Jets safety Kerry Rhodes waited quietly and patiently while the Jets conducted their free agent spending spree in February.
In all, some $140 million in new contracts, including more than $63 million in guaranteed money, were doled out to outsiders while Rhodes was due to make $927,000 this season, the final year of his original contract.
Finally, though, the Jetsâ fourth-year safety has been rewarded for his solid play and his patience _ rewarded with a five-year, $33.5 million contract extension that includes $20 million in guarantees.
âItâs a big lift off my back that I know where Iâll be next couple of years,ââ Rhodes said yesterday. âI wanted security; every player wants it. Once I got it, there was a sense of relief being with the team I like and guys Iâm familiar with trying to improve the team.ââ
The 25-year-old Rhodes, who has 270 tackles, eight sacks and 10 INTs in the last three seasons, said heâs had a good feeling that heâd get a new contract since the end of last season.
âThey reassured me that I was a guy they wanted around, a guy that fits their mold,ââ he said. âThey were proactive in trying to get something done. It felt good having that reassurance. I like New York. I like the organization. So it wasnât a hard decision once they came to me.ââ
The Jets decision to trade away LB Jonathan Vilma to the Saints, though, was a difficult one for Rhodes to swallow. Vilma and Rhodes are very close.
âThatâs my main man,ââ he said. âThatâs my ace. Him being gone is difficult, but heâs in a good situation and Iâm happy for him getting a chance to make some plays.ââ
Rhodes then confirmed what everyone has known but Vilma declined to admit publicly.
âHe and the (Jetsâ defensive) system didnât get along that well,ââ Rhodes said. âIt was a difficult situation for him. Heâs a 4-3 guy; thatâs what he is. He has a chance to go to New Orleans and make some plays.ââ
Rhodes said Vilmaâs departure will spur him to be more of a leader.
âIt definitely opens the door for me to be more vocal,ââ Rhodes said.
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