Jacobs Signs With 49ers, Plus Coughlin Not Worried About Jets

Brandon Jacobs signed with the 49ers. (AP photo)

Forget about a Giants reunion with running back Brandon Jacobs. The power back signed Wednesday with the San Francisco 49ers. Jacobs is the second Giant free agent to pick the Niners, joining wide receiver Mario Manningham.

Jacobs reportedly signed a one-year deal with the club. He will join a backfield that already includes starter Frank Gore. Jacobs ran for 571 yards last year with seven touchdowns for the Giants. Gore ran for 1,211 yards and eight touchdown in San Francisco last season.

Giants Host Cowboys In NFL Opener

Eli Manning vs. Tony Romo on opening night. (AP photo)

As the defending Super Bowl champions, the New York Giants knew they would get the opening night slot as the new NFL kicks off, but the opponent has been unknown. Until now. The Giants will take on the rival Dallas Cowboys Wednesday night, September 5, at MetLife Stadium.

There's more good news for the Giants, as the defending Super Bowl champion is a perfect 8-0 in games they hosted since the game was put in place back in 2004. The game will be broadcast by NBC.

Giants Making All Right Moves In Free Agency, Led By TE Bennett

Martellus Bennett is the newest Giants tight end. (AP photo)

 By Steve Morton 

It's been a relatively quiet free agency period for the New York Giants, but the team has made some good moves even though they're not blockbuster signings. Perhaps the best move the organization made so far was signing tight end Martellus Bennett from the Dallas Cowboys.

Bennett is a physical presence who can run, catch, block, do all the things that are expected of a good tight end. His talents are yet to be fully seen for he was constantly overshadowed by Cowboy starting tight end Jason Witten the past several seasons.

Jets Trade QB Drew Stanton To Colts

Drew Stanton was a Jet for a short time. (AP photo)

The strange New York Jets quarterback carousel went around again today when the team traded recently signed backup Drew Stanton to the Indianapolis Colts. Stanton was signed to be the primary backup to Mark Sanchez a week ago, but after the team traded for Tim Tebow, that spot was no longer his.

Stanton signed as a free agent believing he would be the team's No. 2 quarterback, and was obviously unhappy with the team's sudden trade for Tebow. He asked to be traded or released and the team obliged.

Tim Tebow Will Be Sanchez's Backup

Tim Tebow is the Jets backup quarterback. (AP photo)

The biggest question surrounding the New York Jets tonight has been answered, at least for now. Both general manager Mike Tannenbaum and new quarterback Tim Tebow said in separate conference calls Wednesday that Mark Sanchez is still the team's starting quarterback.

Tebow is the backup quarterback, even though the team signed Drew Stanton for that role just days earlier. Tannenbaum mentioned several times about using the Wildcat formation in games with Tebow under center. That would be an expensive specialist, considering Tebow cost the Jets a fourth- and sixth-round draft pick and over $2.5 million as part of a settlement with the Broncos.

It's Official, Tim Tebow Is A Jet

Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow are officially teammates. (AP photo)

It's official. For real this time. The New York Jets have indeed traded for quarterback Tim Tebow, agreeing to send the Denver Broncos their fourth- and sixth-round draft picks for the cult hero and a seventh-round draft pick. The big news is that the Jets have agreed to pick up half of the $5 million owed to Tebow. That was the holdup on the original deal, which called for $5 million to be paid by the Jets to the Broncos.

But the two sides came to an agreement and reportedly Tebow himself actually picked the Jets over the Jaguars when given a decision between the two.

Read more about the Tebow saga below.

Jets Trade Two Draft Picks For QB Tim Tebow, Full Analysis Of Trade

Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow are teammates. (AP photo)

The New York Jets didn't waste any time in pursuing of quarterback Tim Tebow, trading a fourth-round and sixth-round pick to the Denver Broncos for the cult hero Wednesday. It's a shocking move by an organization that has been patient this offseason, but obviously general manager Mike Tannenbaum and coach Rex Ryan thought Tebow will bring something special to the team this season.

I already wrote a column about how trading for Tebow would be a disaster, but the Jets certainly don't think so.

Trading For Tim Tebow Should Be Avoided At All Costs By Drama Jets

Tim Tebow with Jets great Joe Namath. (AP photo)

With Peyton Manning just introduced as the next quarterback of the Denver Broncos, the football world will soon turn its attention back to Tim Tebow. This time, however, it's what team will try and pry him away from the Broncos. There's little chance the former Florida quarterback will return to Denver next year.

The Jaguars and Dolphins have been mentioned as possibilities for the polarizing quarterback and both would make sense, especially considering the Florida connection. But there has also been reports that say the Jets have already inquired about trading for Tebow. I'm hoping, as should all Jets fans, that these reports aren't true. Or, as general manager Mike Tannenbaum likes to point out, the team is just doing its due diligence in exploring every option on the table.

Jets Finally Get Their Safety, Sign Landry To Shore Up Secondary

LaRon Landry has signed on with the Jets. (AP photo)

Finally, the New York Jets have made a splash in free agency this offseason. The team just agreed to a one-year deal with safety LaRon Landry. The signing was a must for the Jets, who need to shore up their defensive backfield, specifically the safety position.

With this one move they have done that. It's a low-risk, high-reward deal, with Landry signing up for just one year. Landry has had injury issues in his career, derailing what was once considered an All-Pro type of career. The Jets are hoping he returns to that level of play this season.

Maybe Antonio Cromartie's Joking

Antonio Cromartie the next Jets' safety? (AP photo)

Cornerback Antonio Cromartie just tweeted, "I guess I'm moving to FS" after word spread that free agent safety Reggie Nelson decided to rejoin the Cincinnati Bengals instead of signing with New York Jets Sunday night. Cromartie had been recruiting Nelson on his Twitter account for days now, so he's probably disappointed.

While I'm sure Cromartie's tweet was in jest, it's not exactly the worst idea in the world. If cornerback Kyle Wilson is ready to take the next step in his career and become a starting-caliber player, moving Cromartie to free safety would actually be a great move. He's the kind of playmaker that could flourish at the safety spot.

Jets Lose Out On Safety Target Nelson

Reggie Nelson won't be signing with the Jets. (AP photo)

The New York Jets' quest to shore up their secondary took a big blow tonight as free agent safety Reggie Nelson re-signed with the Cincinnati Bengals, according to Adam Schefter. The Jets reportedly offered Nelson a contract after he met with the team this weekend, but it now appears that was merely used as leverage against his old team.

Dolphins Lose Out Again, Matt Flynn Signs 3-Year Deal With Seahawks

Matt Flynn signed a three-year deal with Seattle. (AP photo)

It's been a rough few days for the Miami Dolphins. First, Peyton Manning says he won't sign with the team. Now, free agent quarterback Matt Flynn has done the same thing. Flynn, who made his name playing just one game for the Green Bay Packers last year, has signed a three-year deal with the Seattle Seahawks.

For those keeping score at home, especially Jets fans, that leaves the Dolphins with Matt Moore as their starting quarterback. That obviously could change, especially after Manning officially makes a decision and the fallout begins, but if you're a Dolphins fan right now you have to be cursing the organization.

Forget Conventional Wisdom, The Jets Must Sign Both Reggie Nelson and LaRon Landry At Safety

LaRon Landry could be chasing Fred Jackson as a Jet. (AP photo)

The New York Jets hosted free agent safety Reggie Nelson Saturday and today are expected to meet with another safety, LaRon Landry. Conventional wisdom says the Jets will attempt to sign just one of the two. But conventional wisdom doesn't win championships.

The Jets should sign both Nelson and Landry and create one of the best secondaries in recent memory, and possibly swing the power of the AFC East to Gang Green. Team Nelson and Landry at safety with Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie at cornerback and Tom Brady, Ryan Fitzpatrick and whomever the Dolphins finally get as their starter will have many long nights studying ways to throw the ball successfully.

Jets Free Agency News And Analysis: Jets Sign Chaz Schilens, Drew Stanton In First Big Moves Of Offseason

The Jets signed free agent Chaz Schilens today. (AP photo)

The New York Jets joined the free agency party today, signing quarterback Drew Stanton and wide receiver Chaz Schilens. Stanton, who comes over from the Detroit Lions, will be Mark Sanchez's backup. Schilens, who was signed away from the Oakland Raiders, is the early favorite to start opposite Santonio Holmes.

Stanton is an obvious upgrade over former backup quarterback Mark Brunell, who could never be trusted to play in a meaningful situation during his time with the Jets. Stanton won't wow anyone, but if anything happened to Sanchez, he could hold the fort for a short time. Of course, if Sanchez was lost for an extended period of time the season would more or less be over.

Jets Ready For Super Mario Challenge

Mario Williams signed with the Bills today. (AP photo)

So, what do the New York Jets think about the Buffalo Bills signing defensive end Mario Williams to a huge deal today? Well, here's what Pro Bowl tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson tweeted today: "Congrats to Mario, now he has to face us twice a year. I like our odds. Go Jets!"

Williams officially signed with the Bills today, which means he'll play against the Jets, and the offensive line, twice a year in the AFC East.

Also, good news on the free agency scene for the Jets. Bengals safety Reggie Nelson will visit the Jets tomorrow. As we wrote right here, Nelson would be a great signing for the Jets.

Jets Analysis: Methodical Pace Might Be Boring, But Could Be Key In Jets Becoming A Contender Again

Reggie Nelson would be a solid signing. (AP photo)

Unlike previous years, the New York Jets have been quiet this free agency period. Besides re-signing nose tackle Sione Pouha and linebacker Bryan Thomas, there hasn't been much to get excited about if you're a fan. But, if you look deep into the process, this slow, methodical pace could put the Jets back in the Super Bowl contender conversation.

Last year the Jets spent big on questionable players and made questionable decisions on others while allowing less flashy names, but team leaders, go in the process. They brought back Santonio Holmes, they handed the right tackle job to Wayne Hunter, they foolishly courted Nnamdi Asomugha, they completely forgot about Brad Smith, they let Braylon Edwards and Jerricho Cotchery go, and they gave Plaxico Burress a chance.

Giants Re-Sign Corner Terrell Thomas

Terrell Thomas is back with the Giants. (AP photo)

The Giants today re-signed one of their own key free agents, inking a deal with cornerback Terrell Thomas. He told ESPN New York the deal was for four years and $28 million, with $11 million guaranteed. The Giants have an option after the first year.

Jets Sign Linebacker Bryan Thomas

Bryan Thomas is back with the Jets. (AP photo)

The Jets today re-signed linebacker Bryan Thomas to a one-year deal. The deal happened just after free agency opened across the NFL at 4 p.m., where Thomas was a free agent for a brief time. Thomas is the longest-tenured current Jets player.

Jets Sign Sione Pouha To 3-Year Deal

Sione Pouha signed a new three-year deal. (AP photo)

The Jets signed their biggest free agent Monday, inking nose tackle Sione Pouha to a three-year deal. The terms of the deal weren't announced. Pouha is a three-year starter for the Jets.

He was a third-round draft pick in 2005. He had 58 tackles last season. Pouha is a strong run-stopper, something the Jets needed in the middle of the defensive line. Now the attention turns to the open free agent period starting Tuesday.

Giants Release Brandon Jacobs: For Giants Fans, The Decision To Cut The Power Running Back Hurts

The Giants released Brandon Jacobs Friday. (AP photo)

  By Steve Morton  

It might be business as usual for general managers across the NFL, but either way you look at it, it hurts to watch the Giants and running back Brandon Jacobs part ways. Business is business, and it always will be. What can you do? When money is the point of argument there's no telling what might happen.

We may never know what offer the New York Giants presented to Jacobs. Obviously with two Super Bowl rings to show off Jacobs probably feels he's earned his keep, at least with a team willing to pay him the $4 million due in his contract. As a fan it's a tough thing to go through because you know both parties probably want to stay together, but just can not. One party feels he's earned the money, the other party doesn't have the money. Like I wrote, that's business.

Jets Sign Mark Sanchez To Extension

The Jets signed Mark Sanchez to an extension. (AP photo)

  By Craig Carroll  

So, you thought the New York Jets would make a major play for Peyton Manning over the next few days? Well, forget about that. The Jets reached an agreement on a three-year contract extension with current starting quarterback Mark Sanchez late Friday night.

Sanchez will most likely be the Jets quarterback for the next five years. The extension is for three years and $40.5 million, with over $20 million guaranteed over the next two years. There are another $10 million in incentives. It brings his total rookie contract to five years and $58.25 million.

Will Peyton Manning Join The Jets? We Debate Whether Or Not The Jets Should Sign The Quarterback

Should the Jets try to sign Peyton Manning? (AP photo)

GameDay's Brad Carroll and Craig Carroll go back-and-forth in debating whether or not the New York Jets should make a play this offseason for future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning. The Colts announced today they will be releasing Manning, making him a free agent. Got a response or comment of your own on the debate? We want to read it in the comments section below.

Brad Carroll
The Colts and Peyton Manning finally made it official today, announcing the future Hall of Fame quarterback will be released. So, the obvious question now is where does Manning end up this offseason? And, more importantly to us here at GameDay, does this mean the New York Jets should make a play for Manning?

Craig Carroll
Let's get one thing clear: Peyton Manning is one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game. But he's coming off at least four major neck surgeries that we know of and still, as of now, is said to be at only 80 percent health wise. Plus, with a capable quarterback like Mark Sanchez already on board, is the risk to go for Peyton really worth the reward?

Peyton Manning Throws At Duke

Giants News And Analysis: We Play Pay Him Or Slay Him This Offseason

The Giants should bring back Mario Manningham. (AP photo)

  By Steve Morton  

With free agency starting March 13, the Giants, like many other teams, will be looking for ways to improve their roster. In order to do so one pervading truth must always be self-evident; keep the good ones and cut the bad ones loose. There's a handful of Big Blue members the G-men need to keep and a few others they can let walk. In short we pay him or slay him.