QB Mark Sanchez, who is recovering from knee surgery, participated in 11-on-11 drills for the first time this off-season. Sanchez was previously limited to just individual workouts and 7-on-7 drills, but is now competing fully in practice.

“It’s frustrating,” Sanchez said last week. “Doing the drills on the side, going through 7-on-7s and then having to watch special categories, having to watch (11-on-11s), having to watch them move the ball, stuff that I love doing and the reps that I like getting and the reps that I need…. I’m chomping at the bit now to do it. As soon as they come, I need to make the most of the ones I get and, hopefully, all of them in minicamp and then watch that film and get ready for (training) camp.”

Sanchez was originally scheduled to make his full return during training camp, but now it looks like he will be cleared to participate in minicamp next week.
“If things keep going the way they are, if they progress the way they are now, I’m confident I’ll be ready to go,” Sanchez said. “It’s ultimately going to be up to the training staff and Rex. I feel good about it. I’m confident.”

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Darrelle Revis also returned to the voluntary team workouts yesterday. Revis is looking for a contract extension, and is upset with the offer the Jets put on the table. The Jets’ offer apparently contained no fully guaranteed money and was in the ballpark of $10 million per season. Revis is looking to be the highest paid CB in the league, which would be in the range of $15-16 million per season.

The Jets have the rights to Revis for the next 3 years due to a buy back option in his contract. He is scheduled to make only $1 million this season.

The contract extension talks will continue, but it seems like the two parties are too far apart for anything to get done soon.

The Jets and FB John Conner agreed to a four year, $1.99 million contract this morning. The deal includes a $199,000 signing bonus. There is an additional bonus that could escalate the contract to $2.73 million if Conner reaches certain incentives. The details of the incentives have yet to be released.

Conner, a 5th round pick out of Kentucky, will likely spend most of the season learning behind Tony Richardson before taking over as a full-time starter.

Skynet had no comment on the situation.

It was reported early this morning that star CB Darrelle Revis was absent from the team’s voluntary practice today. It appears that Revis is unhappy with the way the team is handling his contract negotiations. Bart Hubbuch, of the NY Post, has been following the situation closely on his twitter:

A source close to Revis told me he’s skipping OTAs because he was thoroughly insulted by the #Jets’ recent offer. This is getting ugly fast.

Revis wants more than the #Raiders’ Nnamdi Asomugha, who is the #NFL’s highest-paid CB at $16.2M/year. The #Jets’ offer was nowhere close.

Revis is furious with the #Jets but won’t say it because “his actions always speak louder than his words,” according to source.

I was told the #Jets’ recent offer to Revis was pitifully low relative to his stature as arguably the league’s top corner.

From talking to sources close to Revis, it doesn’t sound like he’s going to be at the ‘#Jets 6/14-16 minicamp. Training camp in doubt, too.

Revis is only scheduled to make $1 million this season, which is peanuts for the NFL’s best cornerback. However, the Jets hold all the cards in this negotiation. The Jets can buy out Revis’ contract for an additional 2 seasons for around $20 million. This would allow the Jets to keep Revis for 3 more years for only $21 million. There is always the option to use the franchise tag on Revis after the 2012 season as well.

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C Nick Mangold is also looking for an extension before training camp and “seriously considered holding out of mini-camp” to protest the lack of a new deal.

After a dismal few practices, the Jets decided to part ways with kicker Clint Stitser. This comes as no real surprise, as Stitser was a long shot to make the team from the start. Expect the Jets to add another kicker in the next few days to compete with Nick Folk.

Stitser kicked at Fresno State, where he was 21 for 28 in FG attempts throughout his career. However, Stitser had no NFL experience before signing with the Jets.

The New York Jets continued their organized team activities (OTAs) this morning in Florham Park, NJ.

QB Mark Sanchez, who is recovering from off-season knee surgery, participated in 7-on-7 drills and even took one snap during 11-on-11s. The Jets are being cautious with Sanchez, as they should be, to avoid any unnecessary setbacks. “It’s just not worth taking a chance,” Sanchez said. “We’re just taking it slow and being smart about it.”

Sanchez participated in two drives during the 7-on-7s, and connected with David Clowney and Brad Smith for touchdown passes. Clowney executed an effective triple move on the route, which is something we didn’t see from him last season.

Sanchez didn’t hesitate to say that his knee feels great, but he has yet to participate in any full speed drills. “I haven’t tried to sprint yet, or move in the pocket quickly,” Sanchez noted. “That would be the only question left- reaction time and quickness in the pocket.”

One interesting note- Sanchez was not wearing his knee brace during practice today.

Speaking of knee injuries, NT Kris Jenkins had an increased role in practice today. Jenkins is fully recovered from his torn ACL, but the coaching staff is keeping him out of most drills until he gets his weight under control. He is reported to be around 390 lbs, and the coaching staff wants him to shed 10 pounds before he can get back on the field.

K Nick Folk, who had a terrible practice last week, was 3-for-3 on field goal attempts today. “I feel a little better today than I did the other day (about Nick Folk),’’ Ryan said.

Unfortunately, Rex could not say the same for Clint Stitser, who has missed nearly every kick this off-season. “He’s not ready right now…we’ll move on,” Rex said. Stitser looked terrible today, missing kicks by a good 15 yards. Stitser was a below average college kicker and has been out of football for over two full seasons. Before signing with the Jets this off-season, he had no NFL experience. Expect to see Stitser cut and a new leg added to the roster in the next few days.

Other notes:

• Rookie LG Vladimir Ducasse is still impressing the coaching staff. He worked with the first team during team drills, and looked good next to Mangold and D’Brick.
• Vernon Gholston had another good practice, with a  would be sack (the practice was non-contact). This is the 3rd straight practice in which Gholston had a sack
• Shaun Ellis and Ben Hartsock spent the duration of the practice on the stationary bike. They were later joined by Kris Jenkins
• Rex Ryan praised Kenwin Cummings and Braylon Edwards. Both are having great off-seasons.
• Ladainian Tomlinson scored on a 5-yard TD pass, with Darrelle Revis on the coverage.
• Bart Scott’s mouth was out in full force today. He even yelled “Hey, Jason Taylor!” at ex-Jet QB Ray Lucas.
• Jerricho Cotchery and Kellen Clemens hooked up for two really nice completions during 11-on-11s, with rookie Kyle Wilson covering both.
• The Jets have had problems finding a long snapper to replace James Dearth. Matthew Mulligan had a rough day with a few bad snaps (I’ll skip on the Mulligan pun- too easy). Don’t rule out the possibility of Dearth returning to the team.

League owners met today to vote on the location for Super Bowl XLVII. The New Meadowlands Stadium was selected to host the event, over stadiums in Miami and Tampa Bay. This is the first time the Super Bowl will be hosted in an outdoor, cold weather environment.

I posted this from my phone, so I’ll have more details later as soon as I get my internet hooked up. In the meantime, you can read the full story on NFL.com

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.

Today marked the first day of the Jets’ organized team activities (OTAs). This is the first time the team hit the field together since the loss in the AFC Championship Game to the Colts last January.

Photo: newyorkjets.com

QB Mark Sanchez, who is recovering from off-season knee surgery, participated in a limited role today. Sanchez threw during 7-on-7 drills and ran some individual drills, but was not active in team drills.

“Mark looked good throwing the ball today,” cornerback Antonio Cromartie told The Associated Press.

Sanchez just began running on the treadmill last week and appears to be ahead of his rehab schedule. He hopes to be 100% by mini-camp, but will definitely be back before the start of training camp in August.

QB Kellen Clemens took the majority of the snaps in the Jets’ team drills.

Nearly the entire team participated in the first day of OTAs. The only players that missed today’s practice were NT Kris Jenkins and OLB Jason Taylor. Kris Jenkins is not quite 100 percent recovered from his ACL surgery yet, so he was sidelined. Jason Taylor was finishing up a charity golf tournament in Miami.

Here are some tweets from the Jets’ players regarding today’s practices:

Damien Woody: After going through practice one thing is certain……we have some major firepower!

Mike DeVito: Great first day of OTA’s Jets Fans!!! 2010 is going to be a HISTORIC season!

Antonio Cromartie: Good day as my first day as a Jet on the practice field. It was fun being aroun the guys o field for our first day of OTA’s

Nick Mangold: Oh and no one puked today so everyone is a winner. Hahaha

A few days after Nick Mangold talked about a contract extension, it appears that the Jets are working on a new deal for star CB Darrelle Revis.

Revis is going into his 4th year of a 6 year rookie deal, but the last 2 years are option years. He is due to make a mere $1 million this season.  According to Manish Mehta of the Newark Star Ledger, Revis’ representatives are meeting with the Jets today.

“They came to me after the season,” Revis said. “There were talks about them not wanting me to play for a million dollars. They’re trying to renegotiate. We’ll see. Me and Nick have talked. Nick wants to get something done as well. This dude is the best center in the league. He deserves what he deserves. I deserve what I deserve. David (Harris) deserves what he deserves. … It’s just a matter of time when everything works out and everybody will be happy.”

Revis hopes to get a deal done before the start of the season. I’d imagine he’d earn somewhere in the ballpark of $11-12 million a season.

With the Jets having so many players hitting free agency after this season, it will be interesting to see the order in which Woody Johnson handles them.

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NT Kris Jenkins, now 100% recovered from his ACL injury, has some weight to lose. Jenkins’ playing weight from the last few seasons has been around 360 lbs (remember the weight clause Mangini through in his contract?). However, rotoworld is reporting that Jenkins now weighs 390 lbs.

Jenkins, Rex Ryan, and Damien Woody have started a contest to see who can lose the most weight before the season starts. Let’s hope Jenkins doesn’t get too skinny.

The Jets and the Giants are making a combined bid for Super Bowl XLVIII. A public presentation of their bid for the 2014 Super Bowl will take place tomorrow and will include Mark Sanchez, Eli Manning, and team ownership representatives.

Miami, Tampa Bay, and the New Meadowlands are the only stadiums that placed official bids. The NFL will announce the selected venue on May 25 at an NFL meeting in Dallas, Texas.

Although some people are considering the New Meadowlands Stadium as the early favorite, the Super Bowl has never been played in a cold weather location in an outdoor stadium.