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New Jersey – A lot going on, including three free agent signings today by Gang Green, and some Revis news – let’s get into it . . .
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers just added additional ammo to make a Darrelle Revis’ trade.
They got a sixth round pick from Philly for WR Arrelious Benn.
This won’t make or break deal, but it’s just another pick to throw in.’
But here is something else to consider from another Tampa Bay move today.
They let DE Michael Bennett walk in free agency. He is a very good pass rusher. He signed a one-year deal with the Seattle Seahawks for $5 million.
Why?
First of all, they think DaQuan Bowers is ready to take over at end, and is better against the run than Bennett.
Also, this could free up more money to pay Revis if they are able to make a trade, and people expect things to heat up at the owners meetings, coming up next week in Scottsdale.
Something interesting came out the last few days – I’m hearing that the money isn’t going to be a problem between Revis and the Buccaneers.
You get that sense Neil Schwartz and Revis see what is going on around the NFL (a lot of belt-tightening), and realize, a $16-17 mega-deal isn’t going to happen – not in this economic climate. They probably realize something between $11-13 is more realistic and will do the trick.
Also, while on the topic of freeing up money, Tampa Bay also got out of the bidding war for pass rusher Cliff Avril, who also signed with Seattle (two years, $15 million).
They seem to be freeing up money to sign Revis.
Hey, it’s possible another suitor could come forward, but Tampa Bay continues to be the odds-on favorite to land Revis.
Now they have an extra draft pick, and more free money to make it happen . . .
Rex has to be pretty excited about some of these free agent safeties that just sprung free – Dawan Landry (Jacksonville) and Tom Zbikowski (Indianapolis). Both were cap casualties.
These are two safeties that were draft picks of Baltimore when Rex worked there – Landry in the fifth round of 2006, and Zbikowski in the third round in 2008.
Rex likes both of them, they both know his system, and neither one will cost a lot of money
So expect one, or maybe both, to end up in Jets green . . .
The Jets signed two tough veteran linemen today and neither contract is huge.
Former Pittsburgh Steeler Willie Colon instantly becomes the favorite to win the left guard job, the position he played last year for the Steelers. Vlad Ducasse and Caleb Schlauderaff can battle it out for the right guard spot.
Colon is a brawler from the Bronx who is a good player, but has had issues staying healthy the last couple of years.
Antonio Garay signing makes a lot of sense. With the release of Sione Pouha, and inconsistency of Kenrick Ellis, the Jets needed a veteran nose tackle, and the Rahway-native fills the bills. He’s big (6-4 320), tough and pretty athletic for his size.
Something else to like about Colon and Garay – a lot of players don’t like playing in this market, but these two local guys love it around here – two guys from the neighborhood, so to speak. There is something to be said for that . . .
RB Mike Goodson, also signed today, is a good fit for Marty Morhhinwig’s offense. He’s one of those quick backs, with good receiving skills, like the backs Marty had in Philly.
March 15, 2103
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