March 2009 - New York Jets Wiretap
Two Slain In Condo Owned By Vilma
Investigators suspect two African immigrants killed at a condo owned by Jonathan Vilma may have been slain as revenge for an Internet scam.
The two men were both shot in the head sometime on Thursday in a condominium in Woodward, N.Y., owned by Vilma.
Vilma was not there at the time and is not believed to be involved, said New York Police Department spokesman Paul Browne.
Jones Absent Again From Jets Workouts
Jets running back Thomas Jones, who is looking for a more lucrative contract, is again absent from the team's offseason workouts this week.
Jones has yet to report to the team this spring.
Offseason workouts are optional, but there is a mandatory minicamp in June.
Ryan Never Reached Out To Favre
Jets coach Rex Ryan, who was hired in January, reportedly never reached out to quarterback Brett Favre prior to his retirement.
Many believe that if Ryan wanted Favre to return he would have at least reached out in some capacity. The first time the pair spoke was when Favre called Ryan to say he was done.
Ryan May Take Jets Upstate For Camp
The Jets could be hitting the road this summer for Rex Ryan's first training camp as coach.
The team is looking into places in upstate New York to hold their training camp, despite moving into their $75 million training facility in Florham Park, N.J., less than a year ago.
"Coach Ryan is looking to find a more isolated environment for training camp to promote team-building and we are researching potential locations," team spokesman Bruce Speight said in a statement. "However, any plans will also include community events at our Atlantic Health Jets Training Center and in Long Island prior to the start of the regular season."
Clemens: Cutler Rumors Are 'Distracting'
Jets quarterback Kellen Clemens admitted on Thursday that trade rumors linking Jay Cutler to the team have been "distracting."
"It's an interesting thing trying to be a major contributor to a football team, and then there's always the rumors that are floating around and at times it can be distracting," Clemens said. "If it happens, it happens. My job right now is to go out this first minicamp, especially, and just prove we don't need to go outside of what is already in the locker room."
Clemens and Brett Ratliff are the in-house candidates to start for the Jets in 2009, but a trade doesn't appear to be out of the possibility.
"I've tried to work hard so that they (the coaches) feel comfortable with what they have," said Ratliff. "I believe in myself and I believe in the guys we have."
Jets' Leon Washington Wants More Money
Jets running back Leon Washington, entering the final year of his contract, is seeking a lucrative, long-term extension.
"I'm trying to revolutionize the game, trying to take it to the next level like the guys back in the day, like a Dave Meggett or a Gale Sayers," Washington said Thursday. "They did so much and did it so well. I want to bring that style back at a high level. In my opinion, that, plus the leadership I give in the locker room, is priceless."
Washington, who is set to make $535,000 in 2009, will likely command $4 million annually.
"The Jets traditionally have done the right thing with guys that play well," he said. "I put the work in and, hopefully, it pays off for me sooner rather than later."
Jets' Rhodes: Cutler Is Too Cocky
Jets safety Kerry Rhodes believes that Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler is too cocky to become his teammate.
"Me and Jay just don't get along too well right now," Rhodes said Thursday.
His dislike for Cutler surfaced in last November's 34-17 loss to the Broncos when the quarterback was seen trash talking quite a bit.
"You can be confident, but when you're too confident for your own self, that can be a little tough," Rhodes said of Cutler.
Jets Like Brandon Pettigrew At 17
The Jets own the 17th overall selection in the 2008 NFL Draft and are interested in Oklahoma State tight end Brandon Pettigrew, according to a league official with knowledge of the team's thinking.
Click here to read Jeff Risdon's report on Brandon Pettigrew.
Mangini Wants Favre To Visits Browns' Camp
Browns coach Eric Mangini said on Wednesday that he'd like Brett Favre to stop by the team's training camp this summer.
"He might come out to training camp to visit," Mangini said. "Maybe I will have him do the show team or just hang out."
Since Favre is still under contract with the Jets, Mangini can't have him put on a uniform and run the practice team. However, he could be a guest tutor for quarterbacks Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson.
"I don't think it would be anything formal," Mangini said. "It's not like we are hiring him to run the scout team. I don't think he would be interested in that. He would be more like a visitor. An open invite."
Jets, CB Strickland Agree On 3-Year Deal
The Jets reached a three-year deal with cornerback Donald Strickland on Wednesday, according to a source.
Strickland will play behind Darrelle Revis and Lito Sheppard at the position.
Jets To Broncos: We Want Cutler
The Jets have reportedly told the Broncos that they want quarterback Jay Cutler.
Jones Unlikely To Get New Deal From Jets
Thomas Jones isn't likely to get a new contract from the Jets after his first-ever Pro Bowl appearance in 2008.
Jones Absence Could Lead To Jets Targeting RB In Draft
Jets running back Thomas Jones was once again a no-show for the third consecutive day of the team's offseason workouts on Wednesday.
Jets Need Mangini To Land Cutler
If Jay Cutler joins the Jets, it probably will be facilitated by Eric Mangini.
Esiason: Jets Should Grab Cutler
Former Jets quarterback Boomer Esiason believes that the team should make a play for disgruntled Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler.
Jets' Jones Unhappy With His Contract?
Jets running back Thomas Jones missed a second straight day of the team's offseason conditioning program, fueling speculation that he's unhappy with his contract.
Jets Match Elam's One-Year, $1.5M Deal
The Jets have kept safety Abram Elam in their secondary after matching the one-year, $1.5 million offer he received from the Browns.
Jets Keeping Close Eye On Cutler
In need of a quarterback, the Jets are keeping a close eye on Jay Cutler's situation in Denver.
Source: Jets Sign Former Ravens DE Marques Douglas
The Jets agreed to terms with former Ravens DE Marques Douglas on Saturday.
Jets Sign DT Howard Green To One-Year Deal
The Jets have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with Seattle free-agent defensive tackle Howard Green.
Sanchez To Work Out For Jets, Colts
USC quarterback Mark Sanchez will reportedly have workouts with the Jets and Colts prior to his Pro Day on April 1.
Jets, Richardson Agree On 1-Year Deal
The Jets and fullback Tony Richardson have agreed to terms on a one-year deal, with $500,000 guaranteed.
Coles Definitely Staying In AFC East?
Laveranues Coles is expected to stay in the AFC East in the wake of his release from the Jets.