Jets football blog

Thomas Jones signed by KC

Waived by the Jets on Friday, Jones signed a two-year, $5-million deal with the Chiefs Tuesday. He'll form a tandem with Jaamal Charles, who led Kansas City in rushing last season with 1,120 yards and seven touchdowns.

Jones, 31, was cut loose by the Jets after he refused to restructure his contract. He was due a $3-million roster bonus on top of a $2.8-million base salary, and the Jets weren't about to shell out that kind of money to Shonn Greene's projected backup despite Jones' career season (1,402 rushing yards, 14 touchdowns). Continue

Rhodes hits the road for 2 draft picks

Kerry Rhodes is a goner.

File that in the "this should come as no surprise" department.

The Jets told Rhodes to hit the road yesterday when they traded him to the Cardinals for a fourth-round pick in next month's draft and a seventh rounder in the 2011 draft.

On Friday, these were Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum's words when asked about Rhodes: "We expect Kerry to be here . . . unless something changes. We expect Kerry to be here for the offseason program and to be with us next year and beyond."

Based on those words, you may also file this development under the "never-believe-what-a-GM-says" department. Continue

Jets nab CB Cromartie for 3rd round pick

Even with a lock on their checkbook, the Jets managed to make the first big move of the NFL's new year, swinging a trade Thursday night for enigmatic Chargers CB Antonio Cromartie.

On the day they officially released Lito Sheppard, the Jets wasted no time in finding his replacement, sending a third-round pick in 2011 to the Chargers, according to an NFL source. The pick can escalate to a second-rounder.

The Jets said they have reached an agreement in principle. Presumably, Cromartie still has to pass a physical.

Cromartie, the 19th overall pick in 2006, is entering the final season of his rookie contract and is due to earn $1.7 million this season. As of now, the Jets have no plans to extend his deal. That should provide motivation for Cromartie, whose star has faded after a brilliant 2007. Continue

Jones and Jets parting ways

The Jets will release Thomas Jones this week after the team's leading rusher refused to renegotiate his deal, a team source confirmed yesterday.

The Post reported in yesterday's editions that the two sides were likely headed for divorce. Jones, who rushed for 1,402 and 14 touchdowns but saw his roll reduced in the playoffs as rookie Shonn Greene emerged, is due to make $5.8 million in bonus money and base salary next season. Continue

Jones may be on way out with Jets

Despite one of the best years of his career last season, it's no secret that a different number -- the $5.8 million due him in roster bonuses and salary -- would determine Thomas Jones' future with the Jets.

Along those lines, GM Mike Tannenbaum is expected to meet with the 32-year-old running back's agent here during the scouting combine this week, most likely to discuss Jones' willingness to accept a substantial pay cut to remain with the team.

If Jones doesn't agree to a reduction, it appears likely the Jets will make him join LaDainian Tomlinson and Brian Westbrook on the list of heralded backs to be released in the days leading up to the March 5 start of free agency. Continue

Don't expect Rhodes back in 2010

 Kerry Rhodes wasn’t to be found in the locker room after practice yesterday, but that didn’t mean the maligned safety wasn’t making his opinion heard loud and clear.

Rhodes used his Twitter page yesterday to declare that if the Jets don’t want him anymore, there are other NFL teams that probably do.

“I promise alot of teams would love to have me as their PROBLEM! lol,” he tweeted in response to another Twitter page launched in support of Rhodes. Continue

Will WR Edwards be one and done with Jets?

Did the Jets trade for a future contract dispute?

GM Mike Tannenbaum said there are no immediate plans to address Braylon Edwards' contract situation, meaning he will be a free agent after the season. Edwards, acquired Wednesday from the Browns, is in the final year of his rookie contract.

There were rumblings in Cleveland that Edwards wanted a $9 million-a-year extension, but the receiver said he never made that claim. He said he's not going to make a stink about his expiring deal.

"I don't want to be a distraction," he said. "They've got a machine moving in the right direction, so to sit here and try to talk about a new contract would be pretty petty. I'm happy with where I'm at now. I'm happy with my contract." Continue

Newest Jet WR Edwards will start Monday night

Rex Ryan had seen enough of Braylon Edwards on the other team that he isn't going to wait to use him with the Jets.

Ryan said Edwards, acquired in a trade with the Browns today, will be in the Jets' starting lineup against the Dolphins in Miami on Monday night.

"I just look at it from a defensive perspective," said Ryan, who was an AFC North rival of the Browns while on the Ravens coaching staff. "I faced him two times a year for a long time.

"He's young, fast, has a big size advantage, when he's covered he's still open. I know he's had drops ... but he also comes down with some unbelievable catches."

Edwards was traded for starting wide receiver Chansi Stuckey, special teams standout Jason Trusnick, and two draft picks. Ryan said he would use Edwards immediately along with leading receiver Jerricho Cotchery.

"I see them both as No, 1 receivers, I absolutely do," Ryan said. Continue

Jets trade for QB O'Connell

The Broncos, coached by former Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, tried to claim O'Connell on waivers last week when he was released by the Patriots. So did the Jets, but he was awarded to the Lions because they're on top of the waiver priority list based on last season's 0-16 record.

Now the receiver-needy Jets can try to tempt the Broncos with O'Connell as part of a package for Marshall, whom they've been after for several weeks. The Broncos have said they have no intention of trading Marshall, but that could be posturing. He returned Sunday after being suspended for conduct detrimental to the team. Continue

Jets not interested in Marshall?

A report yesterday said the Broncos are carefully monitoring any public comments made by the Jets that might indicate Gang Green is tampering with suspended Denver receiver Brandon Marshall.

But don't expect the Broncos to be very busy in that area.

The Jets have not made any public comments on Marshall. Nor will they.

And, sources have told The Post, they're not interested trading for the disgruntled receiver because the Broncos are asking too much in return -- reportedly, a first-round pick and more.

The Jets have publicly backed their receiving corps, which includes veteran Jerricho Cotchery and unproven Chansi Stuckey, David Clowney and Brad Smith. Continue