[shuler82]

Originally Posted by eaglenj

I agree. The only way that would would happen is if we guarantee part of his 2014 salary which is a TERRIBLE idea.

Personally Id love to see Idzik take the opposite approach. Call Holmes in and simply say the following:

"Im not going to ask you to buy into the team or ask you to be optimistic that we are moving in a new, positive direction. It has become apparent, not only in the Jets FO, but in the league, that you are not a team guy and there isnt much I can do about that, especially since we will be keeping you in 2013 and will be paying you $11 million.

What I can tell you is there is no way in hell you will see one single cent of what you are owed in 2014 unless you have a ridiculous year for this team. I can also assure you that if your production isnt there as the season goes on, we will give your snaps to younger players and you can become a FA with poor stats, and injury history, and a terrible reputation. Good luck with recouping the money you would have had here when you hit the open market with a resume like that.

You are playing 2013 to get the best contract you can in 2014 and beyond, thats it. I know that and you know that, so you should probably do everything you can to have a great season."

While you could argue that this will cause the player to have a bad attitude, or resent the organization etc...with Holmes, that is already true, and he cant do much worse to the team. Plus, we HAVE to pay him in 2013 and are free in 2014, so if he starts his act, we can send him home (like the bucs did with keyshawn) and tank his free agency while not hurting the future of the team.

Its time to take a hardline approach with this guy, and the chips are in our favor to do so.

While I agree that we probably shouldn't restructure to reduce his 2013 cap hit, this is where the Jets hold the leverage. Santonio knows he wont get a new deal in 2014 anywhere worth his current one, so theoretically the Jets could get him to sacrifice some money if they plan on keeping him done the line... which again, given Santonio's history, I dont think is a good idea.