Back at posting on this blog, which is becoming therapeutic every single week I do it.  For those who read this, I’ll be running a live blog during the NFL Draft, with special attention to the Jets pick.

Big news for the Jets was the re-signing of Kerry Rhodes for $33.5 million big ones.

Five year deal with $20 million guaranteed.   Considering all the money that was being spent on free agents, it was good to see the Jets lock up one of their own.   Rhodes, who was unfairly robbed of a Pro Bowl season in 2006, had a bit of a down year –68 tackles, two sacks, but did have a career high in picks with five interceptions.

He’s 25-years-old, an upcoming safety and an extremely important part of Mangini’s defense.     Good investment here.

The battle between New York and Boston continues, as Victor Hobson signed with the Pats for a one year deal.

I dont think anyone is going to be crying any tears that Hobson is gone, but you’ve got to wonder what Coach Voyeur will be able to do with him.  I’m half-jokingly saying this, but you’ve got to wonder is Belichick signing him because he can’t videotape the Jets signals anymore?

Just a couple of weeks until the draft and it’s all quiet on the Western Front in terms of who the Jets are going to pick.  The Dolphins are in talks with Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long’s agent.

Whether it’s Parcells setting up a smoke screen is hard to say.  Not that the Jets were going to take Long, but the board gets a little less murky with Long going to the Fish.

Back soon with more thoughts.

“5. The Jets’ future is now: Staying with the Jets: They are gambling against the biological clock in free agency and trades. Most teams try to add younger players when they sign high-priced free agents or make trades. The Jets are one of the few teams willing to add some age. Faneca is 31 and Woody is 30. Fullback Tony Richardson is 36 but is coming off a Pro Bowl season, while 34-year-old cornerback Ty Law is coming in for a visit this week. The Jets aren’t worried about building for the future. They want to win now.”

It’s great that the Jets are trying to go for it.  Here’s a major problem with that:

Let’s be honest.    This guy, for better or worst is the once and future quarterback for the New York Jets, whether you like it or not.  He’s played 12 games so far, not even a full season.   He’s thrown just five touchdowns and 10 picks.

Now I ask you: is this the right move for the Jets?   Putting all your eggs in this basket?   As much of an improvement made to their offensive line with Alan Faneca and Damian Woody, to their defensive line with Kris Jenkins and to their linebackers with Calvin Pace, the season comes down to how the quarterback performs.

Tom Brady not withstanding, it takes time for a quarterback to “get it”.    They need time and patience.  And we all know how patient New York and especially Jets fans are.     Its not fair to Clemens to expect him to be become this great quarterback over night…fact of the matter is, even with the additions the Jets made this season, they’re still way behind the Patriots, the Colts and the rest of the AFC echelon.  So in turn, you’ve added age and injury prone players in this desperate charge to compete.

This may irritate Jets fans to bring up the Giants up, but look how they got it done last year.  Young players drafted that got blooded into and contributed.   Obviously that doesn’t happen all the time.    But the Giants showed that if you take your time, be patient, and most of all have Eli Manning all of sudden not turn the ball over, you can win and still have a young group of players that have championship experience — the best of both worlds.

The Law to Return?

As stated in Clayton’s piece and in this Newsday article, Ty Law could be rejoining the Jets.  Having not seen much of Law since his Jets days, I’m just going off the stats…47 tackles, two INTs and 13 passed defensed (tip balls, knock aways, that sort of thing).    Positives: The pass defensed were his best since 2003, when he had 17 for the Pats.   Negatives: Undoubtedly not the same player even in his one year with the Jets and the tackles total were the lowest of his career.   Now granted, the Chiefs stink, so you’re hopeful that Mangini can find the fountain of youth for Law and that Herm was…well, Herm.     But make no mistake, another risk by the front office.

Robertson is also rumored to be headed out in that article.   What the hell went wrong with him?   We’ll examine that next time.