New York Jets Making Moves

It’s nice to finally see the Jets active in the off-season market, after years of few moves and bad draft choices.

The Jets sent linebacker Jonathan Vilma to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for a conditional fourth round pick, which can become a third round pick if Vilma reaches certain performance goals. Vilma suffered a season ending knee injury last year and it was evident that he no longer fit into the 3-4 defensive scheme that head coach Eric Mangini has implemented. The Detroit Lions were also interested in Vilma, but the Saints must have offered more for the former Miami Hurricane.

Additionally, the Jets traded their third and fifth round draft choices in 2009 to the Carolina Panthers for Kris Jenkins, a 6’4″, 335 pound defensive tackle, who will most likely replace Dwayne Robertson, who the Jets are also looking to trade. Jenkins also signed a new contract, a five-year deal worth $35 million, $20 million of which is guaranteed.

Finally, the Jets appear to be the front runners to sign offensive lineman Alan Faneca to a four-year, $32 million deal, also with $20 million guaranteed. Faneca is a seven-time Pro Bowler and would be a fantastic addition to an offensive line that struggled mightily last year.