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Waiting on Nnamdi, Jets Lose Smith
The Jets saw their first significant free-agent departure Thursday, as receiver and kick returner Brad Smith agreed to a four-year, $15 million contract with the division rival Buffalo Bills. Losing Smith could be one of the first of several fallouts stemming from the team's pursuit of prized Oakland cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha.
Smith's agent, Mark Bartelstein, said the receiver wanted to remain a Jet—and that the interest was mutual—but that the club couldn't make him an offer because it was waiting for a response from Asomugha.
"I think they really wanted to bring him back, but they just weren't able to make a decision in time for us to move forward," Bartelstein said. "They're tied up in their negotiations with Asomugha."
Bartelstein got a clear indication that the Jets were serious about trying to hold onto his client, adding that he'd spoken with Coach Rex Ryan and General Manager Mike Tannenbaum about four times a day since free agency opened on Tuesday.
The agent said the Asomugha situation was out of his hands. "We had to rely on the things we could control," Bartelstein said, saying Smith had "a number" of teams interested in signing him.
A Jets spokesman said team officials wouldn't comment on players that weren't under contract until Friday.
Smith's move to Buffalo could prove significant, as he had the league's highest kick-return average (29.3 yards per return) among players with more than 40 attempts. He also offered a change of pace at quarterback whenever the team lined up in the Wildcat formation.
The bigger storyline behind Smith's exit, though, may be that the club's chase after Asomugha is potentially hurting them with other free agents.
The 30-year-old cornerback, considered by many to be the offseason's best free agent, was making nearly $15 million a year with the Raiders before hitting the open market. While his annual price tag may come down slightly in a new deal, the three strongest contenders for him—the 49ers, Texans and Jets—have all made moves to clear salary-cap space.
The Asomugha pursuit may also hinder their ability to negotiate with free-agent receiver Braylon Edwards, who played a big role on the offense last season and is looking for a long-term deal. If Asomugha goes to another team, the Jets may find themselves in an awkward scenario. They could end up having to mend fences with Antonio Cromartie, who happens to be the second-best corner available, but one they've been ardently trying to replace.
Jets star cornerback Darrelle Revis lauded Cromartie's talent Wednesday, but came out in favor of the club's pursuit of Asomugha. "One thing is we all know this is a business," Revis said. "Before Nnamdi, we wanted Antonio Cromartie back. We can't leave him out. He has been a part of this team and he knows our defense with the course we are going. Right now, the focus is Nnamdi Asomugha."
Source: wsj.com
Smith's agent, Mark Bartelstein, said the receiver wanted to remain a Jet—and that the interest was mutual—but that the club couldn't make him an offer because it was waiting for a response from Asomugha.
"I think they really wanted to bring him back, but they just weren't able to make a decision in time for us to move forward," Bartelstein said. "They're tied up in their negotiations with Asomugha."
Bartelstein got a clear indication that the Jets were serious about trying to hold onto his client, adding that he'd spoken with Coach Rex Ryan and General Manager Mike Tannenbaum about four times a day since free agency opened on Tuesday.
The agent said the Asomugha situation was out of his hands. "We had to rely on the things we could control," Bartelstein said, saying Smith had "a number" of teams interested in signing him.
A Jets spokesman said team officials wouldn't comment on players that weren't under contract until Friday.
Smith's move to Buffalo could prove significant, as he had the league's highest kick-return average (29.3 yards per return) among players with more than 40 attempts. He also offered a change of pace at quarterback whenever the team lined up in the Wildcat formation.
The bigger storyline behind Smith's exit, though, may be that the club's chase after Asomugha is potentially hurting them with other free agents.
The 30-year-old cornerback, considered by many to be the offseason's best free agent, was making nearly $15 million a year with the Raiders before hitting the open market. While his annual price tag may come down slightly in a new deal, the three strongest contenders for him—the 49ers, Texans and Jets—have all made moves to clear salary-cap space.
The Asomugha pursuit may also hinder their ability to negotiate with free-agent receiver Braylon Edwards, who played a big role on the offense last season and is looking for a long-term deal. If Asomugha goes to another team, the Jets may find themselves in an awkward scenario. They could end up having to mend fences with Antonio Cromartie, who happens to be the second-best corner available, but one they've been ardently trying to replace.
Jets star cornerback Darrelle Revis lauded Cromartie's talent Wednesday, but came out in favor of the club's pursuit of Asomugha. "One thing is we all know this is a business," Revis said. "Before Nnamdi, we wanted Antonio Cromartie back. We can't leave him out. He has been a part of this team and he knows our defense with the course we are going. Right now, the focus is Nnamdi Asomugha."
Source: wsj.com