Jets Trade Rumors

"Unhappy with his contract, Baker requested a trade the week before the draft and was denied by the Jets. The team also fueled his anger by signing tight end Bubba Franks as a free agent to a deal that is set to pay him more than Baker, even though Franks would be his backup. Baker has since threatened to boycott the team’s off-season training activities. “He outperformed his contract the last two years,” Baker’s agent, Jonathan Feinsod, said last week. “He’s severely underpaid. He’d like to be brought up to market.” Last week, General Manager Mike Tannenbaum would not discuss Baker’s contract, but said that the Jets expected Baker to be present for all the mandatory events, “be it minicamp or training camp.”"

"I realize teams can't redo every contract in the player's favor, although all NFL teams, the Jets included, certainly will look to cut a player's salary if he underperforms his contract. But Baker has 72 catches over the past two seasons, a figure that might be even higher if he didn't have to stay in and block sometimes on passing downs."

"When the Jets made their aggressive trade-up move into the first round Saturday to draft tight end Dustin Keller, it left many people around the league scratching their heads in bewilderment. Count Jets starting tight end Chris Baker as one of them. "

" His name is Darren McFadden. Run DMC. It doesn't mean the Jets' draft is an automatic failure or the season would offer no hope if they don't get him. It means catching the Patriots in 2008 would, in all likelihood, be more pipe dream than reality. "

"Jake Long is off the board. The St. Louis Rams are on the clock. Tick tock. Tick tock. The Jets, barring a deal, pick sixth. Will they make a daring move and jump up to take Arkansas running back Darren McFadden or will they sit tight and hope Ohio State defensive end Vernon Gholston or Virginia defensive end/outside linebacker Chris Long is still available? "

"Darren McFadden. Vernon Gholston. Chris Long. Matt Ryan. In no particular order, those are the big four names at the top of tomorrow's NFL Draft who have been most associated with the Jets New York Jets , owners of the No. 6 overall pick. It's a virtual lock that one of those four will be available when the Jets' pick arrives. The question is, will the Jets be happy with what's in front of them or will they trade out of the pick, move down a few slots and pick up one of the second-tier first-rounders while acquiring another pick or two in the draft? "

"By doling out $140 million in free-agent contracts this offseason, the Jets have behaved like a team in a win-now mode. But if Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan is available in Saturday's draft, they're prepared to call an audible and look toward the future. Looking up from the No. 6 position, the Jets can't be sure what will happen with picks two through five, but they appear to be targeting Ryan and Arkansas running back Darren McFadden, multiple league sources said Wednesday. "

"Jets tight end Chris Baker, disgruntled with his contract status and management's apparent refusal to renegotiate, has left the team's offseason strength and conditioning program in protest, The Post has learned."

"Darren McFadden was in New York Tuesday for the second time in less than a week. The former Arkansas star has a hunch he could be spending a lot of time in these parts after the Jets make their first draft pick on Saturday."

"It is true that New York Jets defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson visited the Eagles for a series of medical examinations, but, according to a league source, the visit took place nearly a month ago and it is "a long shot" that he will be dealt to Philadelphia."

"After a dizzying spending spree in free agency, the Jets finally got around to writing a big check for one of their own. They signed standout safety Kerry Rhodes on Wednesday to a five-year, $33.5 million contract extension, according to two people with knowledge of the deal."

"Jets coach Eric Mangini said his team remains interested in free agent wide receiver Troy Brown. The Jets hosted Brown, the Patriots' all-time leader in receptions, March 17."

"The Broncos still are willing to give defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson a look. But a draft pick is looking too pricey because of Robertson's troublesome knees and Denver might be inclined to wait to see if the New York Jets release the veteran."

"Chad Pennington is not going anywhere this season. The Jets will not trade him. And Eric Mangini and Mike Tannenbaum aren't going anywhere next year even if the Jets follow last year's dreadful season with another one just as bad."

"The Jets averted a significant offseason headache when receiver Laveranues Coles on Monday reported to the team's offseason strength and conditioning program - amid strong signs he's on the verge of working out a contract extension."

"Wide receiver Laveranues Coles, who threatened to skip the Jets' voluntary offseason program because he's unhappy with his contract, reported Monday after sitting out the first week, a team spokesman said."

"So with free-agent kicker Jason Elam scheduled to visit the Atlanta Falcons today and Thursday, the owner was asked whether he might get involved again, particularly if the scenario appeared likely he would be losing a player who has been splitting uprights with regularity for the franchise for the past 15 years... The Broncos mainly are focusing on the draft but remain intrigued by the potential acquisition of New York Jets defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson, though no deal appears imminent."

"Wide receiver Laveranues Coles and nose tackle Dewayne Robertson were no-shows Monday for the start of the Jets' offseason conditioning program at Hofstra, a team spokesman confirmed. In Robertson's case, it's yet another sign his days with the team are numbered. The Jets have been trying to trade Robertson for nearly a month, and they are currently in discussions with the Broncos."

"The Patriots' all-time leading receiver is considering catching on with the team's most despised rival. more stories like this Free agent wide receiver Troy Brown visited with the Jets yesterday and worked out for them, according to a source with knowledge of the situation."

"Yesterday, however, Brown did a 180. He visited with Eric Mangini and the Jets and talked about the possibility of joining Gang Green."

"The Jets will open their offseason program Monday with several new faces, including former Packers TE Bubba Franks. The former Pro Bowler agreed to terms Sunday on a one-year, $1.65 million contract, according to an NFL source. But the Jets could be without at least two mainstays. WR Laveranues Coles, embroiled in a contract dispute, may not show at Hofstra."

"The Jets, determined to improve upon last season's 4-12 debacle, are continuing one of their busiest offseasons and are close to signing three-time Pro Bowl tight end Bubba Franks, according to two people with knowledge of the negotiations... The Jets aren't ruling out keeping NT Dewayne Robertson and moving him to defensive end after a deal with the Broncos fell through last week."

"Even after their point man in the proposed trade for Dewayne Robertson was dismissed, the Broncos remain interested in acquiring the defensive tackle."

"The Broncos are exploring a trade with the New York Jets for defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson. The Broncos have extra draft picks in the fourth and fifth rounds to make the deal happen. However, Robertson would mean a sudden departure from the Broncos' offseason discipline of signing decent players at relative bargain prices. "

"The Jets apparently are serious about re-signing former Pro Bowl CB Ty Law, who met with team officials Wednesday at Hofstra. They're also serious about trading DT Dewayne Robertson, as the Jets reportedly have rekindled trade talks with the Broncos."

"The Jets brought a familiar defensive face in for a visit yesterday, while at the same time working to send one of their current players to another team. Veteran cornerback Ty Law, who had his most productive years with the Patriots and had 10 interceptions in 2005 for the Jets, spent the day visiting with team officials as a free agent...Meanwhile, talks between the Jets and Broncos on a trade that could send Dewayne Robertson to Denver have been resurrected"

"In this business, we like to throw out the term “Border War” whenever possible. Has a nice ring to it, especially as it relates to the Patriots and Jets. Is one brewing over the services of Ty Law? It’s too soon to say. What we know is that Law visited the Jets yesterday and word out of New York is that Eric Mangini and Co. have legitimate interest. Law is already on the record that he’d consider a return to the Patriots."

"Ancient CB Ty Law, formerly of the Patriots, Jets and Chiefs, is making a free-agent visit Wednesday with the Jets, according to the NFL Network. My two-word reaction: Oh, brother."

"Veteran CB Ty Law, who had 10 interceptions for the Jets in 2005, could have an encore performance. He is scheduled to visit the team today, according to the NFL Network."

"The Bucs have a shot at landing either Cardinals playmaker Bryant Johnson or Panthers speedster Drew Carter. Jets speedster Justin McCareins also could wind up in Tampa."

"The Jets refuse to rest during their aggressive offseason push to improve on their miserable 4-12 season in 2007. One day after agreeing to terms with former Dolphins running back Jesse Chatman, they yesterday hosted Colts tight end Ben Utecht for a free-agency visit."

"After Mangini and Tannenbaum built a 10-6 playoff team in their first season in 2006, they were the talk of the league. But they were 4-12 last year, which is where the Jets were when they took over. Clearly, Johnson has put a tremendous amount of faith in them. And they just spent an awful lot of his money."

" Robertson, a former University of Kentucky star, visited the Bengals on Monday. A deal had been struck to tear up the final two years of Robertson's existing contract with New York - calling for more than $18 million in base salaries."

"Entering the draft in this liberated state could mean the Jets might, if McFadden available at the No. 6 overall pick, go after the Arkansas running back, who many believe could be a franchise player... Multiple sources familiar with the team's thinking say the next player high on their wish list is Colts tight end Ben Utecht, a non-compensation restricted free agent who could be a nice complement to Chris Baker Chris Baker , who had the best season of his career in 2007. Two other players the Jets are speaking to are Miami running back Jesse Chatman and Ravens running back Musa Smith. "

"Brendon Ayanbadejo inquired about taking out a full-page newspaper ad just to thank the fans in Chicago for their great support. That's a good indication the Pro Bowl special-teamer won't be with the Bears this coming season. Ayanbadejo is considering offers from the Ravens and Jets, both of them four-year deals that he says are worth close to $5 million total. He hopes to land $2 million guaranteed and is expected to choose between the teams Thursday."

"Brendon Ayanbadejo likely will bid farewell to the Bears for good today. The two-time Pro Bowl special teams player said he will choose between contract offers from the Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets today, then give the Bears the opportunity to match the final offer. They're not expected to be interested after announcing Monday on the team Web site they had broken off contract talks with Ayanbadejo."

"All of these moves means there is one deal they now should not make. Don't even think of trading Chad Pennington."

"The free-spending Jets are one of the biggest topics of discussion in the NFL, but there are two sides to every story. While they have generated excitement by acquiring four big-money players, some of the team's returning veterans are looking at the bundles of cash and wondering, "When do I get mine?""

"A trade for another defensive tackle, Dewayne Robertson of the Jets, fell through Monday. But a day later, Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said the swap of fourth- and fifth-round Bengals' draft picks for Robertson is not yet dead."

"He's not done. In the coming days the following players are expected in for visits: Patriots CB Eugene Wilson, Dolphins RB Jesse Chatman, Eagles CB Will James and Vikings FB Tony Richardson. Also, Bears special teams ace Brendon Ayanbadejo visited yesterday."

"Now Ayanbadejo has to take his search elsewhere, and he reportedly visited the New York Jets on Monday. Jacksonville and Green Bay are interested as well."

"Not satisfied with the state of their line even after landing guard Alan Faneca - the best lineman on the free agent market - the Jets last night courted Damien Woody, a former rising star whose career has taken a few detours of late... Also on the docket for the busy Jets is a meeting with linebacker Calvin Pace, who has rocketed up the charts in a market devoid of many big-play, pass-rushing defenders."

"Get Randy Moss. The record-setting receiver is an unrestricted free agent and, although he's negotiating with the Patriots, the two sides aren't close to a deal, according to ESPN. Moss is out there, willing to be wooed. The Jets should pick up the phone and start wooing."

"Surely, the Jets aren't done. They have inquired about Chargers right tackle Shane Olivea, according to his agent, Kenny Zuckerman... With Gibril Wilson gone for riches in Oakland, a safety stopgap could be 32-year old Sammy Knight, a durable 11-year veteran who yesterday met with the Broncos in Denver and will soon pay a visit to the Giants."

"By tomorrow, the Jets could have the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history on their roster, as signs strongly indicate Alan Faneca is about to come on board... They jumped into action yesterday at the start of free agency, trading for Panthers defensive tackle Kris Jenkins and officially parting ways with disgruntled linebacker Jonathan Vilma by shipping him to the Saints for a conditional 2008 fourth-round draft pick."

"Not only did they consummate a trade Friday for 335-pound defensive tackle Kris Jenkins, formerly of the Panthers, but the Jets tore up the final two years of his contract, giving him a five-year, $35 million deal that includes $20 million in guarantees. Staying in the trenches, the Jets are expected to sign former Steelers guard Alan Faneca, one of the top prizes in this year's free-agent class."

"Offensive guard Alan Faneca will decide among three NFL suitors by tonight and sign a contract tomorrow or early Monday that his agent said will make him the highest-paid offensive lineman in the league. Faneca, who made seven Pro Bowls in his 10 seasons as the Steelers' starting left guard, has offers from the New York Jets, St. Louis Rams and San Francisco 49ers."

"Trying to find better fits in their 3-4 defensive scheme, the Jets were on the verge of trading the disgruntled Vilma to the Saints, according to NFL sources. They also were working through the night on a deal for the Panthers' Jenkins, sources said."

"Those two positions of need stated, however, perhaps the flashiest free-agent possibility of all for the Jets is Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel, who's unrestricted and one of the best cover corners in the league, but won't come cheaply... Defensively, the Jets could make a play for Cardinals LB Calvin Pace, a good fit for the 3-4 system."

"Elias believes he can garner more than what the Pats offered on the open market. One potential suitor could be the New York Jets, given coach Eric Mangini’s familiarity with Gay, as well as the player’s knowledge of the system."