Reinforcements keep on coming.
The Jets continued their quest to pick up every free agent on the market by signing Pro Bowl fullback
Tony Richardson to a one-year deal Thursday.
Richardson, 36, has made a career of blocking for 1,000 yard rushers. His best seasons came as a Kansas City Chief where he helped pave the way for the likes of Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson. Richardson spent the past two seasons in Minnesota's Purple and Gold and opened holes during Chester Taylor's 1,216 rushing year in 2006 and Adrian Peterson's 1,341 ground assault in 2007.
This is the second straight season that Eric Mangini and company have signed a free-agent fullback. Last year Darien Barnes was supposed to light the way for Thomas Jones, but that never materialized. Barnes played sparingly and was released in November.
Richardson was once a receiving threat coming out of the backfield, but I think 13 years in the NFL have neutralized that part of his game (go figure). Still, it's a solid pickup by Gang Green. I just hope they utilize Richardson's talents and get rid of the four tight end philosophy that they implemented last season.
This free agent spending spree may have lifted the spirits of some Jet fans, but all is not well within the organization's green and white walls. An anonymous Jets player vented his frustration in Wednesday's
Daily News:
"You pay guys you don't even know, and the guys in the locker room - the guys
that have your back - you don't give a damn about them. It shows where the loyalty
is."
Most feel that the unnamed player is wide receiver Laveranues Coles. It's true that Coles is unhappy with his current contract and is seeking a long-term deal, but he already voiced his displeasure. Why would he then rip the Jets anonymously?
It's always a bit dangerous to speculate, but if I was a betting man, I'd say that the mystery player is tight end Chris Baker. Baker is also searching for a new contract and isn't shy about speaking his mind. He ripped the Jets play-calling after their shoddy performance against the Philadelphia Eagles last year.
I usually don't like hearing "unknown" players whine, but there is some truth to the comments. The Jets suffered through a miserable campaign last year, but things could have easily rotted from the inside-out if veteran players like Coles and Chad Pennington didn't help keep the team together. Then again, both Coles and Baker have two years left on their current deals. You can't expect an organization to throw money at you after a dismal 4-12 season. It's also worth noting that Mangini inherited these players from the Herm Edwards regime. He might want to push these guys out and bring in his guys.
Still, things could work out in the end. A Dewayne Robertson trade seems imminent and his departure would give the Gotham Green some breathing room. And I would be shocked if Pennington is still on this team by the time training camp rolls around. He would also give the Jets more cap space.
One thing is for sure, the Jets don't seem concerned about spreading some of their green around.
Leave a comment
There isn't a player on last year's team that doesn't deserve a pay cut. these guys make me laugh. they agree to a contract and a year later they're upset that a free agent is making more than them. Two things: 1. play better football and negotiate a better contract 2. get a better agent so you can negotiate a better contract after playing better football. i love the aggressive signings. a darren mcfadden draft and i'll feel great about this offseason.