NEW YORK JETS DAILY CLIPS

June 17, 2016

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Table of Contents

ASSOCIATED PRESS ................................................................................................................................................ 1

Bowles: Wilkerson's frustration not a distraction to Jets (Dennis Waszak) .............................................................. 2

THE RECORD .......................................................................................................................................................... 3

Jets: Coach done with Ryan Fitzpatrick talk (J.P. Pelzman) ....................................................................................... 3

NEWSDAY .............................................................................................................................................................. 4

Muhammad Wilkerson: Long-term contract talks with Jets have been ‘frustrating’ (Kimberley Martin) ................ 4

Christian Hackenberg continuing his NFL education (Kimberley Martin) ................................................................. 5

Todd Bowles’ message to Jets: Stay out of trouble (Kimberley Martin) ................................................................... 6

Todd Bowles has nothing more to say about Ryan Fitzpatrick (Kimberley Martin) .................................................. 7

In Muhammad Wilkerson vs. the New York Jets, both sides are right in their stances (Bob Glauber) ..................... 7

ESPN NEW YORK .................................................................................................................................................... 8

Jets' Sheldon Richardson says Mo Wilkerson 'deserves' Fletcher Cox deal (Rich Cimini) ......................................... 8

Jets coach Todd Bowles at his Fitz end; no more QB questions (Rich Cimini) .......................................................... 9

Muhammad Wilkerson vents on contract impasse with Jets (Rich Cimini) ............................................................ 10

NEW YORK POST .................................................................................................................................................. 11

Jets’ dangerous contract game can fester — and blow up in their face (Steve Serby) ........................................... 12

How the ‘old guys’ have become Christian Hackenberg’s lifeline (Brian Costello) ................................................. 13

Jets coach: Muhammad Wilkerson is allowed to vent (Brian Costello) .................................................................. 14

NJ ADVANCED MEDIA .......................................................................................................................................... 15

Jets' Todd Bowles has no issue with Muhammad Wilkerson's venting (Dom Cosentino) ...................................... 15

Jets' Todd Bowles refuses to answer more Ryan Fitzpatrick questions (Darryl Slater) ........................................... 16

Jets’ Brandon Marshall: ‘It’s time to liquidate the franchise tag’ (Dom Cosentino) ............................................... 16

Jets’ Sheldon Richarson: Jordan Jenkins ‘has been hell on wheels since Day ‘ (Dom Cosentino) ........................... 17

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS ...................................................................................................................................... 19

Jets can’t give up on Bryce Petty, who wants to prove team took right QB year before, so soon (Manish Mehta) ................................................................................................................................................................................. 19

Jets coach Todd Bowles says Muhammad Wilkerson isn’t a distraction: ‘It’s just part of business’ (Seth Walder) ................................................................................................................................................................................. 20

WALL STREET JOURNAL ....................................................................................................................................... 21

At Jets Camp, the Fiercest Competition Is the Ping-Pong Tournament (Jim Chairusmi) ......................................... 21

THURSDAY’S SPORTS TRANSACTIONS .................................................................................................................. 23

ASSOCIATED PRESS

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Bowles: Wilkerson's frustration not a distraction to Jets (Dennis Waszak) Associated Press June 16, 2016

http://www.pro32.ap.org/article/bowles-wilkersons-frustration-not-distraction-jets

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Muhammad Wilkerson's frustration is no distraction to the New York Jets.

The Pro Bowl defensive end, speaking on his contract situation for the first time this offseason, told the New York Post for a story published Thursday that it's "shocking" that the Jets haven't yet signed him to a new deal. Wilkerson received the franchise tag, but has yet to sign his tender, which is worth $15.7 million.

He told the newspaper he believes he has earned a big payday from the Jets and it "just shows they don't want me." That has some wondering if a discontented Wilkerson could have a negative effect on the locker room.

"You can ask any player in the league and they're going to have the 'underpaid' answer," coach Todd Bowles said after the Jets' final minicamp practice. "It's not a distraction. It's just part of the business. People get frustrated. People vent out. It's no different than your kids. You get frustrated, you vent out and you move on."

Wilkerson's situation, Bowles said, is no different, although the coach didn't want to go into detail about the team's official stance on the defensive end.

"I'll talk to them and Mo about it," Bowles said. "I'm not going to talk to everybody else about it. It's something that I've always done."

Wilkerson has been seeking a new deal for two years, spanning two front-office regimes, first with John Idzik as general manager and now with Mike Maccagnan. The Jets have said they'd like to keep the player they drafted in the first round out of Temple in 2011.

But so far, Wilkerson has not been able to cash in.

"It's shocking," Wilkerson told the Post. "It's frustrating because I feel like I've earned it and I deserve it. It would be different if I was just a mediocre player. I feel like each and every week I'm dominating and it's showing. The stats speak for themselves. Basically, what more do I need to do?"

Wilkerson had a career-high 12 sacks last season and has 36 1/2 in his five years. The big defensive end isn't happy with how the team has handled his contract situation. The Jets are also dealing with a well-publicized contract stalemate with quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, who remains a free agent.

"Do I feel that they want me back? As of right now, no," Wilkerson told the newspaper. "I don't feel like they want me. I'm a talented guy. Everybody knows that. I feel like they're going to get the best they can out of me and just let me go. That's how I feel. Do I like that feeling? No. I'm a New Jersey guy, born and raised, and would love to raise my family here."

Wilkerson, born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and raised in Linden, was at the facility during minicamp, but didn't practice as he continues to rehabilitate from a broken right leg suffered in the season finale at Buffalo. Because he hasn't signed his franchise tender, he's technically not on the roster so he couldn't be penalized for not participating in the mandatory practices anyway.

The two sides must come to an agreement on a long-term deal by July 15 or Wilkerson will have to play this season under the amount of the tag. He could, however, choose to hold out of training camp — a scenario he hasn't decided on.

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"No, it doesn't bother me," Bowles said of Wilkerson's comments. "I was 20-something once, too, and I said a lot of things that I said or didn't want to say. When you're younger, you say things. But he said things he means, so he obviously meant them.

Wilkerson was in the locker room during media availability Thursday, but did not speak to reporters other than to say hello. He has been in touch regularly with his teammates, particularly with good friend Sheldon Richardson, who tries to not discuss business with Wilkerson.

"That's between Mo and the front office," Richardson said. "That stuff is going to shake itself out. If it happens, it happens. Regardless, he's going to get a deal (somewhere). If he gets his deal, I'm going to get a deal, but they can't pay all of us and we know that. That's my brother, though, so the best thing I do is just don't talk about it. We talk about everything else outside of football."

The market is making things even tougher for the negotiations. Earlier this week, defensive lineman Fletcher Cox signed a six-year, $103 million extension with Philadelphia. Richardson is also looking at the situation with some interest because he could be in for a big payday himself after the 2017 season.

"I'm happy for guys like Fletcher Cox, who are getting big deals and setting the market high for defensive lineman," Richardson said. "That's something you've got to take heed of and it makes you go harder, that type of deal. When my situation comes around, it's just do what Mo's doing: Listen to his agent and if he wants to go with it, you go with it. That's why you pay your agent."

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THE RECORD

Jets: Coach done with Ryan Fitzpatrick talk (J.P. Pelzman) The Record June 16, 2016

http://www.northjersey.com/sports/football/jets-coach-done-with-fitzpatrick-talk-1.1617780

FLORHAM PARK – After a spring filled with questions about a quarterback not in his building, Jets coach Todd Bowles finally had enough.

Put it this way: He was Fitz to be tied.

"With all due respect, I’m through talking about Fitz," Bowles said Thursday after the final practice of the team’s three-day mandatory minicamp.

Bowles, of course, was referring to free agent quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, whose contract stalemate with the Jets is more than three months old and shows no signs of being resolved any time soon.

"I’m going to worry about the guys I have on the team," said Bowles, who was reacting to a question about who would be the team’s No. 2 signal-caller if Fitzpatrick re-signs. "I think I’ve expressed and said everything about the quarterbacks that I’m going to say at this standpoint. And until I get to training camp and see what happens, I’m pretty much done talking about it."

To be fair, Bowles had answered plenty of Fitzpatrick-related questions throughout spring without complaint. But his reaction on this day pointed out how his team’s work on the field has been overshadowed by the absence of Fitzpatrick, as well as that of star defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson.

Wilkerson has been in the building and he was seen in the locker room Thursday, but has yet to sign his $15.7 million franchise-tag tender. Bowles said Wilkerson wouldn’t have been able to participate in minicamp anyway, as he continues to rehab from a fractured leg suffered in the season-ending loss to Buffalo on Jan. 3.

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Wilkerson, speaking to the New York Post, expressed his frustration with the fact the Jets haven’t ponied up and given him the long-term contract he desires. It’s unclear whether he’ll report when training camp begins in late July.

Bowles said he doesn’t consider such comments a distraction.

"I was 20-something once, too," said Bowles, a defensive back in the NFL for eight seasons. "I said a lot of things. … When you’re younger, you say things. But he says what he means, so obviously, he meant them.

"You can ask any player in the league," Bowles said, "and they’re going to [say they’re] underpaid. It’s not a distraction. It’s just part of business. People get frustrated. … I mean, it’s no different than your kids. If you get frustrated, you vent, you vent [it] out, and you move on."

Bowles ended the final minicamp practice a little early because right tackle Breno Giacomini and defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson were able to successfully catch a punt. Had either one misplayed it, more plays would have been run.

Bowles was pleased the Jets ended the spring "relatively healthy. Obviously [with] a year in the system, they have a better grasp of it."

Still, he added that he would get a "better feel" for where his team is at once it starts practicing in pads during training camp.

Fitzpatrick might be back by then, but during the spring, Geno Smith was the starting quarterback.

"Being in the system a year, he’s light years ahead of where he was last year," Bowles said of Smith. "As far as being confident, operating the system, and understanding the checks and running the offense, he’s night and day [from] where he was."

Smith said Tuesday he doesn’t think about the fact that Fitzpatrick could re-sign at any time and usurp his starting spot.

"I don’t think about that one bit," Smith said. "I don’t come in the building thinking about that. I don’t leave the building thinking about that. My [goals] when I walk in this building [are]: How can I get better today? How can this team improve? How can this offense improve?"

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Newsday

Muhammad Wilkerson: Long-term contract talks with Jets have been ‘frustrating’ (Kimberley Martin) Newsday June 16, 2016

http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/muhammad-wilkerson-long-term-contract-talks-with-jets-have-been-frustrating-1.11924122

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Muhammad Wilkerson may have chosen to publicly air his grievances with the Jets, but his coach took a different tack Thursday. Asked about Wilkerson’s mounting frustration over the stalled contract negotiations, Todd Bowles kept his comments about the defensive end to a minimum.

“Every player in the league thinks they’re underpaid, so it’s a part of business, something that’ll work itself out,” Bowles said on the final day of the three-day minicamp.

“I’m not going to discuss Mo’s situation here in public. I’ll talk to them and Mo about it. I’m not going to talk to everybody else about it. That’s something that I’ve always done.”

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Wilkerson went on the offensive this week, calling out the organization for not “trying like they should” to lock him up long term.

“It’s shocking. It’s frustrating,” he told the New York Post. “Because I feel like I’ve earned it and I deserve it. It would be different if I was just a mediocre player. I feel like each and every week I’m dominating and it’s showing. The stats speak for themselves. Basically, what more do I need to do? You know what I mean?”

The 2011 first-round pick led the team with a career-high 12 sacks and made the Pro Bowl for the first time in 2015. He broke his right leg in the Week 17 loss at Buffalo that cost the Jets a playoff berth.

Wilkerson has been seeking a long-term extension since 2014, when John Idzik was the general manager. Now, a second Jets regime is unwilling to meet his demands for a J.J. Watt-level payday.

“Do I feel that they want me back? As of right now, no. I don’t feel like they want me,” Wilkerson said. “I’m a talented guy. Everybody knows that. I feel like they’re going to get the best they can out of me and just let me go. That’s how I feel. Do I like that feeling? No. I’m a New Jersey guy, born and raised, and would love to raise my family here.”

Although he’s been rehabbing at the Jets’ facility the past month, he has not signed his $15.7-million franchise-tag tender. He didn’t report to voluntary OTAs and minicamp, and he’s still undecided about showing up for training camp late next month.

Bowles doesn’t believe Wilkerson’s comments will be a distraction. “No, it doesn’t bother me,” he said. “I was 20-something once, too. And I said a lot of things that I said or didn’t want to say. But when you’re younger, you say things. He says what he means. So obviously, he meant them.”

The Jets have until July 15 to lock up Wilkerson long term, but it seems unlikely they will come to an agreement after all this time. If they don’t, Wilkerson will be forced to play out the season at the tag amount.

“I don’t think they’re trying like they should,’’ Wilkerson said. “We’ve still got time.”

He believes the Jets tried to trade him before the NFL Draft. “That just shows they don’t want me,” he said. “They are willing to let me walk or whatever the case may be.”

Fletcher Cox of the Eagles is the latest defensive lineman to receive a lucrative deal, agreeing to a six-year, $103-million extension this week, with $63 million guaranteed. Wilkerson believes he’s a better player. He has 36.5 sacks in his five-year career; Cox has 22 in four seasons.

With his rehab on schedule, Wilkerson insisted he’ll be ready to play this season. He’s also hoping to wear green and white for years to come.

“I’m all for being a Jet and finishing my career here,” he said. “I love the Jets fans. I appreciate all the support from them and I just hope I can continue my career here and play in front of one of the best crowds in the league.”

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Christian Hackenberg continuing his NFL education (Kimberley Martin) Newsday June 16, 2016

http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/christian-hackenberg-continuing-his-nfl-education-1.11927057

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Just keep learning.

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That’s all Christian Hackenberg has to do right now.

The Jets rookie quarterback has had a lot thrown at him over the past two months, but coach Todd Bowles understands the learning curve that comes with the NFL. So for now, he’s not worried about Hackenberg’s on-field accuracy. Instead, Bowles just wants his second-round pick to be up to speed when he returns for training camp.

“Just continue to study and get better at the system,” the coach said. “He was hit with a lot in Phase 1, 2, 3, OTAs and minicamp. So I expect him to have a better grasp of it come training camp.”

Hackenberg was one of the most polarizing prospects of this year’s draft class given his declining production after his former college coach, Bill O’Brien, left Penn State for the Houston Texans after the 2013 season. The quarterback’s mechanics and accuracy were heavily scrutinized coming out of college, and questions linger about how he’ll adjust to the NFL.

But Bowles insisted Hackenberg’s accuracy is not a concern.

“Not at this time, no,” he said.

“He’s not the only one making mistakes. You guys see the throw. You don’t see the route, you don’t understand the steps, you don’t see the blocking scheme. There’s a whole bunch of stuff that goes into it.”

Jets quarterbacks coach Kevin Patullo acknowledged Wednesday that Hackenberg is “a typical rookie” trying to find his way in the classroom and on the field. But he and the rest of the offensive coaching staff like what they see already.

“He’s growing as far as his knowledge,” Patullo said. “He grasps the offense pretty well, he has a good base, a good foundation. So that’s been a positive and he’s really good in the classroom with accepting things we say, Geno says to him, Bryce, and all the communication, so that’s the biggest key. He’s really receptive to knowledge and learning.”

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Todd Bowles’ message to Jets: Stay out of trouble (Kimberley Martin) Newsday June 16, 2016

http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/todd-bowles-message-to-jets-stay-out-of-trouble-1.11926781

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — “Don’t be that guy.”

Essentially, that was Todd Bowles’ message on Thursday, the final day of the Jets’ three-day mandatory minicamp. Up next is a month-long break for players until training camp starts in late July. And Bowles knows that down time can be dangerous.

“Just stay in shape. Come back healthy. Don’t be the guy getting into any trouble. Just come back ready to work,” the coach said, recalling his parting message to the team.

“Throughout our meetings, over OTAs and Phase 1 [of the offseason program] you see things and you reference ‘don’t be that guy’ that you make examples of.”

Practice ended early, thanks to the unlikely punt-return skills of right tackle Breno Giacomini and defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson. The two big guys cleanly fielded a pair of punts after team drills ended — much to the delight of their teammates.

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“They said Breno was a former tight end. Sheldon claimed he used to return punts. I don’t know what leagues this was in,” Bowles joked, “but, you know, they caught the balls. So they ended practice a little earlier because they caught the balls. Although I think Breno’s punt was a given. They gave him a soft punt.

“They had to catch them,” he added. “They had some plays left. If they caught the punts, practice was over.”

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Todd Bowles has nothing more to say about Ryan Fitzpatrick (Kimberley Martin) Newsday June 16, 2016

http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/todd-bowles-has-nothing-more-to-say-about-ryan-fitzpatrick-1.11926824

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Ryan Fitzpatrick still isn’t here and Todd Bowles is finally tired of talking about him.

The Jets coach finally reached his breaking point on the final day of mandatory minicamp when pressed for specifics on his quarterback depth chart.

“With all due respect, I’m through talking about Fitz. I’m going to worry about the guys I have on the team,” Bowles said Thursday, when asked if Geno Smith will be the No. 2 if Fitzpatrick return. “I think I’ve expressed and said everything about the quarterback that I’m going to say at this standpoint. And till I get to training camp and see what happens, I’m pretty much done talking about it.”

On Wednesday, he acknowledged that the organization has talked about signing a veteran quarterback if Fitzpatrick doesn’t return. The coach also said that, at some point, the Jets might have to consider an alternative starter if there’s no change in Fitzpatrick’s status.

“But we’re not at that point yet,” Bowles said on Day 2 of minicamp. “If there comes a point, we get to Week 4 of training camp and he’s not here, you know who your starter’s going to be Week 1. That’s pretty extreme, but that’s how it is.”

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In Muhammad Wilkerson vs. the New York Jets, both sides are right in their stances (Bob Glauber) Newsday June 16, 2016

http://www.newsday.com/sports/columnists/bob-glauber/in-muhammad-wilkerson-vs-the-new-york-jets-both-sides-are-right-in-their-stances-1.11926381

FLORHAM PARK, N.J.

In a perfect world, Mo Wilkerson gets his money, the Jets lock up one of their best defensive players, and we dispense with the contract talk while looking ahead to the 2016 season.

But this is the NFL, where the financial tug-of-war is as significant as the forward pass. Wilkerson is the latest in a long line of players frustrated over not being paid what he thinks he deserves, and his inability to secure a $100-million-plus deal with the Jets has him bristling.

In an interview with the New York Post, Wilkerson said, “It’s shocking, it’s frustrating, because I feel like I’ve earned it and I deserve it . . . The stats speak for themselves. Basically, what more do I need to do?”

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Evidently, his body of work is not enough to convince the Jets to make a significant long-term investment. General manager Mike Maccagnan doesn’t want to make Wilkerson one of the league’s highest-paid players. With the franchise tag at his disposal, a financial tool that owners negotiated for more than two decades ago, Maccagnan would rather keep Wilkerson for the season and risk losing him as a free agent in 2017 than commit the kind of guaranteed money that would bloat the salary cap.

Maccagnan also could use the franchise tag on Wilkerson again next season to prevent him from becoming a free agent, which means this situation is far from over.

There is no doubt Wilkerson deserves a significant raise after playing out his four-year, $6.875-million rookie deal. As the franchise player, he can make $15.7 million on a one-year deal in 2016, but Wilkerson wants a longer deal with more than twice that much in guaranteed money. And therein lies the problem.

Wilkerson places his value at one level — similar to or even greater than the $100-million deal the Texans’ J.J. Watt signed in 2014 — while the Jets place it well below that. The sides have yet to find a middle ground, and a resolution doesn’t appear imminent. It would be a shock if a breakthrough led to a long-term deal.

I don’t blame Wilkerson for asking for as much as he can for as long as he can.

And I don’t blame the Jets for not paying him, at least not Watt money. Why? Because Wilkerson isn’t close to the player Watt is.

Both were drafted in 2011 and play defensive end in a 3-4 scheme, and that’s where the comparison ends. Wilkerson is a very good player, with 36.5 sacks in five seasons, including 12 in 2015. But Watt is a historically great player who will wind up in the Hall of Fame. He has 76 sacks and has won The Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year award three of the last four seasons.

They’re not in the same conversation.

Wilkerson has very good talent around him, including tackle Sheldon Richardson (who is more athletic than Wilkerson, by the way), and has been productive. But he is not a consistent game-changer, certainly not in the mold of Watt or Denver’s Von Miller, the Super Bowl MVP who also has been designated with the franchise tag this year. Wilkerson also is not as disruptive as Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, who recently agreed to a six-year, $103-million deal.

The Jets drafted Leonard Williams in the first round last year, meaning they have a younger, less expensive talent who can play the same position as Wilkerson. If Williams continues to blossom, Maccagnan can designate more salary-cap space to other positions of need rather than tie up a bundle of money in a long-term deal with Wilkerson.

It makes financial sense for the Jets, which greatly limits Wilkerson’s leverage and undoubtedly has contributed to his mounting frustration. But if Wilkerson, still recovering from offseason surgery to repair a broken leg, continues to play at a high level, he will be paid handsomely. If not by the Jets, then by another team once he is able to hit the open market.

In this league, good players are paid well, even if their payday doesn’t come as quickly as they’d prefer, especially those dealing with the franchise tag.

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ESPN NEW YORK

Jets' Sheldon Richardson says Mo Wilkerson 'deserves' Fletcher Cox deal (Rich Cimini) ESPN New York

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June 16, 2016

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/60977/jets-sheldon-richardson-says-mo-wilkerson-deserves-fletcher-cox-deal

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- The Fletcher Cox contract extension made an impact in the New York Jets’ locker room: It fueled Muhammad Wilkerson’s frustration and it put a smile on the face of Sheldon Richardson.

"It's a great time to be a defensive lineman, a great time," Richardson said Thursday at the conclusion of the Jets' mandatory minicamp.

He feels for his buddy Wilkerson, who is upset with his own contract situation, but the soaring market bodes well for Richardson. Next year, it'll be his turn to cash in. His fifth-year option was recently exercised by the Jets, who have his rights through 2017, but you can bet he'll be looking for a long-term extension before that option kicks in.

Richardson smiled when asked about Cox's six-year, $103 million extension, which reportedly includes $63 million in guarantees. Asked if he believes that sets the market for him, Richardson said:

"It ain't official until the ink is dry. We'll see when the time comes. Congratulations to Fletcher Cox. Well-deserved. He's always balled, in my eyes. He's another underrated guy who's getting brought to light."

Wilkerson is incensed because players like Cox are getting bloated contracts, and he wants his. He was on a fixed salary for the first five years of his career, and he will probably continue to be for another year because it seems unlikely that he and the team will agree to a long-term extension before the July 15 deadline. That means he'll play for $15.7 million in 2016, the amount of the franchise tag. That's a lot of money, but it pales in comparison to what he'd make in a long-term deal.

"It happens, you know, it happens," Richardson said of the Wilkerson situation. "We don't have the money for it and Mo deserves it, so it is what it is."

Obviously, this is a huge year for Richardson, whose meteoric ascent was disrupted last season by a four-game drug suspension. He was also arrested last July, eventually pleading guilty to resisting arrest, which will likely result in another suspension. He said he still hasn't heard from the league office.

Suspension or not, Richardson is determined to return to being the player he was in 2013 and 2014. He dropped more than 10 pounds in the offseason and he's planning to keep it off by maintaining an active schedule during the six-week break before training camp -- i.e. cardio workouts, basketball drills, even some boxing. He said he played last season at about 320 pounds.

"I was just eating," he said. "I wasn't getting many reps in practice, I wasn't getting many reps in the preseason. I was just eating, I wasn't working out. My mind wasn't right. If your mind ain't right, everything else goes with it.

"I might have looked fast, but that wasn't fast for me," Richardson added. "There were guys I know I'm way faster than that were keeping up with me as far as pass rushing. Strength-wise, too. I was in a different head space last season. I got that cleaned up."

He has plenty of motivation. If he plays well and stays out of trouble, he'll score a big contract.

Of course, Wilkerson thought the same thing.

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Jets coach Todd Bowles at his Fitz end; no more QB questions (Rich Cimini)

ESPN.com June 16, 2016

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http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/60956/new-york-jets-might-add-veteran-quarterback-if-ryan-fitzpatrick-doesnt-return

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Jets coach Todd Bowles finally reached his breaking point with Ryan Fitzpatrick-related questions. At least he waited until the final day of offseason media availability before shutting it down.

"With all due respect, I'm through talking about Fitz," Bowles said Thursday at the conclusion of the New York Jets' mandatory minicamp. "I'm going to worry about the guys I have on the team. I think I've expressed and said everything about the quarterback that I'm going to say at this standpoint. Until I get to training camp and see what happens, I'm pretty much done talking about it."

Bowles' comment came in response to a question about the projected depth chart. A reporter wanted to know if Geno Smith will be the No. 2 quarterback if Fitzpatrick returns. Bowles didn't give a direct answer, except to say Bryce Petty is the current No. 2, behind Smith.

The Jets have said repeatedly that Fitzpatrick will be the starter if he re-signs. Barring something dramatic, Smith would be the No. 2, followed by Petty and rookie Christian Hackenberg -- if they retain all four quarterbacks. And that's a definite possibility.

Bowles has been receptive to Fitzpatrick-related questions throughout the offseason. This week, he made news by saying there's "no drop-dead deadline" for Fitzpatrick to sign. The next day, he turned up the heat a little by indicating that Fitzpatrick would cost himself the No. 1 job if he doesn't sign by a certain point in training camp. He didn't say when that would be. Bowles also said he would consider adding a veteran quarterback if Fitzpatrick doesn't sign.

So, after making a few headlines, Bowles decided to pass when it came to discussing his passers.

Bowles will get a six-week break from the media; his next availability will be July 28, the first day of practice in training camp. Guess what? He'll face another barrage of questions if Fitzpatrick still is a free agent.

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Muhammad Wilkerson vents on contract impasse with Jets (Rich Cimini) ESPN.com June 16, 2016

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/16251982/muhammad-wilkerson-new-york-jets-vents-frustration-contract-impasse

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Locked in a contract stalemate for two years, Pro Bowl defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson has vented his frustration, saying he feels unwanted by the New York Jets.

"Do I feel that they want me back? As of right now, no. I don't feel like they want me," Wilkerson told the New York Post on Wednesday. "I'm a talented guy. Everybody knows that. I feel like they're going to get the best they can out of me and just let me go. That's how I feel. Do I like that feeling? No. I'm a New Jersey guy, born and raised and would love to raise my family here."

Wilkerson's comments came two days after ESPN reported that he's so upset that he might not report to training camp on July 27. He confirmed to the Post that he's undecided on whether to report.

Wilkerson has the franchise tag, meaning the two sides have until July 15 to reach a long-term agreement. That is highly unlikely. Failing that, he would play the 2016 season for his franchise tender, which is $15.7 million.

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"It's shocking. It's frustrating," Wilkerson, who notched a career-high 12 sacks in 2015, told the newspaper. "Because I feel like I've earned [a new contract] and I deserve it. It would be different if I was just a mediocre player. I feel like each and every week I'm dominating and it's showing. The stats speak for themselves. Basically, what more do I need to do? You know what I mean?"

Coach Todd Bowles declined to comment on the impasse, except to say he has no problem with Wilkerson speaking his mind.

"No, it doesn't bother me," Bowles said. "I was 20-something once, too, and I said a lot of things that I said or didn't want to say. When you're younger, you say things. But he said things he means, so he obviously meant them."

General manager Mike Maccagnan will have no comment on Wilkerson's remarks, the team said.

Jets teammate Brandon Marshall tweeted Thursday that the NFL should abandon the franchise tag.

Publicly, the Jets have stated their desire to keep Wilkerson, 26, arguably their top defensive player, but they were open to trading him before the past two drafts, sources said.

"That just shows they don't want me," Wilkerson said to the Post. "They are willing to let me walk or whatever the case may be."

Wilkerson wouldn't go so far as to demand a trade or guarantee a no-show at training camp. He skipped the mandatory minicamp, which concludes Thursday. Until he signs the franchise tender, he can't be fined for not attending mandatory team events because he's technically not under contract.

Oddly, Wilkerson shows up every morning to the team facility to rehabilitate his surgically repaired leg, which was fractured in the final game of the season. If he reports to training camp, he probably won't be able to practice immediately, Bowles said.

If Wilkerson is a no-show and quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick remains unsigned, it'll be a controversy-laden training camp. Bowles claimed Wilkerson's contract situation won't be a distraction.

"You can ask any player in the league and they'll tell you they're underpaid," Bowles said. "It's not a distraction. It's just part of the business. People get frustrated. People vent out. It's no different than your kids. You get frustrated, you vent and you move on."

Wilkerson, who grew up in Linden, New Jersey, said he wants to finish his career with the Jets. But that will be difficult because of the soaring market for defensive linemen.

Fletcher Cox signed a contract extension with the Philadelphia Eagles that will make it harder for the Jets to re-sign Wilkerson.

Cox received a six-year, $103 million deal, including a reported $63 million in guarantees this week. Wilkerson is seeking a bigger contract than Cox, sources said.

The Jets are reluctant to give Wilkerson a long-term extension because they have a considerable amount of resources invested in the defensive line. Sheldon Richardson's contract will expire after the 2017 season, and he likely will be seeking a new deal after the season. Leonard Williams was drafted sixth overall in 2015.

The team hasn't ruled out the possibility of using the franchise tag again next year on Wilkerson. That would be $18.8 million.

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NEW YORK POST

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Jets’ dangerous contract game can fester — and blow up in their face (Steve Serby) New York Post June 17, 2016

http://nypost.com/2016/06/17/jet-dangerous-contract-game-can-fester-and-blow-up-in-their-face/

There’s perception, and there’s reality, and the reality is general manager Mike Maccagnan and the Jets are at contractual odds with their starting quarterback and have ticked off their best young player by blocking his desires for the long-term deal he deserves.

The perception, at this point in time, is the Jets are not as committed to winning as they ought to be.

And what’s dangerous about that perception is if this is the calm before a storm that seeps into the locker room and begins to fester. Which would do coach Todd Bowles no favors.

“Not to worry,” Darrelle Revis said.

“We’re strong-willed guys in here,” Revis told The Post. “That’s up to management. It don’t fall on us as players. Whoever’s here, whoever’s on the roster, plays. It’s no different than my situation when I held out. Other people were here during training camp, and they had to play.”

Muhammad Wilkerson, who erupted in anger in Thursday’s Post, is a victim of the system and of the abundance of riches the Jets have accumulated on the defensive line. The Jets are rolling the dice on Sheldon Richardson, a riskier proposition, even if they don’t have to ask Wilkerson to check his baggage at the door. Because he brings no baggage.

“We respect him as a teammate,” Revis said. “We respect Mo. His situation is his own situation. No different than [Ryan Fitzpatrick’s].”

Bowles shrugs it all off as players eternally feeling they are underpaid, which is true, especially in a violent sport where careers can end in a nanosecond.

“I was twenty-something once, too,” Bowles said.

But we are talking here about two players who command great respect among their peers and brothers. Who at the moment are waving the Loyalty Ain’t Always a Two-Way Street banner.

“I think every player in the league thinks they’re underpaid, so it’s just part of business. It’s something that’ll work itself out,” Bowles said.

Except there are no guarantees it will work itself out for Wilkerson, or for Fitzpatrick, or for the Jets.

The business of sports sometimes can interfere with the business of winning if the inmates start losing faith in the men who run the asylum. Bowles doesn’t believe any of this will prove to be a distraction, but he better make sure his firm, steady hand is steering the ship. Especially if Wilkerson decides to make training camp waves.

“It’s no different than your kids,” Bowles said. “If you get frustrated, you vent, you vent out, and you move on.”

But you don’t give yourself the best chance to win if you try to topple Tom Brady without the resurrected journeyman who has been declared your starting quarterback.

Of course, if the young Darrelle Revis can be traded, no man is an island of security.

No one understands the game, on the gridiron and in the negotiating boardroom, better than Revis — who has played financial shutdown corner when matched up with NFL franchises, and knows better than to publicly bite the hand that feeds him.

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“I can’t really comment on Mo’s situation,” Revis said. “He’s handling it the best way he can, obviously. Everybody’s got their own contract situation, so it is what it is. He’s gonna do what’s best for him.”

Wilkerson will play 2016 under the $15.7 million franchise tag, and it would be a major upset if Fitzpatrick and the Jets, who have offered $12 million for 2016 and $6 million a season for the following two years, do not end their impasse.

Revis is among the many Jets vets who want Fitzpatrick back, but the solidarity displays have ended, at least for now, and the clock is now ticking on Fitzpatrick. To wit: During a special teams drill Thursday, Revis made it a point to compliment Geno Smith on the improvement he has seen him make.

“He’s been playing lights out in OTAs,” Revis said. “He’s been making the right plays and making the right decisions. That’s a testament to his hard work and the dedication he’s been putting in.”

Training camp is less than six weeks away.

“With all due respect, I’m through talking about Fitz,” Bowles said.

He better hope Fitzpatrick is in training camp when he is forced to talk about him again.

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How the ‘old guys’ have become Christian Hackenberg’s lifeline (Brian Costello) New York Post June 16, 2016

http://nypost.com/2016/06/16/how-the-old-guys-have-become-christian-hackenbergs-lifeline/

When Christian Hackenberg has a question on the practice field, he turns to the walking, talking resources next to him.

“I talk to the old guys a lot — Geno, Bryce,” the Jets rookie quarterback said.

That would be Geno Smith and Bryce Petty, who both are 25 years old. You know, old guys.

Everyone looks old to the 21-year-old Hackenberg, who has spent his first spring in the NFL trying to pick up the Jets’ system and show the franchise they made the right move when they took him in the second round of the draft.

“I think just finding my role within this team is my main thing right now,” Hackenberg said. “Whenever my opportunities are presented to me, I’m going to take advantage of them to the best of my ability. Whatever I’m asked to do, I’m going to do at a high level. Prepare at a high level, that’s what my teammates will expect from me, whether I’m playing or not. That’s my focus, just continue to act like a pro, prepare like a pro, do that and learn that right now. Whenever my shot is given to me, take full advantage of it.”

Hackenberg has had some rough moments in the spring practices as he makes the adjustment from Penn State. Wide receiver Brandon Marshall said he thinks struggling now only will help Hackenberg.

“It’s an opportunity for him to go against some of the best defenders in the business, and some of the best defensive minds in the business,” Marshall said. “This is an opportunity for him to get beat up, see a lot, lose a lot.

“Those moments are where you grow. He’s a guy that asks a lot of questions, so I think he’s going to take advantage of the opportunity of being in this environment. He’ll be able to grow.”

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Coach Todd Bowles said he is not concerned about Hackenberg’s accuracy, which has looked shaky during the practices open to the media. Bowles said Hackenberg looks like a typical rookie, trying to learn his way.

“They’re going to see defenses they haven’t seen before, the playbook is different,” Bowles said. “You can study it all you want, but until you get out on the field and get the chance to correct it and get better at it, you’re going to make those mistakes. No different than Bryce last year, and Geno was in the system as well for the first time, so he made his share of mistakes as well.”

Quarterbacks coach Kevin Patullo said Hackenberg is good about taking coaching and listening to suggestions. He said it also helps that Hackenberg played for two different coaches with the Nittany Lions — Bill O’Brien as a freshman then James Franklin in the next two years.

“I think he’s been exposed to more,” Patullo said. “I don’t know if it’s necessarily that system or just when you’re around different coaches, different philosophies, it’s going to grow from that. He’s a kid that loves football, so he’s going to want to learn continuously. He’s going to absorb anything and everything people say.”

Hackenberg has very little chance of actually playing as a rookie. As it stands, Smith and Petty are ahead of him on the depth chart. If Ryan Fitzpatrick re-signs eventually, that would push Hackenberg down to the fourth quarterback.

Hackenberg said he is not worried about that right now. He will spend the next six weeks preparing for training camp by studying the playbook so he is ready for any chance he is given.

“The more [the offense has] been fed to me, the more I’ve been able to grab it,” Hackenberg said. “I think that’s something that’s still going to be an area of focus for me moving forward, just continuing to own it in every way, shape and form. Older guys really helped with that, just being able to spend time with them, that’s been great. I think what I took away from this camp dealt with the offense and learning the playbook.”

If he has a question, he can just ask the old guys.

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Jets coach: Muhammad Wilkerson is allowed to vent (Brian Costello) New York Post June 16, 2016

http://nypost.com/2016/06/16/jets-coach-muhammad-wilkerson-is-allowed-to-vent/

Jets coach Todd Bowles was not bothered by comments made by disgruntled defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson to The Post on Wednesday about his contract standoff with the team.

Wilkerson told The Post he was “frustrated” with the situation and said he does not feel like the Jets really want to sign him long-term.

“You can ask any player in the league and they’re going to have the underpaid answer,” Bowles said. “It’s not a distraction, it’s just part of business. People get frustrated. People vent out. It’s no different than your kids. If you get frustrated, you vent, you vent out and you move on.”

Wilkerson’s complaint is not really about being underpaid. He will make $15.7 million this season under the franchise tag. Wilkerson is looking for a long-term deal with the Jets, something the team has been unwilling to give him.

Bowles, who spent eight years as a player in the NFL, said he understood what Wilkerson meant.

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“It doesn’t bother me,” Bowles said. “I was 20-something once too, and I said a lot of things that I said or didn’t want to say. When you’re younger, you say things, but he says things that he means, so obviously he meant them.”

Bowles would not say what the team’s stance is on Wilkerson.

“I’m not going to discuss Mo’s situation here in public,” he said. “I’ll talk to them and Mo about it. I’m not going to talk to everybody else about it. It’s something that I’ve always done.”

Wilkerson is recovering from a broken right leg. He is currently rehabbing the leg under the direction of the Jets’ team doctors and trainers. Bowles said he was not sure if Wilkerson is healthy enough to participate at the beginning of training camp. Of course, Wilkerson may not report to the beginning of training camp, so it may not matter.

Bowles has finally had enough questions about Ryan Fitzpatrick. The coach has spent the spring answering reporters’ questions about the unsigned quarterback. To his credit, he showed patience with the daily questions even as nothing changed. On Thursday, he finally said enough.

“With all due respect, I’m through talking about Fitz,” Bowles said. “I’m going to worry about the guys I have on the team. I think I’ve expressed and said everything about the quarterback that I’m going to say at this standpoint. Until I get to training camp and see what happens, I’m pretty much done talking about it.”

The timing is convenient for everyone. Thursday was the final day of minicamp, so Bowles won’t be in front of reporters again until the first day of training camp at the end of July. Maybe Fitzpatrick actually will be signed by then.

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NJ ADVANCED MEDIA

Jets' Todd Bowles has no issue with Muhammad Wilkerson's venting (Dom Cosentino) NJ Advnaced Media June 16, 2016

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2016/06/jets_todd_bowles_has_no_issue_with_muhammad_wilker.html#incart_river_index

FLORHAM PARK — Head coach Todd Bowles was asked Thursday about Muhammad Wilkerson's frank comments to the New York Post about not feeling wanted by the Jets, from whom he seeks a long-term contract that may never come.

Jets Christian Hackenberg throws, is asked about inaccuracy

"It doesn't bother me," Bowles said after the Jets broke for the summer following their three-day minicamp. "I was 20-something once too. I said a lot of things that I said or didn't want to say. When you're younger, you say things. But he says what he means, so obviously, he meant them."

Wilkerson didn't hold back in his remarks to the Post, his first public comments since the end of last season. The Jets have slapped the franchise tag on Wilkerson. If he and the Jets can't agree on a new contract by July 15, he'll have to play 2016 for the $15.7 million tag figure.

Yes, that is a ton of money. But Wilkerson seeks a long-term deal that's on par with what he's worth, especially now that more and more defensive linemen around the league are getting such contracts.

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Bowles doesn't think Wilkerson's comments or his situation will be a distraction even after Wilkerson eventually reports to the Jets, whether it's at the start of training camp or sometime thereafter.

The term distraction is frequently a media creation, but Bowles—himself a former player—explained his reasoning anyway.

"You can ask any player in the league, and they're going to [tell you they're underpaid]," Bowles said. "It's not a distraction; it's just part of business. People get frustrated. People vent out. I mean, it's no different than your kids. If you get frustrated, you vent, you vent out, and you move on."

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Jets' Todd Bowles refuses to answer more Ryan Fitzpatrick questions (Darryl Slater) NJ.com June 16, 2016

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2016/06/jets_todd_bowles_refuses_to_answer_more_ryan_fitzp.html#incart_river_index

FLORHAM PARK — Jets coach Todd Bowles was asked a quarterback-related question Thursday, as his team concluded its three-day, mandatory minicamp.

This is not earth-shattering news. Bowles gets quarterback questions at every press conference. Lately, most of them have been about Ryan Fitzpatrick, the Jets' 2015 starter who is locked in a contract standoff with the organization.

Bowles has answered a bunch of Fitzpatrick questions this offseason. But on Thursday, he made it clear he isn't going to answer any more.

This was the question he got Thursday: If Fitzpatrick re-signs, is Geno Smith automatically the second-stringer, is that No. 2 spot up for grabs? (The Jets' other quarterbacks are second-year pro Bryce Petty and rookie Christian Hackenberg.)

Bowles' answer: "With all due respect, I'm through talking about Fitz. I'm going to worry about the guys I have on the team. I think I've expressed and said everything about the quarterback that I'm going to say at this standpoint. Until I get to training camp and see what happens, I'm pretty much done talking about it."

Bowles clarified that Petty is currently the Jets' No. 2 quarterback, as Smith is the starter in Fitzpatrick's absence. It became obvious during spring practices that Hackenberg isn't ready to play in 2016, which wasn't a stunning revelation.

On Wednesday, Bowles spoke at length about his quarterback situation. He reiterated that if Fitzpatrick re-signs, he will be the starter, and that there won't really be an open competition for the job in training camp. (This is presuming, Bowles said, that Fitzpatrick re-signs at a reasonable time early in camp.)

"I said all along that Ryan is the starter," Bowles said. "Obviously, if Geno plays well and Ryan plays well, Ryan is going to be the starter."

It's still not clear when — or if — Fitzpatrick will end up re-signing with the Jets. The organization has stuck to its three-year, $24 million contract offer, which includes $15 million guaranteed ($12 million of which comes in Year 1).

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Jets’ Brandon Marshall: ‘It’s time to liquidate the franchise tag’ (Dom Cosentino) NJ.com

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June 16, 2016

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2016/06/jets_brandon_marshall_its_time_to_liquidate_the_fr.html#incart_river_index

FLORHAM PARK — The Jets just wrapped up their minicamp here, and receiver Brandon Marshall took to Twitter to go to bat for teammate Muhammad Wilkerson in his contract dispute with the team:

The Jets and Wilkerson, a defensive end, are miles apart in their negotiations toward a new contract. But because Wilkerson has been given the franchise tag, the two sides have until July 15 to reach an agreement, after which Wilkerson must play for the Jets on a one-year deal for $15.7 million, after which the Jets could franchise him again.

In an interview published Thursday by the New York Post, Wilkerson lashed out at the Jets, saying he doesn't feel wanted. He is entering his sixth season, and he has had to watch as a number of talented defensive linemen have gotten long-term deals from other teams worth gargantuan money.

Anyone who thinks Wilkerson is being greedy or selfish needs to consider the billions in revenue the league brings in—an amount that continues to grow with each passing year. Wilkerson is asking to be paid what he's worth, yet the franchise tag system prevents him from even having the opportunity to bargain with other teams to best gauge that value.

Wilkerson's position was made that much worse by the fact that he was a first-round draft pick. That gave the Jets the right to exercise an option on his fifth season, which they did last year, before slapping him with the franchise tag this year. What the Jets are doing is gaming a system that allows them to handle Wilkerson's situation exactly as they're handling it.

And this system is not just affecting Wilkerson and the Jets. Von Miller, the Broncos outside linebacker and reigning Super Bowl 50 MVP, is in contract circumstances similar to Wilkerson's. Like Wilkerson, Miller was taken in the 2011 first round. And like Wilkerson, he's been franchised, with no bargaining rights as he enters his sixth year in a league in which the average career is now less than three years.

Miller hopped on Instagram on Thursday to express his own frustration with the system:

"I love my Teammates, Coaches, and My Fans" but there is "No Chance" I play the 2016 season under the Franchise tag.

The NFL's collective bargaining agreement, which spells out the franchise tag system, runs through 2020.

The NFL's next labor war might still be four or five years away, but Marshall may have just fired the first shot.

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Jets’ Sheldon Richarson: Jordan Jenkins ‘has been hell on wheels since Day ‘ (Dom Cosentino) NJ.com June 16, 2016

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2016/06/jets_brandon_marshall_its_time_to_liquidate_the_fr.html#incart_river_index

FLORHAM PARK — The Jets are starting over at outside linebacker, and a big part of that rebuilding process involved drafting Georgia's Jordan Jenkins in the third round this year.

During spring practices, Jenkins wowed at least one of his new teammates.

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"Jordan Jenkins is a monster from what we've seen of him," Sheldon Richardson told NJ Advance Media on Thursday, as the Jets concluded minicamp. "He's a monster. I'm not sleeping on him at all. Can't wait to see him in shoulder pads.

"What he came out here and brought every day, there's a difference, [because] some guys will go a week strong, two weeks strong, and then you'll see a decline in their effort and get-off the ball. The guy has been hell on wheels since Day 1."

The Jets' practice Thursday — their third and final of the mandatory minicamp — was their last spring session. They're off from practice until training camp begins in late July. That's when they'll put shoulder pads on. Richardson, a star defensive end entering Year 4, is looking forward to seeing more of Jenkins then.

How in particular has Jenkins impressed Richardson?

"Pass rush," Richardson said. "He seems to be doing all right in coverage. For the most part, as far as pass rush goes and run fits, he's been solid."

The Jets need new starters at both outside linebacker spots. One almost certainly will be Lorenzo Mauldin, a second-year pro. It looks like Trevor Reilly and Jenkins are the early leaders for the other spot. Last season, as the Jets again fielded a strong defense, it seemed a consistent edge rush was a big missing piece.

"I don't feel like that," Richardson said. "Everybody wants Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware type of edge rushers. This is also a system defense, so we're two-gapping those guys on the edge. You've got to really take care of the run, because if you don't, you'll get gashed.

"Our defense's weakness is we give up big plays, because we blitz a lot. So that's a weakness you can have. If one guy misses a tackle, it's a big play. Just as big as pass rush is to y'all, run fits and stopping the run is just as big to us."

At this point, Richardson said, it's too early to determine how well Jenkins will grasp his run fits. But Jenkins is playing with urgency, at least.

"He's moving so fast, you don't know what he's grasping," Richardson said. "But as far as his edge rush and how he's been, he hasn't made too many mistakes. He's just got to get a little thicker [with his playing style aggression], as far as playing on tight ends and tackles when the double team is on him."

Playing fast comes natural to Jenkins.

"From where I went to high school, we were taught if there's one thing you always do, always run full speed, and just always give effort," Jenkins said. "You may not know what to do, but if you're doing something full speed, you'll still be able to affect the play. Coaches just like seeing that in guys.

"That's something I've always wanted to do with myself. I was going to be a physical guy. And if I don't know what I'm doing, I'm darn sure going to try to put somebody on their back or just power through somebody."

Jenkins learned early in spring practices that he needs to be especially assertive in the NFL.

"I learned that you better rush with some power, and you better rush with your hands ready, because if you don't, you're going to get thrown out of your pass rush lane," he said. "I sat there and tried doing a little college stutter and got punched in the chest. And I said, 'OK, scrap that, and let me just get from point A to point B.' It was a good learning experience, and I'm glad it happened to me early."

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NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Jets can’t give up on Bryce Petty, who wants to prove team took right QB year before, so soon (Manish Mehta) New York Daily News June 16, 2016

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/jets-give-bryce-petty-prove-article-1.2676250

Bryce Petty received a thunderous punch to the ego six weeks ago that has put his future with the Jets in doubt. The organization’s decision to take Christian Hackenberg in the second round naturally prompted questions about the brain trust’s belief in Petty, whose red-shirt rookie season was supposed to be a stepping stone for the former Baylor star quarterback.

Now, he’s lost in the quarterback quagmire.

Ryan Fitzpatrick is the Jets’ preferred present, Geno Smith is the Jets’ default present and Hackenberg is the Jets’ preferred future. So, where does that leave Petty?

With Fitzpatrick hanging in the football ether this offseason due to a contract stalemate, Petty has been competing with Hackenberg to be Smith’s backup.

“You like competition,” Petty told the Daily News during Jets minicamp. “So it’s one of those deals like, ‘Okay, they did draft a guy. Now it’s my chance to prove that they took the right guy the year before. ... They made a good choice when they drafted me.”

The organization wants Hackenberg to ultimately take over for Fitzpatrick or Smith, who likely is playing his final season with the Jets on the final year of his rookie contract (assuming he makes the Week 1 roster).

Petty might have a one year head start on Hackenberg, but he might also have a larger learning curve coming from a simplified spread college system.

“They chose the dude for a reason. ... because they have a slight doubt about my capabilities,” Petty said. “So for that, I want to take that personal. But the thing is it doesn’t matter if it’s Year 2 that they pick a guy or Year 12 that they pick a guy. I’m going to have that same mentality. Every time they think I can’t do something, I’m going to take it personal.”

With Geno Smith leading way, Jets sending ominous signals

Although quarterbacks coach Kevin Patullo hasn’t put a timetable on when Petty, who has the requisite physical tools to excel at this level, will be ready to make a legitimate run at the starting job, there’s no denying that the pressure is on the second-year signal caller right now.

“I’ve never set a benchmark with him,” Patullo said. “It’s always kind of a process. You don’t know at what point it is going to all come together, because there’s just so much with this position that you always have to learn from day to day.”

Todd Bowles has seen Petty make mental strides, but there needs to be tangible on-field proof of improvement in training camp practices and the preseason for the organization to want to invest more time in him.

The Jets have had internal discussions about copying the 2000 Patriots four-quarterback model during Tom Brady’s rookie season, but Petty’s roster spot isn’t guaranteed. Petty could be anywhere from the Jets No. 2 quarterback (behind Fitzpatrick or Smith) to a former Jet when the regular season begins on Sept. 11.

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The Jets drafted Petty in 2015 as a two- or three-year project, but Hackenberg’s arrival might have changed the dynamic. Regardless, Petty is not about to go rogue and curse out the competition.

“You go out and compete, but it’s not like you want to rip the guy’s throat out,” Petty said. “At the end of the day, he’s your teammate. If there are questions that he has, I’m going to answer them. I’m not going to be a d--- about it. Fitz wasn’t a d--- to me about it. That’s not my style.”

Petty might have some bruised feelings, but he hasn’t let the organization’s decision to add another signal caller adversely affect his everyday approach.

“That’s the thing: Who do you get pissed at?” Petty said. “If you take it that way, I feel that it can (hurt) your own personal growth. So if you have negative energy about it, you’re going to come in here with a negative mindset about things.… If you have a positive mindset about it, you’re excited about coming out here. You’re excited about the competition. And you get to grow together. Then you can talk about the wins.”

Fitzpatrick’s return would push Smith, Petty and Hackenberg down in the pecking order. Would there be enough practice snaps to go around for everyone? Would there be enough time to develop two young quarterbacks?

“It’s going to be interesting how they divvy that stuff up,” Petty said.

Bowles’ admission that the Jets have discussed adding a veteran quarterback in training camp if Fitzpatrick isn’t back is likely tied to Petty and/or Hackenberg’s development later this summer. If either one plays well in camp and the preseason, the Jets might be comfortable sticking with three signal callers entering the regular season.

Petty hasn’t lit the world on fire in helmets and shorts this spring, which is indicative of nothing. He’s grown in his understanding of Chan Gailey’s offense, complex NFL defenses and nuances of playing the position that sometimes take a lifetime to master.

“I don’t feel like (my head) is swimming whereas last year I felt like I was swimming a lot of times,” Petty said. “I really had no idea. I was just so focused on what I had to do to make this play happen.… The next step is to be able to see things before they happen.”

He has too much ability for the Jets to give up on him so soon.

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Jets coach Todd Bowles says Muhammad Wilkerson isn’t a distraction: ‘It’s just part of business’ (Seth Walder) New York Daily News June 16, 2016

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/jets-coach-todd-bowles-mo-wilkerson-isn-distraction-article-1.2676651

Todd Bowles doesn’t believe Muhammad Wilkerson will be a distraction to the Jets.

Wilkerson, who has been slapped with the franchise tag and is upset about his lack of a long-term contract, vented his frustration in a published report on Thursday.

“You can ask any player in the league and you’re gonna have that they’re underpaid answer,” Bowles said. “It’s not a distraction, it’s just part of business. People get frustrated. People vent out. It’s no different than your kids. You get frustrated, you vent, you vent out, you move on.”

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Wilkerson, who is still hoping to work out a lucrative long-term deal with Gang Green, has not signed his franchise tag so he wasn’t fined for not participating in this week’s mandatory minicamp. Wilkerson was in the locker room Thursday, when minicamp finished, but didn’t talk to the media.

Bowles said he wasn’t irked by Jets’ defensive lineman speaking out over his annoyance with the negotiations.

“No it doesn’t bother me,” the head coach said. “I was 20-something once too. And I said a lot of things that I (wanted) said or didn’t want to say. But when you’re younger, you say things. But he says things that he means, so obviously he meant ’em.”

The coach also said he doesn’t expect the contract situation to affect Wilkerson’s attitude when he returns. Some of Wilkerson’s teammates are empathetic to the defensive end’s situation.

“As a player, you know you work hard for that moment, where you can have that security and stability and be rewarded,” Brandon Marshall said. “So absolutely, I feel his pain.”

Asked about Wilkerson potentially feeling unwanted, Sheldon Richardson said, “I can see where he comes from with that. A guy put in work like that (for five years) now. I can see that. I understand that.”

Wilkerson, who made his first Pro Bowl last year, has been a key player for the Jets, though he has yet to hit the free-agent market. He played four seasons under his rookie contract plus the fifth-year option and now has been franchised. He’s played in 77 games in his five years and compiled 36.5 sacks (including a career high 12 last year).

Wilkerson suffered a fractured fibula in the Jets’ Week 17 loss to the Bills, and Bowles said the defensive end would not have been able to participate in minicamp even if he had been under contract.

Wilkerson and the Jets have until July 15 to work out a long-term deal. If not, he’ll be forced to sign the tender and play under the $15.7 million franchise salary in 2016. If the deadline comes and goes without a new deal, the next question will be whether Wilkerson will wait to sign the tender as a form of protest and miss part of training camp. Next year, he could become a free agent or the Jets could franchise him again (for a 20% raise), though that is a rare move.

The 2011 first-round draft pick has long expressed his displeasure at the lack of a pay day. Nearly a year ago Wilkerson reported for minicamp, after skipping OTAs, but noted that he was “frustrated” with how the situation had played out. A year later, it’s no wonder he still feels the same way.

When the Jets drafted Leonard Williams with the No. 6 overall pick in 2015, it was a significant blow to Wilkerson’s leverage. Gang Green has an exceptional defensive line with Wilkerson, Richardson and Williams. Richardson noted that it was “not likely” that both he and Wilkerson could end up making deals with the Jets.

Eventually, players like Wilkerson and Richardson will get paid big bucks by someone, as other defensive linemen − such as the Eagles’ Fletcher Cox and Giants’ Olivier Vernon − have cashed.

“It’s a great day to be a defensive lineman in the NFL,” Richardson said.

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WALL STREET JOURNAL

At Jets Camp, the Fiercest Competition Is the Ping-Pong Tournament (Jim Chairusmi) Wall Street Journal June 16, 2016

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http://www.wsj.com/articles/at-jets-camp-the-fiercest-competition-is-the-ping-pong-tournament-1466112566?tesla=y

FLORHAM PARK, N.J.—Before practice earlier this week at the Jets’ training facility, receiver Brandon Marshall and running back Matt Forte pored over a sheet taped to the wall outside the locker room. It wasn’t a practice schedule or a diagram of plays. It was a bracket for the team’s annual ping-pong tournament.

As the Jets prepare for the coming 2016 season here in Florham Park, there’s no shortage of leisure activities to break up all the football. There are computers, a pop-shot basketball hoop and a pool table in the player’s lounge, to name a few. But none of them get the attention the ping-pong table gets.

“It’s starting to be something we do a lot around here,” cornerback Dexter McDougle said. “Guys love it.”

‘We got a bunch of alpha-males in this building. So no one wants to lose.’

—Brandon Marshall

Linebacker Trevor Reilly said ping-pong is a good way to bond with teammates and blow off steam when they’re not on the field. It also doesn’t hurt to organize a little non-contact competition in the locker room.

“We got a bunch of alpha-males in this building,” Marshall said. “So no one wants to lose.”

Reilly entered the 12-player tournament after Dave Szott, the team’s director of player development, asked who wanted to play. “I’m good at most things but I don’t play as much as these guys,” Reilly said. “I’m the type of guy who won’t play for a year but can go in and beat somebody.”

Reilly won his first-round match over receiver Chandler Worthy, but lost 21-18 to Marshall in the second round.

“I could have beat him. I had a lot of unforced errors,” Reilly said. “If I had warmed up before the game, I probably would have beaten him. I have more skill than he does.”

Defensive end Mike Catapano said he was at a disadvantage in his first-round match against rookie tight end Jason Vander Laan. “I had a rough start against a rookie that had been practicing a bit too much,” Catapano said. “I just came in cold. He’s been practicing all week. Then I came back after a huge deficit, but it was too little too late.”

Although success in ping-pong requires a good deal of hand-eye coordination, it doesn’t really help most football players with their day job, Reilly said. “Maybe for a kicker, it does,” Reilly said, “but it doesn’t help me.” Not surprisingly, he said kicker Nick Folk was one of the best table-tennis players on the team.

Asked about his skills, Folk said he was just “OK.” But his strategy seemed to make up for any deficiencies, leading him all the way to a semifinal showdown with receiver Eric Decker. “I find what people are good and bad at, and stay away from what they are good at and play to their weakness,” he said.

Folk said he hadn’t even signed up for the tournament. “Someone put me in,” he said, and guessed that it was Marshall. “Brandon didn’t want to play me, at least until the final. He had his ear into whoever made the seeds.”

Folk said punter Ryan Quigley, who left to sign with the Eagles as a free-agent in the off-season, was the king of the table last year. “Nobody could really beat Quigs,” Folk said. “But we’re trying to find a new [champ] now.”

On the other side of the bracket, Marshall beat Forte to advance to the final, but he didn’t have to face Folk, who had lost to Decker in the semis.

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“I didn’t have my A game,” Folk said. “Deck got me by a few. But Brandon can’t beat me so he’s happy that I lost,” Folk said.

Although he didn’t get to play Marshall in the tournament, Folk shared his strategy on why he usually beats the All-Pro receiver. “He can’t handle a slice shot of any kind. He just puts it into the net,” he said. “Just keep playing slice and you’ll win pretty easily.”

Decker went on to beat Marshall in the final on Wednesday, making him the team’s reigning ping-pong champion. “Brandon is very competitive but I dominated,” Decker said. “I’m the best.”

Asked about what happened in the final, Marshall just shook his head and said, “I don’t want to talk about ping-pong.”

But he’ll get another chance to vanquish Decker. The players said there will be a second tournament when the team gathers for training camp later this summer.

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THURSDAY’S SPORTS TRANSACTIONS

BASEBALL

Major League Baseball

OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF BASEBALL — Suspended Philadelphia RHP Alec Asher 80 games following a positive test for Dehydrochlormethyltestosterone, a performance-enhancing substance, in violation of Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

American League

HOUSTON ASTROS — Signed LHP Brett Adcock, OF Stephen Wrenn, RHP Nick Hernandez, LHP Ryan Hartman, RHP Dustin Hunt, OF Carmen Benedetti and INF Brody Westmoreland to minor league contracts.

KANSAS CITY ROYALS — Reinstated OF Brett Eibner from the 15-day DL. Optioned OF Reymond Fuentes to Omaha (PCL).

OAKLAND ATHLETICS — Agreed to terms RHP Skylar Szynski and OF Anthony Churlin to minor league contracts.

SEATTLE MARINERS — Signed OF Kyle Lewis, RHP Brandon Miller, RHP Matt Festa, 3B Nick Zammarelli, 3B David Greer, RHP Michael Koval, LHP Timothy Viehoff, OF Eric Filia, OF Austin Grebeck and LHP Elliot Surrey to minor league contracts and assigned them to Everett (NWL). Signed OF Jansiel Rivera, RHP Steven Ridings and 2B Joe Venturino to minor league contracts and assigned them to Peoria (Arizona).

National League

ATLANTA BRAVES — Recalled RHP Tyrell Jenkins from Triple-A Gwinnett (IL). Optioned RHP Casey Kelly to Gwinnett.

CINCINNATI REDS — Placed RHP A.J. Morris on the 15-day DL. Recalled RHP Dayan Diaz from Louisville (IL).

MILWAUKEE BREWERS — Signed 3B Lucas Erceg; C Payton Henry; 2B Trey York; C Nathan Rodriguez; LHP Cam Roegne; RHPs Corbin Burnes, Zack Brown, Thomas Jankins, Scott Serigstad, Andre Vernon, Matt Smith and Chase Williams and SS Nick Roscetti to minor league contracts.

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NEW YORK METS — Placed OF Juan Lagares on the 15-day DL, retroactive to June 15. Recalled INF-OF Ty Kelly from Las Vegas (PCL). Signed RHP Austin McGeorge, C Dan Rizzie, OF Jacob Zanon, INF Jay Jabs, RHP Adam Atkins, 2B Nicholas Sergakis and OF Jeremy Wolf to minor league contracts.

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS — Agreed to terms with OF Walker Robbins, 1B Stefan Trosclair, RHP Noel Gonzalez, RHP Keaton Siomkin, LHP Colton Thomson and LHP Ross Vance on minor league contracts.

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS — Agreed to terms with OFs Heath Quinn, Nicholas Hill and Chris Bono; LHPs Caleb Baragar, Conner Menez and Christopher Falwell; RHPs Dylan Myers, James Bazar, Brandon Van Horn, Justin Alleman, Lee Jacob Greenwalt, Patrick Ruotolo and John Timmins; SSs Ryan Howard and Michael Bernal; 1B Ryan Kirby and C Ryan Matranga on minor league contracts.

USA BASEBALL

USAB — Named Joe Torre general manager of Team USA for the 2017 World Baseball Classic.

American Association

FARGO-MOORHEAD REDHAWKS — Released RHP Charles Shirek.

KANSAS CITY T-BONES — Signed OF Dalton Wheat.

TEXAS AIRHOGS — Released LHP Cody Boutte.

WINNIPEG GOLDEYES — Signed RHP Kyle Lotzkar.

Atlantic League

LONG ISLAND DUCKS — Signed INF Carlos Hughes. Placed LHP Jack Snodgrass on the inactive list.

Can-Am League

OTTAWA CHAMPIONS — Signed RHP Nick Cunningham.

ROCKLAND BOULDERS — Signed INF Pat McKenna.

SUSSEX COUNTY MINERS — Released OF Michael Antonio.

Frontier League

FLORENCE FREEDOM — Signed RHP Jeremy Hutchinson.

LAKE ERIE CRUSHERS — Signed INF Eric Grabe

FOOTBALL

National Football League

CHICAGO BEARS — Signed TE Tony Moeaki and DL Marquis Jackson. Waived DL Kenton Adeyemi and LB Don Cherry.

CINCINNATI BENGALS — Waived LB Gionni Paul.

DETROIT LIONS — Signed TE Orson Charles. Waived DL James DeLoach.

GREEN BAY PACKERS — Promoted Jon-Eric Sullivan to director of college scouting. Named Charlie Peprah scouting assistant.

MIAMI DOLPHINS — Signed RB Kenyan Drake to a four-year contract. Waived QB Logan Thomas and DT Charles Tuaau.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS — Waived DT Bruce Gaston and LB Travis Lewis.

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NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS — Signed Jacoby Brissett.

HOCKEY

National Hockey League

ARIZONA COYOTES — Acquired the negotiating rights D Alex Goligoski from Dallas for a 2016 fifth-round draft pick.

CAROLINA HURRICANES — Signed G Cam Ward to a two-year contract extension through the 2017-18 season. Agreed to terms with C Derek Ryan on a one-year contract.

DETROIT RED WINGS — Signed C Riley Sheahan to a two-year contract extension and D Brian Lashoff to a one-year contract extension.

ST. LOUIS BLUES — Re-signed F Dmitrij Jaskin to a two-year contract.

American Hockey League

ROCKFORD ICEHOGS — Extended their NHL/AHL affiliation with Chicago (NHL) through the 2021-22 season.

ECHL

ELMIRA JACKALS — Announced coach and director of hockey operations Jamie Russell have agreed to part ways.

SOCCER

Major League Soccer

PHILADELPHIA UNION — Terminated the contract of M Vincent Nogueira.

COLLEGE

CHOWAN — Named Fernando Zuniga women’s assistant soccer coach, Chris Guerra assistant volleyball coach, and Kenya McBee women’s assistant basketball coach.

ETSU — Named Mike Starke director of basketball sport performance.

NORFOLK STATE — Announced it will vacate 97 victories and three conference championships and spend two years on probation after an NCAA investigation that found the school allowed 48 ineligible student-athletes to compete over a period of four academic years.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Named Matt Aguero men’s and women’s cross country and track & field coach.

PRESBYTERIAN — Named Courtney Anderson and Megan Buckland women’s assistant basketball coaches.

PROVIDENCE — Priscilla Edwards women’s associate head basketball coach, Tiara Johnson and Jessica Jenkins women’s assistant basketball coaches, Jennifer Nabrizny women’s coordinator of basketball operations and Kelcie Rombach associate director of player development for women’s basketball.

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