The Jets made their first significant move of the off-season by signing third-year wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery to a contract extension today. Cotchery had a breakout season in 2006 finishing with 82 catches for 961 yards and 6 touchdowns. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed, but I'm sure Cotchery will receive market value for his services since he could have become a free agent after next season. Cotchery is the type of player that fits perfectly with Mangini's system -- hard working, unselfish and disciplined. Look for Cotchery to crack the 1,000 yard receiving mark next year.
Also, in Jet related news (sort of), Bill Parcells will return to ESPN and join the chuckle-heads on "Monday Night Countdown." It's too bad that Michael Irvin is not coming back next year. How great would it have been to see the Parcells/Irvin interactions on a weekly basis? I would have tuned in for that. Now, I'm not too sure.
Free agency kicks-off on Friday and ESPN has its list of the top unrestricted free agents for 2007. The one name that jumps out at me is cornerback Nate Clements. Andre Dyson did a good job manning one corner position last year, but the Jets were constantly shuffling guys on the other side. Justin Miller, Drew Coleman, David Barrett and Hank Poteat all saw playing time, but no one was able to claim the job. Poteat was probably the most consistent of the bunch (which really isn't saying much) and the Jets did sign him to a contract, but he's really just a stop-gap. Signing Clements would give the Jets two legitimate corners and also weaken a divisional opponent in the Buffalo Bills. However, Clements is looking for a contract that would pay him $18 million in bonus money alone. Pretty steep. Still, it's a position the Jets really need to strengthen if they want to take the next step.
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The Jets won't "take the next step" until they find a quarterback who can throw the ball more than 15 yards in the air.