http://www.nj.com/sports/ledger/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1205818540270600.xml&coll=1 Jets, Coles Negotiating A Deal Tuesday, March 18, 2008 BY DAVE HUTCHINSON Star-Ledger Staff The Jets and the representatives for unhappy wide receiver Laveranues Coles are close to hammering out a compromise in a contract stalemate that would result in the veteran reporting to the team's voluntary offseason workouts later this week or early next week, according to someone familiar with the ongoing negotiations. That person spoke on the condition of anonymity because he's not authorized to speak publicly for the team. It's unclear what type of agreement the Jets and Coles are nearing, but the person characterized it as a "win-win for both sides." Coles' agent, Roosevelt Barnes, was unavailable for comment. The Jets don't comment on contract talks per team policy. Coles, who is seeking a long-term deal, was a no-show yesterday for the first day of the Jets' offseason program. In the aftermath of the bitter and public contract impasse with veteran left guard Pete Kendall last summer, the Jets want this situation to come to a quick and quiet resolution. Nose tackle Dewayne Robertson, whom the team has twice tried to trade in the past three weeks to the Bengals and Broncos, respectively, was the only other no-show. It was thought Robertson would report because general manager Mike Tannenbaum said he wouldn't rule out bringing Robertson back next season if he can't be traded. The Broncos remain interested, as are the Lions. Neither Coles nor Robertson can be fined because the workouts are voluntary. Coles, 30, has said that the organization lied to him for the past two seasons about giving him a long-term contract. He has threatened to stay away until the start of training camp in July. Coles has been steadfast in his demand for a new contract although the Jets have taken the unprecedented step in team history of offering to guarantee the final two years ($11 million) of his contract. Coles says that's money he's going to earn anyway and feels he has earned the security of a long-term contract. The Jets have denied his request to seek a trade on his own. Meanwhile, 15-year veteran wide receiver Troy Brown (Patriots) visited the Jets yesterday. It's unlikely they would sign the 36-year old and are likely just trying to tweak the Patriots. Last season, Brown didn't catch a pass and missed the first 11 games of the season following offseason knee surgery. The Jets yesterday officially signed tight end Bubba Franks to a one-year, $1.6 million deal. Though tight end Chris Baker and safety Kerry Rhodes are looking for new deals, both are participating in the offseason program.
This will be a good thing in my opinion. Just get it done and do not let another Kendall episode happen.
If this little fucker retires before fulfilling his contract, he deserves to be stripped of his jetdom...I think that 11 million guaranteed money is more than fair. As long as he fulfills the contract, he's still one of my favorites, but one year of paying for shit we aren't getting as a team and it will prove why we shouldn't have done this in the first place. I don't like it.
Yeah, we need to be concerned about Rhodes and Baker. The article points out: "Though tight end Chris Baker and safety Kerry Rhodes are looking for new deals, both are participating in the offseason program." I'm at least glad that Coles' nonsense so far hasn't rubbed off on these two. I'd love to see us get past Coles and then settle up with Rhodes, at least. We don't need this kind of distraction, not this year anyway.
The best way to work out a deal with Coles is to give him the years and the money but to lay lots and lots of CYA in case of early retirement and / or concussions. If he signs the deal, he has to be held to play it through. If not, Jets recoup the money.
I can't believe we would pay a 30 year old receiver that kind of money...especially after having concussion problems already. Sure, he was a good Jet but I can't see him getting that kind of extension or contract anywhere else. Let him go if he keeps this up. Haha...what a difference a 4-12 season makes...character issues are no longer a problem...ripping up contracts are no longer a problem...wonder what else....
Just the fact that Rhodes still shows up proves how bad we have to keep this guy. Make him one of the richest safetys in the league if it takes it. If we dont do it someone else certainly will.
What kind of money is that Don? You must be on the inside since you already know. He plays THROUGH his concussions but last year the season was such a wash it didn't matter. He's very durable for his "toe and concussion" problems that I am sick of hearing. Terrell Owens is 34, now I'm not for one second putting Coles in that class...But you make it sound like 30 is old. How old is Holt, Moss, Harrison...Early to mid 30's correct? Coles is good for this offense, and a good player.
i for one am not thrilled about this coles saga and think the jets are playing with fire at the WR position..... just think of it - we have gotten by at the position for the last several years (10 years or more) with only ONE yes ONE first and/or second round selection - moss. we have hit the lever with cotchery and even coles being a 3rd rounder himself but the jets NEED to get some 1st day talent in here at the position. the regime appears to be mirroring the pats WR philosophy (at least drafting) but the is difference is the QB. there probably wouldn't be anything to chirp about if we had a brady like presence back there but we don't so we need to upgrade as many skill positions as possible. jil
When he isn't bitching and whining like someone stole his lunch money. :smile: His shtick is getting old. I'm starting to think he might have money problems. Nevertheless, he's always a warrior on the field. :grin:
I'm talking about the money they are willing to guarantee that is already there. Playing through concussions is not smart and there are only so many you can have before you are forced to retire. So what happens then? We pay him 11 million dollars to sit on the beach?...great.
You would be having money problems too if you built the kind of "house" he did.. 25,000-square feet guard gate eight-bedrooms 5 car garage HUGE swimming pool two-lane bowling alley indoor gym (with bleachers), indoor golf simulator game room and outdoor kitchen next to the pool.
When Coles is lighting up the football field next year with the improved laser passes that Clemens is making (now that he has time to make them) all this BS about people not liking Coles anymore is going to go right out the window and he's going to be everyone's favorite player again. Mark it.
