[Lefty Noob]

The Bergen Record is reporting one of the teams talking with Houston for the No. 1 overall pick, and in fact the team most likely to get a deal done, is the New York Jets. The Jets would then turn around and use the pick to snag USC quarterback Matt Leinart. This possible scenario has been discussed on the boards several times over the past month, but now it actually looks like it might be happening. Thoughts?

[ThePundit]

See article below in today's Newsday:

If I were the Jets I would do it. Bite the bullet on Pennington, and totally re-build. Leinart looks like the real deal.

I hate to see Abrahman go because he is a phenominal pass rusher. But you've got to give something to get something and the Jets front 7 has enough talent to partially overcome Abraham's departure.


Draft-day intrigue?
If Jets deal Abraham to Texans for first pick, they might take Leinart
BY BOB GLAUBER
STAFF WRITER

February 28, 2006

Texans general manager Charley Casserly has indicated a willingness to trade the No. 1 overall pick in the April 29 NFL draft. Now the question is which team, if any, will take the bait.

The Jets?

A person with knowledge of a potential draft-day deal said last night that the Texans might be interested in the Jets' No. 4 overall pick if the right package were presented. Such a trade almost certainly would include defensive end John Abraham. If it were made, the Jets would be interested in drafting quarterback Matt Leinart, the 2004 Heisman Trophy winner who led USC to back-to-back national titles.

"The Giants traded up from No. 4 to No. 1 to get Eli Manning," the person said. "So why not the Jets? This could be their chance to make the same kind of splash as the Giants. Leinart has that star quality that would play well in New York."

Neither Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum nor coach Eric Mangini has tipped his hand about draft-day intentions. But a person familiar with the Jets' thinking last night shot down any proposed deal, saying, "There's nothing to it."

Perhaps not now, since trades of this nature almost never happen this early. But if Leinart is on the Jets' radar - and some scouts believe he is - he might be there for the taking.

Two people with knowledge of the top of the draft said yesterday that the Saints, who have the No. 2 overall pick, also are interested in Leinart. Another person said the Titans, at No. 3, also like Leinart. Titans offensive coordinator Norm Chow was Leinart's coordinator for his sophomore and junior seasons.

"We've talked to teams about the pick, and we're willing to move," Casserly said last night by telephone from Indianapolis.

Casserly added he doesn't believe a deal is imminent. "I think it will probably be April before this thing gets serious," he said.

The Texans initially seemed set to take USC tailback Reggie Bush with the No. 1 pick, and they still might. But the team expanded its search to include Texas quarterback Vince Young after a sensational performance in beating USC in the Rose Bowl for the national championship.

There are questions about Young's performance on the Wonderlic intelligence test, given to all players at the Indianapolis combine. Some reports suggested Young scored only a 6 out of 50, but subsequent reports said he scored 16 - still low - after re-taking the test.

If the Texans were to deal themselves into the No. 4 spot, they'd almost certainly ask for Abraham, who would immediately upgrade Houston's pass rush. The Jets already have explored trade possibilities involving Abraham, who has been designated their franchise player. Other potential trade partners include the Redskins and Broncos.

Complicating the Jets' situation is quarterback Chad Pennington's uncertain status. The Jets are trying to reduce his 2006 salary by as much as $7 million, and negotiations continue, according to two people familiar with the talks.

On Friday, Pennington is due a $3-million bonus. Even if he were to agree to a restructured contract, it wouldn't stop the Jets from considering a quarterback in the draft, either Leinart or Vanderbilt's Jay Cutler.

A promising development that could help the Jets is renewed optimism that the owners and the NFL Players Association are on the verge of extending the collective-bargaining agreement. That deal, which could be agreed on as early as today, would be particularly helpful to the Jets, who have waived several players - including safety Oliver Celestin, let go yesterday - to lower their salary-cap figure. A settlement would give the Jets more cap room.

Staff writer Ken Berger contributed to this story.
Copyright 2006 Newsday Inc.

[Lefty Noob]

Looks like a win-win scenario. Leinart will be a great QB and the Jets can dump Abraham and free up some cap room. Meanwhile, the Texas get a talented pass rusher and would be free to draft Ferguson, the guy they really want anyway. I bet this deal gets done.

[EmpireWF]

Very interesting. To get Leinart, they would almost have to cut Pennington and eat the $10 million or so that would kill them in 06. However, Leinart does have that silent charisma about him and would be a star in NYC (as long as he plays good of course).

But what about the rest of the Jets problems? Barely an offensive line. Receivers who are getting older and slower. No good cornerback, etc.

Still, ask most coaches and you need that star QB before you can focus on winning. Then again, there's always the 2000 Ravens and 2002 Bucs.

[mcclainbabygirl]

The Jets need something. Leinart would be a great addition to there team and they get loose some dead wait to get other people from the draft. Who knows hope they can get the deal done!

[Mid-depth_Reporter]

EmpireWF -- Yeah, that $10 million the Jets have to pay Pennington might hurt them in 2006, but they won't have much to help them anyway. If anyone in New York rooting for the Jets thinks their team will win the Super Bowl in the 2006-2007 NFL Season, they definitely have their hopes a little too high.

Leinart seems like the best choice for the Jets. Pennington is too risky with that shoulder, and the time he would need to fully recover is time better spent on the development of Leinart. Not that it would take too much. Other than an offensive line. The Jets don't want a Houston Texans situation.

[wvuauthor]

What does everybody think about Leinart's arm strength and mobility? I am not so sure that he has the arm strength to make the tough throws in the NFL.

But then again the scouts have seen him throw and they know more than I do!!

[ThePundit]

wv: Last year I thought Leinart's arm strentgh was questionable.

He must have eaten his Wheaties because this year in the games that I saw, he looked like he had a gun.

[EmpireWF]

He has decent enough mobility to not be a sack of stones in the pocket (read Kerry Collins). His arm strength is fine.

If the Jets do end up cutting Pennington, they MUST DRAFT LEINART. The kid only lost one game in his NCAA career I believe. Granted, the talent level around him was sky high but he's going to be a good to great NFL QB.

[Lefty Noob]

If the Jets do end up cutting Pennington, they MUST DRAFT LEINART.

Which would mean that they absolutely, positively need to trade up. No chance he's still sitting there at pick #4.

[EmpireWF]

We'll know tonight whether Pennington is cut or remains on the team to take a lesser pay or whatever else.

If they do want Leinart, they will have to trade up to 2 at the least. Deal Abraham for that 1st round pick, package both for the move up (perhaps with an extra 2nd or 3rd one next year) and get your man.