The team took their first step in re-stocking their defensive line by inking Giants FA DT Lance Legree while reports late today have surfaced that FA T Kareem McKenzie has signed with Big Blue.
ALSO: Jets look to replace Becht, sign TE to offer sheet.
The team took their first step in re-stocking their defensive line by inking Giants FA DT Lance Legree while reports late today have surfaced that FA T Kareem McKenzie has signed with Big Blue.
Legree (6’1”, 300 Lbs) will be entering his fifth year in the NFL and was originally signed as an undrafted free agent out of Notre Dame by the Giants in 2001. During his career he has 116 tackles and 6 sacks. Although it’s not expected that Legree will replace Ferguson, he will add depth and be a key player in the Jets defensive line rotation. Legree was a favorite of Jets defensive line coach Denny Marcin while Marcin was with the Giants.
Various sources are confirming to Jets Insider.com late today that Jets FA T Kareem McKenzie has signed a seven year deal worth $37.5MM with the Giants. The deal reportedly includes a $12.5MM signing bonus.
The Jets had been interested in Bills T Jonas Jennings to replace McKenzie, however Jennings signed with San Francisco on Wednesday. There has been talk that the Jets will try to replace McKenzie with T Adrian Jones who was a 4th round draft pick last season out of Kansas. However, the Jets will still likely look for an experienced veteran FA in case Jones is not ready.
ESPN is reporting that that the Jets have signed Broncos restricted free agent TE Jeb Putzier. Putzier, is a 3 year NFL veteran formerly of Boise State.
The 26 year old Putzier (6’4”, 256) played in all 16 games for Denver last season where he caught 36 passes for 572 yards and 2 TD’s. 27 of his 36 catches in 2004 were for 1st downs.
The addition of Putzier would certainly seem to invigorate the Jets’ stagnate TE corps. The offer sheet signed was a five year contract for $12.5MM which included a $2.5MM signing bonus. The signing is no lock however since Denver has 7 days to match the offer. If they decline, the Jets would surrender their 6th round draft pick to the Broncos as compensation.
MISCELLANEOUS TIDBITS: The Daily News is reporting that DT Shaun Ellis restructured the contract extension he signed recently and it will free up $5.6MM in additional cap space.
-Various NFL sources confirm that the Jets are speaking to the agent of CB Ty Law who was cut recently by the Pats due to salary cap reasons. If Law is signed,it could mean the end of CB Donnie Abraham's stint with the Jets.
-The team announced the re-signing of DT Alan Harper. Harper, originally a 4th round pick in 2002 has been used mostly as a reserve during his career with the Jets.
-The team has also announced the hiring of Sam Gash as an assistant running backs and special teams coach. Gash spent 12 seasons as a fullback in the NFL with Buffalo, New England and Baltimore. He won a Superbowl while with the Ravens in 2000.
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