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So what is the latest on Tim Tebow. Jets GM John Idzik was asked about Tebow, and other issues today, during a conference call with fans . . .
John Idzik was asked about Tebow today.
“Tim, as you know, he’s currently on our roster,” Idzik said. “What we’re doing is we’re trying to increase competition at that position and positions across the board, So we’re going to let the competition play out. We’re going to see who we’re able to bring on board and let it play out this offseason and into training camp. So I think that’ll be healthy for all concerned, including Tim.”
While Idzik does believe in competition, from what I’m hearing, the Jets don’t intend on having Tebow in training camp competing for the starting quarterback job.
Here is what Idzik had to say about Darrelle Revis today – “By all accounts, by his doctor’s accounts — he’s doing very well. By their estimation he’s ahead of schedule. Darrelle is a very valued player on our team. Our focus is squarely on getting him healthy, getting him back to his level of play.”
Idzik’s position is perfect.
There is no reason to talk about anything – a trade, him playing out his contract this year, or a long-term deal, until Darrelle is 100 percent or close.
Once that happens, which could be right around the draft, then the Jets can take the next step.
Revis has a $1 million bonus coming up later this month, but the Jets are clearly going to bite the bullet on that one, even if they eventually trade him. That bonus is due in a couple of weeks, and Revis isn’t going to 100 percent at that point, so Woody Johnson just needs to deal with it . . .
In the next issue of Jets Confidential Magazine, which was mailed today, we report that the New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs are interested in signing Mike DeVito.
You know Bob Sutton would love to get DeVito in a Kansas City uniform as he is installing the Jets’ defense with the Chiefs.
Remember when Rex Ryan got the Jets to sign a defensive lineman (Marques Douglas), a linebacker (Bart Scott) and a defensive back (Jim Leonhard) in his first year in New York. He wanted a player, at each level of the defense, who knew his defense, and could teach and provide leadership to every position group.
This could happen in Buffalo and/or Kansas City.
The Chiefs have cap room – so don’t be shocked if that is where DeVito’s best offer will come from.
While the Patriots are interested, you know they don’t like to overspend in free agency, so you would have to consider KC the leading candidate for DeVito . . .
“Jets are a team that many players want to play for, if not all,” Ryan said today.
“That’s simply not true,” tweeted Manish Mehta
I would agree with Rex when he says, “many,” want to play for the Jets, but “if not all,” is an overstatement.
The reason a lot of players want to play for the Jets is two-fold – Rex is the quintessential players coach – he takes care of his players.
Secondly – the Jets have the best practice facility in the league, so it’s a great office to work in.
But Rex isn’t for everyone – some players don’t like his style.
Also, what makes a team desirable, aside from a myriad of other factors (with of course money being a huge factor), is having a franchise quarterback – players like being on a team where they are suiting up with a star signal-caller. It’s hard to say the Jets have a franchise quarterback right now.
March 4, 2013
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