Everybody Wants a Contract

It seems like everybody and their mothers are asking the Jets for a contract extension this week. It is to be somewhat expected, but this week alone Shaun Ellis, David Harris, Darrelle Revis, and Nick Mangold have all talked publicly about wanting contract extensions.

To put into perspective on how many players will be asking the Jets for money, here is a list of free agents after the 2010 season:

• Shaun Ellis
• Nick Mangold
• Steve Weatherford
• Brodney Pool
• Tony Richardson
• Braylon Edwards
• Wayne Hunter
• David Harris
• Aundrae Allison
• Chauncey Washington
• Robert Turner
• Jason Davis
• Brannon Condren
• Nick Folk
• Antonio Cromartie
• Rodrique Wright
• Lance Laury
• David Clowney
• Santonio Holmes
• Eric Smith
• Brad Smith
• James Ihedigbo
• Drew Coleman
• Kellen Clemens
• Darelle Revis*

Quite a list, huh? Guys like Tony Richardson, Drew Coleman, and Kellen Clemens are likely on their way out after the 2010 season, and some of the other players can be signed to cheap 1-year deals if the Jets wish to retain them.

The players on that list that will demand big money contracts are Santonio Holmes, Darrelle Revis, Antonio Cromartie, Braylon Edwards, Nick Mangold, David Harris, and Shaun Ellis. Let’s break down these players individually:

Shaun Ellis

Shaun Ellis is the longest tendered Jet, but will likely be the first one to go. Rich Cimini has already reported that Ellis has asked for an extension, but was denied by the Jets. Although Ellis has been playing at a high level, he is 32 years old and has been battling through injuries the past few seasons. The Jets need to get younger on the defensive line, and Ellis is not in the Jets’ long term plans.

Verdict: Out after 2010 season

Darrelle Revis

Darrelle Revis has probably the most interesting situation. Revis’ rookie contract is essentially a 4-year deal that ends after the 2010 season. However, the Jets have an option to buy out Revis for an additional 2 seasons for $20 million. Here are the full details of his current contract:

• It includes $11 million in guarantees.
• The first four years are worth a total of $16 million.
• The deal voids after four years if Revis hits 35% playing time in the first year or 45% in any of the next three years.
• If it voids, the Jets have the option of buying back the fifth and sixth years. The fifth year would cost $5 million. The sixth year would cost $9 million or $11 million or $13 million or $15 million, depending on a complicated points system.
• If it voids after the fourth year, the Jets can’t use the franchise or transition tag on him. The only way they could prevent him from becoming a free agent is to exercise the buy backs. -Rich Cimini

It’s been reported that the Jets have been working with Revis’ agent to get  him locked up, and they have another scheduled meeting this Monday.  Revis will likely be seeking a deal similar to the one that Raiders’ CB Nnmandi Asomugha signed (roughly $15 million/year).

However, Revis does not have the upper hand in the contract negotiations. The Jets essentially have the rights to Revis for 3 more seasons, which will only cost the Jets around $21 million ($1 million in 2010, $5 million in 2011, $15 million in 2012).  The Jets also have the option to place the franchise tag on Revis after the 2012 season, which will be in the ballpark of $15 million.

Revis is definitely a player the Jets need to keep, and keep happy. I think they will work out a deal, especially since Revis is only due to make $1 million this season.  The deal would have to be at least a 6-year deal, or it just wouldn’t make sense financially for the Jets to sign him. 

Verdict: I think the Jets will work something out with Revis before the start of the season. I don’t see them letting him play for only $1 million next year. Since the Jets have the upper hand in the contract talks, I think Revis will land a 5 or 6 year deal averaging about $13 million per season.

Nick Mangold

Mangold is on the last year of his contract and will be a free agent after the 2010 season. Mangold is arguably the best center in the NFL and is vital to the success of the Jets running game. Woody Johnson said that it is unlikely that Mangold will be able to get a contract before the season starts due to the restrictions set forth by the 30% rule. Since Mangold’s base salary is so low, the Jets would have to load up his contract with bonuses in order to get him a competitive salary.

Verdict: The Jets will take care of Mangold, but probably not until the league agrees on a new CBA.

David Harris

Harris is a restricted free agent after the season, but with the CBA situation not worked out, the Jets probably will not be able to tender him after this season. Harris was an absolute monster in Rex Ryan’s defense last season, and I can’t see the Jets letting him go. I’d put him as the Jets’ 3rd priority, after Darrelle Revis and Nick Mangold. Harris faces a similar situation as Mangold, since his base salary is so low, it’s difficult for the Jets to give him a contract extension for the kind of money he’s worth.

Verdict: Extended by the Jets after the 2010 season.

Braylon Edwards/Santonio Holmes

I’m grouping these two players together because, in my opinion, only one of them will get a contract after the season. The Jets will open up the offense a little this season, but they will still be a run heavy team. With all of these contracts coming up, I can’t see them dealing out big money contracts for two receivers. If Edwards can show improvements with his ability to catch the football, my money is on him. Holmes seems to be one mistake away from a season long suspension, so it might be too risky to give him a big contract.

Verdict: The best receiver will likely get an extension. If they have similar production, Edwards gets the nod.

Antonio Cromartie

Rex Ryan loves his corners and they are essential to the success of the Jets’ defense. We all saw what happened against the Colts when the Jets didn’t have enough depth at corner back. If Cromartie can return to his 2007 form, he will be tough to let go of. The Jets have added some flexibility by adding Kyle Wilson through the draft, but this team needs as many man cover corners as they can get. Cromartie is probably last on the list behind Mangold, Revis, Harris, and Edwards/Holmes, so it will be tough for the Jets to lock him up.

I would actually like to see the Jets sign him to a 2-3 year extension before the season, while his stock is still low. However, I don’t see the Jets extending him before Mangold and Harris.

Verdict: If he has a great season, I can see the Jets doing their best to lock him up. But if I had to make a prediction right now, I’d say he’s one and done with the Jets.

Tags: Contracts, Darrelle Revis, David Harris, Nick Mangold, Shaun Ellis