Though not unexpected, the quick-strike losses of running back LaMont Jordan and defensive tackle Jason Ferguson yesterday had to send shock-waves through the Jets, who now need to add quality free agents to offset a sudden talent drain.
Jordan, tired of sitting behind likely Hall of Famer Curtis Martin, passed up an offer by the Jets that averaged more than $3 million per season to move into a starting job in Oakland with the Raiders. Jordan will be paid like a star, which he said he feels he will become now that he’s out of Martin’s shadow.
Jordan agreed to a five-year, $27.5 million deal that includes a $7 million signing bonus and $15.7 million in guarantees the first three years. The Jets simply could not match those numbers for a player again slated to be a backup.
With Randy Moss on the scene in Oakland after his trade from the Vikings was completed yesterday, former Giants quarterback Kerry Collins has some gaudy weapons surrounding him. As a precursor to acquiring Jordan, the Raiders released former Giants running back Tyrone Wheatley.
Ferguson, 30, leaves for the Cowboys and Bill Parcells, his former coach with the Jets who made no secret of his coveting his former player. Ferguson signed a five-year, $21.5 million contract that includes $9 million as a bonus. The Cowboys further bolstered their defense by signing Browns cornerback Anthony Henry to a five-year, $25 million deal.
The Jets now have some work to do to fill the voids left behind.
Ferguson had a career-best year in 2004 with 59 tackles and 3 ½ sacks and was a solid run-stuffer. He can play in a 3-4 defensive alignment, which is what Dallas will move into this coming season.
The Jets thought they had a fallback position with Pat Williams, a defensive tackle from the Bills who would slip nicely into the hole left by Ferguson’s departure. After initial interest, though, the Jets got off the Williams trail and the Vikings scooped him up, reportedly for $13 million over three years, with a $6 million bonus.
Asked about the Jets’ interest, Williams’ agent, Angelo Wright, said, “They did [express some], but they’ve gone back and forth with Ferguson, they were trying to get a deal, now it looks like Dallas will get the deal. Pat’s a better player. It’s almost like the Jets were willing to pay Fergy because he was there, but elsewhere they’re telling me your deal is a little better than what we were gonna give him so you better take it.”
Lance Legree, a defensive tackle who started seven games for the Giants last season at defensive end in place of injured Michael Strahan, will visit with the Jets today. His line coach with the Giants, Denny Marcin, fills that same role with the Jets and is a fan of Legree’s. The Giants have made an offer to keep Legree.
“It was fair, I guess,” said Legree’s agent, Brad Leshnock, “but not enough to keep him from seeing what’s out there.”
The Jets waived reserve cornerback Roderick Bryant.
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A Raider rush
Over the past two seasons, Oakland’s running back by committee has averaged between 250-280 carries per year. A projection of Jordan’s numbers, should he be on the high end of that attempt average (280) next season, considering he maintains his career rushing average:
PROJECTED CARRIES: 280
CAREER AVERAGE: 4.9 yards
PROJECTED TOTAL: 1,372 yards
