Jets Agree To One-Year Deal With Plaxico Burres, Antonio Cromartie Still In Mix As Well

Plaxico Burress signed a one-year deal with the Jets. (AP photo)

The Jets finally made a much-needed free agency move today, signing former Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress to a one-year deal worth a little more than $3 million. Burress is the big target the Jets desperately needed and now quarterback Mark Sanchez has his two outside weapons in Burress and Santonio Holmes. Holmes signed a $50 million deal earlier in the week.

This, of course, means the Jets will not bring back popular wide receiver Braylon Edwards, which is not going to make many Jets fans happy. But the Jets did target a need and took a chance with a low-salaried player with a big upside.

Dodgers Starting Pitcher Hiroki Kuroda Won't Waive No-Trade Clause

Dodgers pitcher Hiroki Kuroda will not be traded. (AP photo)

Forget about the Yankees or Red Sox acquiring Dodgers starting pitcher Hiroki Kuroda at the trade deadline. Kuroda has decided not to waive his no-trade clause and will finish out the season with the Dodgers. "I told Ned (Colletti) through my agent (Steve Hilliard) that I will be wearing this uniform throughout the season," he said through an interrupter. "I'm not going anywhere."

Jets Sign First-Round Draft Pick Muhammad Wilkerson, Leaving Just Kenrick Ellis Unsigned

Muhammad Wilkerson agreed to a contract with the Jets. (AP photo)

If this was a year ago, without the free agent frenzy that is still in full effect in the NFL, the news of a first round draft pick signing would create huge headlines and buzz. But with so much going on, the news that Muhammad Wilkerson signed a contract with the Jets isn't earth-shaking. Still, it's a step in the right direction for the team.

Wilkerson posted his signing on Twitter today: "It's official now ima Jet and happy to be apart of this great organization!!!!"

Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez Gives Up No. 85 For Free To Ochocinco

Aaron Hernandez gave No. 85 to Chad Ochocinco. (AP photo)

So, what kind of windfall did Bristol native and Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez receive from new teammate Chad Ochocinco to relinquish his uniform number 85? Nothing. That's right, Hernandez decided to give up the number for free to the man who's last name is tied to the number.

"We're playing at a high level, so all of us have a decent amount of money. I definitely should have, but I didn't," Hernandez said with a laugh. "It was just a welcome to the team. I thought he may look better and play better in 85, because that's his last name. So why not give it to him?"

Jets Have No One To Blame But Themselves In Losing Asomugha, But There's Still Time To Save Offseason

Rex Ryan and the Jets need to regroup quickly. (AP photo)

I believe in Jets coach Rex Ryan. I believe in his ability to run a defensive game plan to perfection. I believe in his ability to get his players to perform at their best each and every game and each and every play. I believe in his motivational tactics. I believe in his bravado. Most of all, I believe he is the man that will finally bring the Jets a Super Bowl championship.

But there are times where Ryan loses focus of the ultimate prize and misjudges a situation to the point where the Jets end up losing - big. He did it in last year's season opening loss to the Baltimore Ravens, the game that opened the new Meadowlands Stadium. Ryan decided before the game that the matchup would be a defensive struggle, falsely believing the Ravens defense was the second coming of the 1986 Bears. They weren't. Not even close.

New England Patriots News: First Photos Of TE Aaron Hernandez From Patriots Training Camp

Hernandez and Brady.

Hernandez and Ochocinco. (AP photos)

With all the craziness involving the Jets failed pursuit of Nnamdi Aso-mugha, who ended up signing with the Eagles, here's some not so crazy news from Patriots camp. With Chad Ochocinco in Foxboro, we're still waiting on word of what the new Patriots wide receiver had to give to Bristol native Aaron Hernandez to switch numbers today. But, even without that news, here are a couple of photos of the tight end at training camp for your enjoyment. One is with Ochocinco himself and the other with quarterback Tom Brady. Hernandez hasn't practiced since February because of hip surgery. Hernandez is wearing shorts with the No. 81 on it now, the number he wore at Florida, although in the Brady photo, his sweatpants still claim he's ocho cinco.

No Asomugha For Jets, Now They Need To Sign Cromartie And Edwards

Several media reports (including ESPN) now have the Jets out of the Nnamdi Asomugha sweepstakes. What a crazy turn of events if it is indeed the Dallas Cowboys who sign Asomugha. Now, the Jets have to turn their attention, immediately, to signing Antonio Cromartie and Braylon Edwards. If they can get the latter done, this "loss" of Asomugha won't hurt at all. Time is ticking though.

UPDATE: Not that we should care now, but FOX reporting Nnamdi Asomugha has signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. Where did that come from? Whatever. It's all Cromartie and Edwards now for Jets.

Nnamdi Asomugha's Long Decision-Making Process Could Cost Jets Big If He Chooses To Sign Elsewhere

How long can the Jets wait for Nnamdi Asomugha? (AP photo)

So, when does the long decision-making process by Nnamdi Asomugha start to grate on Jets fans? It's now early Friday evening and still no word on where the prized free agent will sign. The Jets are considered the big favorites to ink the cornerback to what should be a huge deal, but with no contract agreed to, other teams are starting to jump into the race.

While reports have the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers, two teams that were serious challengers to the Jets early this morning, dropping out of the race, the Dallas Cowboys and Oakland Raiders have appeared as new obstacles in the Asomugha chase.

United States Soccer: US Soccer Finally Does Something Right, Hiring Jurgen Klinsmann As New Coach

Jurgen Klinsmann is the new US men's soccer coach.

In a move that should surprise no one, Jürgen Klinsmann was named head coach of the United States men's soccer team today. Bob Bradley, the terrible former coach, was fired Thursday, more than a year too late of when he actually should have been given his walking papers. (I called for it after the team's embarassing loss to Ghana in last year's World Cup, read that Right Here.)

Now, finally, the US team has a legitimate coach that could turn the team from terrible underachievers to a side that actually can challenge the best teams in the world. It's not going to be easy, as the Unites States is ranked 30th in the world right now, but the pure talent is there. It's the intangibles that are missing from this team ... they don't have the killer instinct, they don't embrace the moment, they don't win games they should, they just don't have "it" when it comes to soccer. So, yeah, it's not going to be easy.

Hideki Irabu May Have Passed, But He'll Always Be Remembered For One Magical Night Back In 1997

Hideki Irabu had a night to remember in July, 1997. (AP photo)

It was July 10 way back in 1997 that I made the trek to Yankee Stadium for what I thought would be one of the great moments in the history of the Bronx Bombers. A Japanese superstar by the name of Hideki Irabu was set to make his Yankees debut as a starting pitcher that night, and my excitement and enthusiasm was equaled by the over 50,000 people who packed the Stadium that night to witness history.

It was a magical night in the Bronx - and that was before Irabu finally made his way to the pitcher's mound. Irabu just walking on the field would draw immense cheers. When he walked to the bullpen, it was like rock star just appeared in front of a bunch of groupies. It was pandemonium. It was awesome. It was just pregame warm-ups. That's how big this night was.

Nnamdi Asomugha To Jets Gets Huge Boost As Texans Sign Joseph

Nnamdi Asomugha isn't going to the Texans. (AP photo)

The Houston Texans, who we talked about on the new episode of Sports Page Online, which will debut later tonight, being the favorites for Nnamdi Asomugha because they had the most money to throw at the star cornerback have apparently dropped from the running. ESPN is reporting that the Texans have signed Bengals cornerback Johnathan Joseph to a five-year deal.

That should mean the Jets have a more than excellent chance at signing Asomugha, possibly as early as tonight. It appears that the Jets and the 49ers are the two favorites as of now. The Asomugha Watch is in full gear now.

Jets Analysis: Patriots Trade For WR Chad Ochocinco Screams Of Panic

Chad Ochocinco was traded to the Patriots. (AP photo)

As the Jets appear to be moving in the right direction with free agent cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, the Patriots have come back strong in their push to remain level with their AFC East rivals. First, the Patriots traded for disgruntled defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth and now they have added another volatile personality in Chad Ochocinco.

The first move is one the Patriots have become known for, taking underachiving or cast-aside players and returning them to previous greatness. While I believe Haynesworth is nowhere near what he was with the Tennessee Titans, and will be simply a pedestrian player with the Pats, New England can plug him into the defense and give him every chance to succeed. If he fails, the team loses nothing. If he plays up to his potential, then it's great move for the Patriots

Mark Sanchez Named Team Captain, Will Wear 'C' On His Chest

Jets coach Rex Ryan named quarterback Mark Sanchez one of his team captains today. “Clearly it is Mark Sanchez and it is his team,” Ryan said of Sanchez being the offensive captain. The team will also have a defensive and special teams captain. Sanchez will wear the "C" on his jersey.

"I see the way the guys are around him," Ryan said. "This is really going to be his team. I'm not big on giving out those captain things, but we will put the 'C' on his jersey this year."

Braylon Edwards Wants To Play For Jets, Doesn't Think Jets Want Him

This is from Braylon Edwards' Twitter feed: (Hopefully this doesn't come back and bite the Jets, who apparently have passed up Edwards for Holmes. In short, Edwards wanted to be a Jet, Holmes wanted the most money.)

OfficialBraylon Braylon Edwards 

I would love to be a Jet but the feeling doesn't seem to be mutual with the management.

27 minutes ago 

OfficialBraylon Braylon Edwards 

Will always love jets nation no matter what happens

11 minutes ago 

OfficialBraylon Braylon Edwards 

On another note whatever team wants B easy step to the fore front so we can get this thing moving forward. "will work for touchdowns" lol
9minutes ago 

Santonio Holmes Gets $45 Million Contract, Nnamdi Asomugha, Braylon Edwards Should Still Be Possible

Santonio Holmes signed for $50 million. (AP photo)

The Jets signed wide receiver Santonio Holmes today to a $9 million per year contract over five years, so the the No. 1 target has been taken care of. Now, it comes down to cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, who will likely command more money than Holmes got in free agency.

Holmes contract is worth $45 million over five years with $24 million guaranteed. That's a whole lot to play to a wide receiver, but the Jets obviously are putting the offense in his explosive hands and legs this upcoming season. The Jets should open the playbook this year and allow Mark Sanchez to throw the ball more, which is something Rex Ryan has said this offseason. If not, you're paying Holmes all that money to block for the running game. That's not going to happen.

Asomugha, Holmes, Edwards And Everyone Else The Jets Should Target In Free Agency This Offseason

The Jets should bring back Braylon Edwards. (AP photo)

Wayne Hunter will go down as the first free agent signing for the Jets in what should be a fast and furious period of signings, trades and releases in the NFL. Fortunately for Jets fans, this is only the opening act to what should be a series of main event signings in the coming days.

Already there are reports having the Jets interested in the biggest prize of the free agency period, Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha. That's in addition to the team's interest in its own players, Santonio Holmes, Braylon Edwards, Brad Smith and Antonio Cromartie. But who should be the top priority this offseason for a team looking to finally take the next step and reach a Super Bowl?

Wayne Hunter Signs Four-Year Deal With Jets; Damien Woody To Retire

It's not the signing that Jets fans were hoping for, but it's big nonetheless. Wayne Hunter, the offensive lineman, has agreed to a four-year contract to stay in green and white his agent said Tuesday. Hunter will likely be the starting right tackle for the Jets next season. While it may mean that Damien Woody won't return to the Jets, hopefully the Jets don't throw away the idea of signing him. He was a rock at right tackle and is still a better option than Hunter, but we'll see how the week plays out.

UPDATE: The Daily News reported that Damien Woody has decided to retire. Woody made up one of the best offensive lines in Jets history when he teamed with Nick Mangold, Brandon Moore, D'Brickashaw Ferguson and Alan Faneca. Mangold, Moore and Ferguson remain with the team.

Nnamdi Asomugha May Be In Love With NY, Which Could Be Big For Jets

Nnamdi Asomugha could be on Jets' radar. (AP photo)

We discussed it on Sports Page Online and if you put any trust in a report from ESPN, the Jets may have a realistic shot at signing free agent cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha this super-quick offseason. Chris Mortenson said on the radio today that Asomugha would be interested in playing in New York because he wants to become an actor after he's done playing.

Right away, thoughts of Kerry Rhodes will jump into the heads of every Jets fan out there. Rhodes was traded to the Arizona Cardinals because he didn't fit in with Rex Ryan's defensive mindset. Rhodes was nicknamed "Hollywood" by teammates, as he was very interested in a career in movies and modeling,during and after his playing days. Obviously, the Jets believed he cared more about his "Hollywood" career than playing the game. Rhodes was shipped off to Arizona, where he actually played well last year.

New Britain's Springer Meets With Long Island Ducks, No To Astros?

When New Britain native and UConn star George Springer was selected 11th overall by the Houston Astros, no one could have believed the player and his father would be talking to the general manager of a Independent League team on Long Island this weekend about playing ball there. But that's exactly what happened this weekend with Springer, his father and the GM of the Long Island Ducks, Michael Pfaff.

Multiple Twitter reports had the meeting taking place, and Pfaff has confirmed the get-together. "We were contacted by the agent for Mr. Springer, who was interested in discussing options should he not agree to terms with Houston," Pfaff said. "If he is unable to agree with the Astros we may discuss further, but as of now, this is the extent of it."

Former Jets DT Kris Jenkins Retires

Former Jets Pro Bowler Kris Jenkins has decided to retire.

Former Jets defensive tackle Kris Jenkins retired from the NFL today. Jenkins, who had one of the best seasons for a Jets lineman, in 2008, missed most of the last two seasons because of knee injuries. He was a four-time Pro Bowler, including one with the Jets. The Jets released Jenkins in February.

Now's Not The Time To Get Greedy Manning, Brady, Brees, Mankins & Jackson As Lockout Nears Close

This isn't the news I wanted to read as the NFL and the players association could be on the verge of finally ending the lockout. It appears one of the last obstacles is an agreed-upon settlement between the NFL and the plantiffs in the Brady vs. NFL antitrust case. Those 10 plantiffs could hold up the entire agreement if they don't agree to a settlement, and it sounds like some of them might be asking for way more than any of them deserve, which could continue the lockout for days and weeks. The NFL wants to solve every issue involving the lockout before a final agreement is agreed upon.

First, for any of these players, among them Tom Brady, Peyton Manning and Drew Brees, to ask for anything is beyond absurd. Those three players have made millions of dollars off the sport and have no right to gain anything monetarily from this lawsuit. Even asking for free agency, or to be exempt from the franchise tag, is moronic and I hope they get absolutetly nothing.

Steelers Running Back Rashard Mendenhall Sues Champion, Needs Major Reality Check

The Pittsburgh Steelers have to love this latest news involving one of their players. Running back Rashard Mendenhall, you know, the idiot who basically sided with Osama Bin Laden in a series of tweets a few months ago, has filed a lawsuit against Champion, seeking more than $1 million in damages after the company dropped him as a spokesperson.

Of course, the Steelers have been embroiled in controversy this summer, and for the past few years as well. From Ben Roethlisberger to Hines Ward to James Harrision to Santonio Holmes (thanks for trading him to the Jets, by the way), it's been an embarrassing series of events for the organization.

Mets Trade K-Rod To Brewers

The All-Star Game may be over but that doesn't mean the hits have stopped coming. The Mets made a huge trade Tuesday night, sending closer Francisco Rodriguez and cash to the Brewers for two players to be named later. The trade happened after the All-Star Game ended.

Here is Brewers general manager Doug Melvin's statement: "Francisco has been one of the best relievers in the game for many years. He is a high-quality arm who will be a tremendous asset to our bullpen as we prepare for the final months of the regular season and playoffs."

Chicago & Wrigley Field Trip Reveals Stunner, Cubs Fans Are Posers

Call me naive or say I'm behind the times, but I had a major revelation during my vacation to Chicago last week. What's the major eye-opener? Chicago Cubs fans are not only the most overrated in all of baseball, but they could be the worst fans in the game. I actually can't imagine a fan base that is worse, and I'm surrounded by a great number of Mets fans.

I was at the Cubs-White Sox game last Saturday, you know, the biggest series in those parts all year, and I was absolutely stunned at how terrible Cubs fans were. The White Sox fans that infiltrated Wrigley Field were more into the game than Cubs fans, and were louder for the most part.

No Doubt About It, Derek Jeter Should Be First Unanimous, First-Ballot Hall Of Famer

Derek Jeter is a no-doubt Hall of Famer. (AP photo)

When Yankees captain Derek Jeter reached first on a bunt single against the Rays Sunday afternoon the scoreboard flashed a familiar countdown on the big screen in the outfield. Only this time the number "3" was replaced with the number "4". As in 4,000 hits. Such is life for the future Hall of Famer where the next great moment is always on the horizon.

Jeter, who rose to the occasion like no player before him in going for career hit number 3,000, is 996 hits away from reaching 4,000 hits. That appears to be an unreachable number, but if the captain can keep up a solid pace at the plate for the next five and a half seasons, there is every reason to believe he will reach that mark. And after watching Jeter go 5-for-5 with a home run for hit No. 3,000 and later adding the game-winning single, is there anyone out there that would bet against him reaching that milestone?

United States Soccer Team Wins Thrilling Game Over Brazil, Officials

I'll be the first to admit that my interest in the Women's World Cup is minuscule. The women's game holds little to no interest to me even though it's one of the rare times where the United States is among the best teams in the world. So I didn't make certain I had the US's game against Brazil on television Sunday afternoon in the Cup quarterfinals.

Even after seeing online that the Americans were up 1-0 after an early goal, in the second minute no less, I was still more interested in the Yankees-Rays game than what could be considered one of the biggest games in US soccer history. Still, after halftime I had the game on the computer and was half-watching. That was until the ugly world of international soccer turned my casual viewing into a full-on infuse of rage-filled American pride.