Jets Have $9 Million In Cap Room

Bart Hubbach of the NY Post tweeted this 40 minutes ago:

If they wouldn't spend the money on Ellis, what could or should they be using it for?

Derrick Mason Is Now A Jet

Adam Schefter reported on Saturday that WR Derrick Mason will be a member of the New York Jets. Mason took to Twitter to announce that he was joining the team. UPDATED: Here's the article from the NY Daily News.

Jerricho Cotchery Contacted by Tennessee

There is no word yet on whether Derrick Mason has accepted the Jets offer. Pro Football Talk is reporting that the Titans have reached out to Free Agent WR Jerricho Cotchery.

Brodney Pool Returns to Jets

While Jets fans await word on the possible return of Shaun Ellis, The Star-Ledger is reporting that the team will re-sign Brodney Pool, adding more depth at the safety position.

Derrick Mason In? Jerricho Cotchery Out?

In a move that could spell the end of Jerricho Cotchery's time with the Jets,and all but assures Braylon Edwards won't be back, it was reported late Wednesday that the Jets are bringing Derrick Mason in for a physical and could be signed by the end of the week.

Summing Up The 2011 Free Agency Period

This free agent period reminds of a Saved By The Bell episode in which Zack falls for the new student nurse and dumps Kelly. When he's turned off by the student nurse (who's onto his scheme), he tries to run back to Kelly but she is dating another guy. In this case, Nnamdi Asomugha is the new object of affection and Antonio Cromartie is the jilted lover. Luckily, Cromartie has forgiven the Jets by signing a 4-year, $32 million dollar contract as reported by the NY Post.

Asomugha is a shutdown cornerback, while Cromartie is a very good cornerback. But by pursuing Asomugha vigorously and not getting him, the Jets ran the risk of also losing Cromartie, leaving them with what would have been a gaping hole in the secondary. I don't think Kyle Wilson was ready to step up and start based on what I saw of him last year.

In the end, the Jets did not get the most-coveted free agent but retained two of their top four free agents(Cromartie, Santonio Holmes) and brought in Plaxico Burress to give Mark Sanchez a bigger target to throw to in the end zone. They couldn't re-sign Brad Smith and Braylon Edwards appears to be headed elsewhere. I'm sorry to see both go, but I'm relieved that the Jets kept their biggest stars. It remains to be seen the impact of Smith's absence on the wildcat and special teams, but Cromartie can at least spell Smith on punt returns.