Jets renegotiating with Pennington
 

NEW YORK (AP) - The New York Jets are attempting to renegotiate the contract of quarterback Chad Pennington, who missed much of the last two seasons because of an injured throwing shoulder.

These are more than routine steps to get under the salary cap by March 3, the first day of free agency, a person familiar with the talks told The Associated Press on Tuesday, speaking on condition of anonymity because negotiations are ongoing. Rather, they are related to the right shoulder injury and questions of whether Pennington's arm will return to full strength.
The Jets will not comment.

Pennington signed a $64 million, seven-year deal two years ago. He is expected to have a salary cap number close to $12 million this season, including a $3 million roster bonus due in March. Even if the Jets cut him, they would take a salary hit of about $10 million because of the prorated salary cap.

Complicating the issue is the lack of an extension to the league's collective bargaining agreement with the players' union. The contract expires in 2008, but 2007 would be an uncapped season, leaving questions about the length and size of deals with free agents.

Pennington hurt his shoulder during the 2004 season, missed three games, then returned for the end of the regular season and into the playoffs. It was clear then that his arm strength was significantly reduced and after the season the team said he would have rotator cuff surgery.

He returned this year but was injured in the third game of the season and again had surgery, missing the rest of the season. The team's problems were compounded when Jay Fiedler, acquired as insurance in the offseason, was injured seven plays after Pennington and also was lost for the season.

That left the Jets with third-stringer Brooks Bollinger and 42-year-old Vinny Testaverde, and the team finished 4-12. After the season, coach Herman Edwards left for Kansas City and Mike Tannenbaum replaced general manager Terry Bradway.




http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/5331514



if he tells them no, and they do have to cut him... they might be looking to move up in the draft to get one of the 2 top qbs!!

RE: Jets renegotiating with Pennington
 

I feel bad for Pennington... he's a really good quarterback who hasn't been able to stay healthy.

Maybe they will take Brooks.

I don't get the sense that the Jets were all that sold on Pennington after last season. His arm strength for the games he was healthy was extremely suspect. My guess is that they will release him if they can't renegotiate and definitely be in the hunt for Lei/Vy/Cu. In no way shape or form should we sniff at Pennington. However, if the Jets are willing to go Ricky Williams on us, I'd take 7 more picks this draft so that they could get whatever qb they want.

I agree with xan. I think that we could use this to our advantage...BIG TIME!!!!!! I doubt they will pull off a ricky...but I am sure they will sacrifice for a pick or 2. I feel that this is goooood leverage for us.

Xan,

Fully agree that Pennington will either renegotiate or be cut. His arm strength was suspect even before the injury. I don't think that they will go that crazy on moving up because at least one of the Big 3 Quarterbacks will be availible for them. And by no way shape or form should Chad even be considered in NO, Id rather have Old Man Vinny.

Guys like Vick, Boller, Losman, Brooks, etc... have all the arm strength in the world, and it's not doing anything for them. Pennington was one of the most accurate passers I've ever seen. Really... how many 60 70 yard bombs do you see in a game? He's been injured all this year and last year he played with a torn rotator cuff. I'll trade a big arm for a 65 career completion percentage anyday. I'm not saying bring him down to New Orleans, I'm just saying he's a really good quarterback who doesn't get enough respect because he has a "suspect" arm.

Won't last a whole season, dont want him...ESPN analysts have said the JETS are really looking at Cutler...

Pennington's agent has already said that there would be no restructuring of the contract. He's as good as gone in New York. They'll most likely draft Cutler and sign a veteran (Collins, Kitna, etc.). They may even make a move for Drew Brees since the Chargers are most likley not going to franchise him and may not even be able to re-sign him.

Trust me... one thing the Chargers do have is cap room.