in Philadelphia. Armed with that knowledge, the Jets invited Vick for a free-agent visit, reinforcing what we knew more than a week ago: They're very interested.

5. Not surprisingly, there was no clarity on the Mark Sanchez front. It's possible that the Sanchez decision is contingent upon the Vick decision, a delicate balancing act for the front office. It has to be frustrating for Sanchez, twisting in the wind as Idzik lets this drag out all the way to the March 25 deadline for the roster bonus.

6. Idzik sidestepped questions about the lack of interest in Darrelle Revis. No surprise. Ryan made it sound like seeing Revis sign with the Patriots was no big deal. Trust me, he was sick about it.

7. It sounded like Idzik was reading from talking points, emphasizing their objective is to build for the long term. Example: "When we define winning, it’s not winning the first week of free agency, it’s not winning the draft, it’s not winning our preseason games. (Don't tell that to Ryan, who sacrificed a

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quarterback last summer to win the MetLife Snoopy trophy). It’s winning going forward in what we do. It’s sustainable success." Unless he's playing to play only one corner in the base defense, they'd better start doing some winning in this offseason.

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NJ.COM

What, Jets worry? Rex Ryan feels 'really good' about team's cornerback situation (Dom Cosentino) NJ.com March 20, 2014

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2014/03/rex_ryan_feels_really_good_about_jets_cornerback_situation.html

Just minutes before the Jets' scheduled conference call with Rex Ryan and John Idzik on Thursday afternoon, the news broke that cornerback Antonio Cromartie had signed a one-year deal with the Cardinals.

Cromartie, of course, had been released by the Jets just 11 days ago, and the conventional wisdom held that bringing Cro back was the Jets' last best option at corner, especially now that all of the other the big-name free agents were under contract.

Cro's departure, then, was the perfect segue for a Q & A session that would be dominated by what the Jets did—or, more accurately, didn't do—when it came to filling a need at cornerback when they still have $24.4 million in cap space, according to NFLPA records.

Ryan, the head coach, has repeatedly emphasized the importance of the cornerback position to his defense. But if Ryan is worried—according to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News, he told a friend he was "pissed" about losing Darrelle Revis to the Patriots and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie to the Giants—he didn't show it on Thursday.

"I feel really good about our corners," Ryan said.

Ryan then proceeded to lavish praise on several of the corners currently on the roster: Dee Milliner, Kyle Wilson, Ellis Lankster, Darrin Walls—even Ras-I Dowling, who was signed to a futures contract back in January. Ryan never mentioned his name, but the Jets also have Johnny Patrick, a nickel/slot corner they grabbed off the waiver wire from the Chargers two weeks ago.

There's still the draft in May. And cuts from other teams in the months ahead. And Idzik, the general manager, did make a passing reference to "potential trades" at one point.

"That doesn't shut the door on other guys coming in," Ryan said, "but I'm happy with the guys that we have."

Many Jets fans likely aren't, but it's still March, and Idzik doesn't seem to be much concerned with what fans or the media have to say about his goal of building "sustainable success."

So get used to hearing words like "judicious," "measured," and "deliberate" to describe the Jets, you guys. Especially with six months to go until any of this actually shakes out on a football field.

Thursday evening, Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic reported that Cromartie's deal with the Cardinals was for just one year and $3.25 million in base pay, plus up to $500,000 in per-game bonuses. That's an eminently reasonable contract, and one that indicates the Jets' front office likely didn't want Cro back after all. Cro is going to be 30 next month, and his bum hip affected his play significantly in 2013.

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When Cromartie's name came up, Ryan jokingly alluded to being pissed about losing him.

"Well, I could say something smart-alecky, which I normally would here, which starts with a 'P,' that I'm really upset about him leaving," Ryan said. "But you know what? ... It's unfortunate that, in this game, you can't keep everybody."

Asked specifically if he had gotten upset with Idzik for not landing Revis or Rodgers-Cromartie, Ryan had this to say:

"I guess I'm an emotional guy and all that stuff. Sometimes I do get upset if a guy is in here and he chooses to go somewhere else. I'm upset more with that individual. Like, golly, can he not see what we have here? And some guys don't. But as far as ever being upset with John, know that there can't be anything further from the truth than that. We are in this together. We have a great plan. And it might not be a plan that everybody wants immediately ... but I know the plan. We are together. We are side by side in this the entire way. Guys, it's a long process."

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Jets inquired about trading for DeSean Jackson, according to report (Dom Cosentino) NJ.com March 20, 2014

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2014/03/jets_inquired_about_trading_for_desean_jackson_according_to_report.html

As our own Eliot Shorr-Parks reported Wednesday, free-agent quarterback Michael Vick is due in Florham Park for a visit on Friday. But according to another report, the Jets are also exploring ways to bring Vick's top weapon up the turnpike from Philly, too.

Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network says the Jets are among the teams to have inquired with the Eagles about trading for Jackson, who is close with Vick.

Now, the Eagles reportedly are not shopping Jackson, but they are listening to offers, and they haven't commented on the record about any of this—all of which pretty much indicates they're willing to trade Jackson.

The 49ers and the Patriots are among the teams to have already checked with the Eagles about a Jackson trade, per CSNPhilly.com.

According to overthecap.com, Jackson still has three years and $30 million in base salary remaining on his contract, but none of it is guaranteed beyond this year. If the Jets were to trade for him, he'd count for $10.5 million against the cap this season. Given how measured general manager John Idzik has been in free agency, would he want to take on that kind of contract? The Jets also just picked up Eric Decker in free agency, and May's draft looks to be stocked with high-end pass-catching talent.

That said, Jackson is the kind of dynamic playmaker the Jets have lacked for some time. He caught 82 passes for 1,332 yards and nine touchdowns in 2013, and he's also a dangerous punt-return option. In addition, Jets offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg used to coach Jackson with the Eagles at a time when Vick was still the team's starting QB.

Whatever does happen with Vick, Jackson has let it be known on Instagram this week just how close he and Vick are:

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Rex Ryan on Darrelle Revis: 'Now he's a Patriot, and that's just the way it is' (Dom Cosentino)

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NJ.com March 20, 2014

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2014/03/rex_ryan_on_darrelle_revis_now_hes_a_patriot_and_thats_just_the_way_it_it.html

Jets head coach Rex Ryan chose his words carefully when he was asked about Darrelle Revis during a conference call with reporters on Thursday.

Ryan was joined on the call by his boss, general manager John Idzik. He reportedly wanted Revis back—what coach wouldn't?—but he talked around that desire when asked directly to articulate his feelings about a Jets-Revis reunion.

"With any player, you look at things—is it a possibility and all that kind of stuff," Ryan said.

"Quite honestly," he continued before pausing as he sought to find the right words, "when Darrelle went to New England, it was like, 'OK, he's now a Patriot, so it is what it is.

"But from a coaching thing, this isn't fantasy football. There's a lot of factors that go into obtaining players or getting players. Salary is certainly one of them. Does this player fit you, or does this layer have an interest in you, or whatever? I'm not going to get into it specifically with Darrelle, but that's with anybody."

There was another pause.

"Certainly, Darrelle played well here and things like that in the past, but now he's a Patriot, and that's just the way it is."

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NFL free agency 2014: Top 10 NFL free agents still on the market (A.J. Perez) NJ.com March 20, 2014

http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2014/03/nfl_free_agency_2014_top_10_nfl_free_agents_still_on_the_market.html

Another Cromartie is off the market as Antonio agreed to a deal with the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday.

The former New York Jets player's cousin, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, already chose the New York Giants as the cornerback position thins more than a week into NFL free agency.

Here's a breakdown of NJ.com's top 10 NFL free agents on the market -- which now lacks any defensive backs -- as of Thursday afternoon:

1. Alex Mack, center

2013 team: Cleveland Browns

Mack was ranked as the No. 1 offensive lineman available before the start of free agency by NJ.com's Jordan Raanan. Since the Browns gave Mack the transitional tag, they'd have five days to match any offer.

2. Jared Allen, defensive end

2013 team: Minnesota Vikings

The franchise tagging of Brian Okakpo by Washington and Dallas' release of DeMarques Ware certainly hurt his value, but he'll get his money.

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3. Jermichael Finley, tight end

2013 team: Green Bay Packers

The top three tight ends ahead of Finley in the NJ.com rankings (Jimmy Graham, Dennis Pitta and Brandon Pettigrew) have all remained with their current teams.

4. Michael Vick, quarterback

2013 team: Philadelphia Eagles

Count Vick as one of the surprises of free agency. In a weak quarterback market, teams seemed to be looking more toward the draft than bringing Vick into the fold.

5. Shaun Phillips, defensive end

2013 team: Denver Broncos

The Broncos' signing of Ware likely edged Phillips out of Denver, but he'll find a starting job elsewhere.

6. Knowshon Moreno, running back

2013 team: Denver Broncos

There's been plenty of talk about the devaluing of the tailback position in recent days. Here's proof. Moreno could be the best option, at least until the Tennessee Titans release/deal Chris Johnson.

7. Pat Sims, defensive tackle

2013 team: Oakland Raiders

Sims has been mentioned as one of the "sleepers" in free agency. He had a career-best 54 tackles last season, his only season in Oakland. He spent his first five NFL seasons in Cincinnati.

8. Maurice Jones-Drew, running back

2013 team: Jacksonville Jaguars

Any chance MJD would return to Jacksonville --- where he spent eight mostly productive seasons --- were dashed earlier this week when the team signed Toby Gerhart. Can MJD get back to his Pro-Bowl form?

9. Sidney Rice, wide receiver

2013 team: Seattle Seahawks

Rice tore his ACL midway through the regular season and was a spectator as Seattle won its first Super Bowl. The Seahawks cut Rice (and his pricey contract) last month, but he could be a solid secondary receiver somewhere -- maybe even back with the Seahawks at a reduced price.

10. LeGarrette Blount, running back

2013 team: New England Patriots

Blount averaged 5 yards per carry in 2013 and he had his best game in the playoffs, a 166-yard rushing effort against Indianapolis.

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NFL free agency 2014: Herm Edwards advises Jets fans to 'let this thing unfold' (Dom Cosentino) NJ.com March 20, 2014

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http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2014/03/nfl_free_agency_2014_herm_edwards_advises_jets_fans_to_let_this_thing_unfold.html

We're now more than a week into the 2014 NFL league year. The Jets have locked up seven of their own free agents and gone outside Florham Park to get a wide receiver and a right tackle. But they still have a glaring need at cornerback long after the market for top-notch corners has been picked clean.

Oh, right: They're also still sitting on $24.3 million in salary-cap space, according to NFLPA records.

So what gives?

Many fans who expected a spending spree are getting antsy. Same goes for those who more prudently hoped the Jets would land someone in what had been a fully stocked top-shelf market for cornerbacks. Yet here we are.

Now that Antonio Cromartie has agreed to terms with the Cardinals, the Jets' top three corners at the moment are Dee Milliner, Darrin Walls, and Kyle Wilson.

Should fans be panicked? Should they fret that general manager John Idzik is bargaining too hard? Should they worry that he's maybe in over his head, or that he's setting Rex Ryan up to fail so he can easily justify replacing him after the Jets don't make the playoffs again?

Not at all, says Herm Edwards, the former Jets head coach and current ESPN analyst.

“We can turn the story and make the story anything we want," Edwards said in a phone interview. "In the end it’s 'What is your plan?' Just because you don’t go in free agency doesn’t mean that you’re not trying to fill the need.”

Edwards's coaching career bears this out. When he took over, Edwards transitioned the Jets to a Cover 2 scheme. After his first season, the Jets went out and got defensive backs Donnie Abraham, Sam Garnes, and Aaron Beasley in free agency. But before he came to the Jets, Edwards coached the defensive backs for the Bucs, who built their secondary—Abraham, Ronde Barber, John Lynch, Dexter Jackson—largely through the draft.

The Bucs' assistant GM when Edwards was there? John Idzik.

Edwards's take on Idzik: “He’s going to have a lot of information with his staff, with Rex, on where this team needs to go, on the surplus for positions of need—is there a surplus in the draft? Is there a surplus in free agency? And then he'll weigh it and go, ‘OK, this is what we’ve got, coach. And this is the money we’re willing to pay for a guy. If it goes over that, it might be a little bit over our budget, and we’re not going to do it.'”

Edwards understands why Jets fans would be bothered to see cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie come in for a visit, only to sign with the Giants. But he stressed the importance of understanding the two teams have different needs, and therefore would place a different value on what they're willing to offer a player like DRC.

"Everyone does it different," Edwards said. “There’s no wrong way of doing it. It’s just you have to have conviction of how you’re going to do it."

What the Jets are doing might also depend on what they see coming down the pike in the draft, Edwards said. He noted, for example, that the Seahawks got Richard Sherman in the fifth round three years ago, when Idzik was in Seattle's front office.

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"You have to look at the surplus of guys coming out, and they don’t always have to be first-rounders," Edwards said. "If you feel like the draft is worthy of that, you don’t have to be as fast in free agency to go pull the trigger.

“I think sometimes we lose sight of that. We lose sight of free agency and we make free agency bigger than what it really is. It gives you the ability to implement some veteran guys. Now, if you feel like the draft is a situation where you can also fill [needs], then you do it that way.”

Left unsaid, of course, is the fact that most fifth-rounders don't turn out to be Richard Shermans.

Edwards said making a free-agent splash can sometimes—though not always—have a negative impact within the locker room.

“When you pay that guy and you don’t pay a potential player on your team, they look at that and go, ‘Really?’" Edwards said. "Now, they’re looking at it and going, ‘What happens to me? When’s my turn? They’re gonna bring in some other guy and they’re asking me to be loyal?' There’s a lot of questions that you’ve got answer when you go into free agency.”

The bottom line, according to Edwards, is that March is way too early to begin making judgments about a team's roster, or to evaluate a team's offseason. There's still a chance to get guys in the summer, he said, after other teams start making cuts. There's also still an opportunity to make trades. And depending on your plan, you want to have the money to be able to do it.

“You don’t need to deviate from the plan because other people are doing things," Edwards said. "You don’t have to get caught up in the emotions of what people are saying.

"When you're a Jets fan, it's just like riding in an airplane that's circling—it's always circling. They're loyal fans—they're great fans; I love their passion. At this point, it's like fantasy football for them—and for any fan. Problem is, it's not your money, and it's not your plan. It's the GM's plan.

“They’re emotional; they should be. It’s great, but you don’t play till September. Let this thing unfold.”

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METRO NEW YORK

Michael Vick will be offered chance to compete for Jets’ starting job: Source (Kristian Dyer) Metro New York March 20, 2014

http://www.metro.us/newyork/sports/nfl/2014/03/20/michael-vick-will-offered-chance-compete-starting-job-source/

Michael Vick is heading to the Jets on Friday for a meeting with the team as options continue to dwindle for a free agent market that has gone cold for the quarterback.

A team source tells Metro that Vick will be given a chance to compete for a starting job if signed and not just be a mentor if he becomes a Jet.

Once considered the class of this year’s quarterback market, Vick has gotten barely a sniff during free agency as teams seem reluctant to bid on an injury-prone quarterback set to turn 34 years old this summer. But according to NJ.com, Vick is set to visit the Jets over this weekend in what could be an ideal landing place for both player and team.

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Vick has said he preferred going to a place he could start. The Jets, with last year’s second-round pick Geno Smith on the books after 16 starts last year, might not be an ideal fit. But Smith’s not a guaranteed starter, at least according to a team executive who spoke to Metro New York on the condition of anonymity.

“If Michael comes here, he will be given a chance to compete,” the source said. “Nothing beyond that is guaranteed. Geno has a bright future. We certainly drafted him thinking he can start in this league and he did last year. But competition is important to this franchise and Michael will know that if he comes here, he will be expected to compete. That will be our message.”

The sales pitch to Vick on Friday is clear: Come in and prove that you are the starter. You won’t be pigeonholed as a mentor to Smith.

Vick has a relationship with offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg, who had the same role with the Eagles for much of Vick’s time there. He’d be an athletic quarterback and a proven winner who can run the West Coast offense.

The team source said “it isn’t written in stone that he will carry a clipboard.”

The source said the Jets won’t guarantee him a starting job but that he won’t necessarily be sold solely on being a mentor to Smith.

“It is all about competition and nothing is guaranteed,” the source said. “If Michael comes in, he will have every chance to compete. Nothing is guaranteed for him or for anyone else on the roster. If he thinks he can win the starting job, this could be a good fit. It is up to him to see if he wants in to compete.”

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Former Jets corner Antonio Cromartie signs one-year deal with Cardinals (Kristian Dyer) Metro New York March 20, 2014

http://www.metro.us/newyork/sports/nfl/2014/03/20/former-jets-corner-antonio-cromartie-signs-one-year-deal-cardinals/

There is one less cornerback on the Jets’ free agent board, with Antonio Cromartie signing a contract with the Cardinals on Thursday.

Cromartie joined the Jets in 2010 and was a steady contributor at cornerback and popular among the fanbase. But a hip injury limited him last season and the Jets decided to part ways with him and the $14.98 million due on his contract.

The Jets re-signed Darrin Walls and Ellis Lankster this offseason but have yet to bring in a marquee cornerback. They saw the Patriots sign former Jet Darrelle Revis as a free agent last week. They also lost out on Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who signed a five-year contract worth $35 million — with nearly $15 million in guaranteed money — with the Giants earlier this week.

Cromartie was deemed to be one of the top cornerbacks in free agency but the market for his services was slim. Two weeks ago, a team source told Metro New York the Jets were open to bringing him back but wanted to test the water with other free agents first.

“When it reaches that stage where a player is free, both sides have to feel good that it’s a fit, given the circumstances,” general manager John Idzik said in a Thursday conference call when asked about Cromartie signing in Arizona. “And we were going to monitor it and see where it took him and that’s what happened.”

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While Cromartie played well with the Jets, in particular in 2012 when Revis went down for the year with a Week 3 knee injury, he wasn’t a great fit in their scheme. While physically gifted, he wasn’t comfortable with the physical play required by cornerbacks in the Jets’ press scheme. The hip injury last season led to him being repeatedly burned underneath as he gave a huge cushion to compensate for his injury.

One team source said Cromartie “would sometimes frustrate the coaching staff and teammates by not always tuning in during practice.”

The Jets are now left to wade through the rest of the free-agent pool, which includes veterans Champ Bailey and Asante Samuel.

But a team source said the Jets are eager to see how first-round pick Dee Milliner contributes after a rookie campaign where he improved over the final month. The coaching staff is also high on Walls who they believe can develop into a starter, the source said.

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THURSDAY’S SPORTS TRANSACTIONS

Associated Press March 20, 2014

http://www.chron.com/default/article/Thursday-s-Sports-Transactions-5335381.php

BASEBALL

American League

HOUSTON ASTROS — Optioned 1B Jon Singleton to Oklahoma City (PCL). Reassigned SS Carlos Correa, RHPs Mark Appel and Mike Foltynewicz and OFs George Springer and Delino DeShields to minor league camp.

National League

CINCINNATI REDS — Reassigned RHP Drew Hayes, LHP Lee Hyde, RHP Chien-Ming Wang and INF Argenis Diaz to their minor league camp.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS — Granted RHP Luis Ayala his unconditional release. Optioned RHP Ross Ohlendorf, C Jhonatan Solano, INF Zach Walters and RHP Christian Garcia to Syracuse (IL). Reassigned RHP Manny Delcarmen, 1B Brock Peterson and INF Will Rhymes to their minor league camp.

American Association

LAREDO LEMURS — Signed RHP Tyler Pearson.

SIOUX CITY EXPLORERS — Signed INF Nate Samson and OF Michael Lang.

WICHITA WINGNUTS — Signed INF Chad Kruse.

Can-Am League

NEW JERSEY JACKALS — Signed LHP Gregg Downing. Released RHP Brandon Moore.

TROIS-RIVIERES AIGLES — Released INF David JL Cooper and RHP Matt McDonald.

BASKETBALL

National Basketball Association

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MIAMI HEAT — Assigned C Justin Hamilton to Sioux Falls (NBADL) for two games.

NEW YORK KNICKS — Signed G Shannon Brown for the remainder of the season.

Women's National Basketball Association

MINNESOTA LYNX — Re-signed C Janel McCarville to a multi-year contract.

FOOTBALL

National Football League

ARIZONA CARDINALS — Agreed to the terms with CB Antonio Cromartie on a one-year contract.

CAROLINA PANTHERS — Signed WR Jerricho Cotchery to a two-year contract.

CINCINNATI BENGALS — Signed QB Jason Campbell.

HOCKEY

National Hockey League

COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS — Activated F Jared Boll from injured reserve. Assigned G Anton Forsberg to Springfield (AHL).

NASHVILLE PREDATORS — Reassigned G Magnus Hellberg to Cincinnati (ECHL). Signed D Brian Young to an amateur tryout contract.

TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING — Signed F Cody Kunyk to a one year contract.

SOCCER

Major League Soccer

FC DALLAS — Waived D London Woodberry.

PHILADELPHIA UNION — Signed M Fred.

COLLEGE

NORTH TEXAS — Signed football coach Dan McCarney to a five-year contract.

TEXAS-PAN AMERICAN — Named Lauren Mathewson assistant volleyball coach.

UT MARTIN — Named Heath Schroyer men's basketball coach.

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