Jets to Release Testaverde, Would He Be An Ideal Back-up for McCown?

[KingLouieLouie]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_y...A--?slug=ap-jets-testaverde&prov=ap&type=lgns

NEW YORK (AP) -- Quarterback Vinny Testaverde will be cut by the New York Jets, the Daily News reported Thursday.

The 40-year-old veteran will be released after June 1 to lessen the salary cap hit the team takes, but the announcement could come as soon as Friday, the newspaper reported, citing an unidentified NFL source.

New York is grooming second-year quarterback Brooks Bollinger as a backup to Chad Pennington. Testaverde, who has played 17 NFL seasons and was the No. 1 overall draft pick in 1987, doesn't want to be a third-stringer, but has indicated he still wants to play.


With Testaverde due to make $1 million this season, he is not an expensive player. But if the Jets cut him before June 1, they would take a $7.5 million salary cap hit because of the remaining prorated portion of his signing bonus.

However, cutting him on June 1 would allow the Jets to delay $4 million toward the cap to 2005.

Either way, the Daily News said Testaverde's six-year stint with the Jets is over.

Testaverde lost his starting job to Pennington early in the 2002 season, and Pennington led the Jets from a 2-5 start into the playoffs. When Pennington broke his wrist last summer, Testaverde took over and went 2-5 as a starter before Pennington returned.

In 1998, Testaverde was a Pro Bowler and guided the Jets to the AFC title game. But he tore his Achilles' tendon in the first game of the next season.

In 2001, the first year under coach Herman Edwards, Testaverde led the Jets to a 10-6 record and a wild-card playoff berth.

 

[Pariah]

Maybe? I dunno. I'd want to check him out pretty thouroughly. Kick the tires a bit and see if he'd be able to hold up through 60 minutes of football.

 

[azdad1978]

Originally posted by KingLouieLouie
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_y...A--?slug=ap-jets-testaverde&prov=ap&type=lgns

As a backup yes sign him but he's no longer a starter like he thinks he is.

 

[Mrospi]

Looking like Jay Fielder will be looking for a job soon too... I like him better as a back-up than Vinny

 

[40yearfan]

If he'd accept the back-up roll and not be too expensive, he might be a good pick-up. He certainly has the experience and knows what it takes to win.

 

[Cardinal Bob]

I think he's like 113 yrs old. Can players even use wheelchairs in the NFL?

 

[TRW]

Heck NO!!!!!! He's been washed up for a few years now. As a coach, maybe, but NEVER, EVER, EVER as a player.


Was I too vague on my opinion?

 

[CardLogic]

I have never been a fan of Testaverde, but he could probably do a decent job of holding a clipboard.

If available, Fiedler would be a better choice.

My guess is that the 2G's will be in no big hurry to determine the #2 guy.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

Cool!

If it is not too expensive we should definately pick up Testaverde. I think the guy has some gas left in the tank, and would be the vetran back-up we are looking for.

BUT

I would rather get Feidler who I think is a good quaterback, and does nothing but win football games.

Peace

 

[seesred]

No and no,, Vinny has seen his day. If we are getting a vet QB to back up MCcown then a tad younger guy. If we are getting a vet to back up Parsons, then maybe a Vinny type guy that just wont play at all, but work with our kids. Most good vets like Garcia want way to much money. Have to look hard to come up with someone who knows he is not going to take the job, but plays scout teams and assists coaches on game day.

Vinny T needs go home and rest until ESPN calls and gives him a chair to tell all of us junkies what he thinks..
GBR

 

[Jetstream Green]

Hell no

If you have seen the guy when he filled in the last couple of years for the Jets, you would agree. He would be like signing... Dave Brown... ughhh! Just say no. Vinny was once good in the Niel O'Donnel mold as a quality back-up but his years are clearly passed.

 

[KingLouieLouie]

I think acquiring someone like Testaverde is a lot more sensible than drafting a QB at any time in the draft.....

The fact is, if McCown indeed proves himself in the long-run as a more than adequate NFL QB, but the Cardinals squandered the
#3 over-all pick on either Eli or Ben (which they would have
wasted a 5 yr, $35-$40 mil contract on) that would defeat the purpose of having such a high draft choice and the pick/money could have been invested in other areas that there are far more glaring needs at...IE DL or DB......

Probably it would be too impulsive for the Cardinals to sign specifically Testaverde since better QBs may be available between now and the start of training camp (especially around
6/1).....

In regards to Testaverde, I echo what most have said..... Would he be willing to accept a "bargain basement" contract fully knowing that he wouldnt be 1st string? I honestly dont think he would, but eventually be forced to.....

 

[Savage58]

Originally posted by KingLouieLouie
I think acquiring someone like Testaverde is a lot more sensible than drafting a QB at any time in the draft.....

The fact is, if McCown indeed proves himself in the long-run as a more than adequate NFL QB, but the Cardinals squandered the
#3 over-all pick on either Eli or Ben (which they would have
wasted a 5 yr, $35-$40 mil contract on) that would defeat the purpose of having such a high draft choice and the pick/money could have been invested in other areas that there are far more glaring needs at...IE DL or DB......

Probably it would be too impulsive for the Cardinals to sign specifically Testaverde since better QBs may be available between now and the start of training camp (especially around
6/1).....

In regards to Testaverde, I echo what most have said..... Would he be willing to accept a "bargain basement" contract fully knowing that he wouldnt be 1st string? I honestly dont think he would, but eventually be forced to.....

I think Vinny would rather retire than come to Arizona to play third string behind McCown and Parsons. But that's just IMO.

 

[kerouac9]

Vinne won't be available until after June 1. I sincerely doubt that we will (or can) wait that long to acquire or develop a second-stringer. He'll miss mini-camps, meetings, etc.

That would be a bad idea.

 

[ds512az]

To put it simply.... NO NO NO!!!!!

 

[CardsFan88]

If we go the veteran free agent route instead of the draft a qb scenario (where if we draft one manning), I wouldn't mind a guy like vinny.

I'm not saying I want him, but he would fit the mold of the offense somewhat.

What I mean by that is Josh is a strong armed qb, if he went down, you would want to minimize adjustments. DG runs an offense that is downfield and is run best by strong armed qb's like jeff george, randall cunningham, and culpepper

Further, if you go from a strong armed qb, to a weak-middle armed guy you wouldn't be able to run the same downfield plays. So the stuff you practiced and worked on kind of goes out the window and you have to focus more on mid range routes

On that note, timing issues besides being in synch with the receivers also is predicated on arm strength as well.

Conclusion: Vinny might not be the right guy as a backup, but his strong arm makes him a possibility in my book. I can't recall who is out there fa wise that has a strong arm, but vinny still has a strong arm, much more than fiedler. I guess possibly the dreaded BHI ICH

I also want to see more of what parsons can do.

 

[KingLouieLouie]

Originally posted by Mrospi
Looking like Jay Fielder will be looking for a job soon too... I like him better as a back-up than Vinny

Wouldnt Jay Fielder be too expensive also for a 2nd stringer? That's the main concern I have w/him and he doesnt fit the mold of a proven veteran that would be willing to help in mentoring both Josh and Preston....I just dont think he would be content with that role either....

A reason why Testaverde is somewhat favorable because he would be just a short-term low risk if he's willing to sign at a minimal contract, which I dont know is very likely.....

 

[KingLouieLouie]

Originally posted by kerouac9
Vinne won't be available until after June 1. I sincerely doubt that we will (or can) wait that long to acquire or develop a second-stringer. He'll miss mini-camps, meetings, etc.

That would be a bad idea.

Yeah, I agree....Just don't want the Cardinals to be too impulsive and settle for Testaverde out of desperation to fill the #2 QB spot.... The draft will be the first thing to dictate what 2nd waive of FAs will become available...

Cant wait for next wk....Let "the games" begin......

 

[Stout]

Originally posted by KingLouieLouie
I think acquiring someone like Testaverde is a lot more sensible than drafting a QB at any time in the draft.....

The fact is, if McCown indeed proves himself in the long-run as a more than adequate NFL QB, but the Cardinals squandered the
#3 over-all pick on either Eli or Ben (which they would have
wasted a 5 yr, $35-$40 mil contract on) that would defeat the purpose of having such a high draft choice and the pick/money could have been invested in other areas that there are far more glaring needs at...IE DL or DB......

Probably it would be too impulsive for the Cardinals to sign specifically Testaverde since better QBs may be available between now and the start of training camp (especially around
6/1).....

In regards to Testaverde, I echo what most have said..... Would he be willing to accept a "bargain basement" contract fully knowing that he wouldnt be 1st string? I honestly dont think he would, but eventually be forced to.....

All well and good...for those convinced McCown is unquestionably, without a doubt, the answer. I'm not convinced he's not, but neither am I anywhere near close to assuming he is.

Also, you shouldn't even come close to thinking having two quality QBs like that is a waste. Such an opinion is faulty, at the least. At worst, we'll have a quality backup in case McCown gets hurt and, with his style of play, it's more than possible-you get #1 draft picks or more in exchange for them. Also, McCown's salary is very low for a starter, giving us even greater flexibility. If they both turn out really good, it won't be nearly as tough as you paint it to be...in fact, it'd be quite a good position to be in.

 

[DevonCardsFan]

I say No to Vinny!!! Dude is ancient.

 

[Brian in Mesa]

(apologies to CC)

 

[KingLouieLouie]

Testaverde ponders retirement

Well...it appears this entire thread may very well be moot
afterall.....

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_y...A--?slug=ap-jets-testaverde&prov=ap&type=lgns

Testaverde ponders retirement

February 26, 2004
NEW YORK (AP) -- Jets quarterback Vinny Testaverde is considering retirement.

In a statement released through the team Thursday, Testaverde said he told coach Herman Edwards and general manager Terry Bradway that he will not participate in offseason workouts with the Jets.

``In an effort to figure out what is best for my family, myself and the New York Jets ... I will not be participating in the offseason program,'' Testaverde said. ``I am considering, unless something changes, bringing an end to my professional playing career.''


The Daily News reported Thursday that the 40-year-old veteran would be released after June 1 to lessen the salary cap hit the team takes, citing an unidentified NFL source.

The Jets did not say whether they were releasing Testaverde, a Heisman Trophy winner who has played 17 NFL seasons and was the No. 1 overall draft pick in 1987 by Tampa Bay. Edwards praised the quarterback for his contributions to the organization.

``At this point of his career, we recognize his desire to re-evaluate his future,'' Edwards said. ``Vinny is a consummate professional who represents the New York Jets and the NFL in a first class manner.

``His overall contributions to the game are a testament to his dedication, hard work and perseverance, and we support any decision he decides to make.''

The Jets are grooming second-year quarterback Brooks Bollinger as a backup to Chad Pennington. Testaverde said last season he still wanted to play -- but would not become a third-stringer.

``I'd rather retire than do something that I wouldn't enjoy doing, because I'm not doing it for the money anymore,'' Testaverde said last December. ``I'm at a different stage than I was six years ago.''

With Testaverde due to make $1 million this season, he is not an expensive player.

But if the Jets cut him before June 1, they would take a $7.5 million salary cap hit because of the remaining prorated portion of his signing bonus.

However, cutting him June 1 would allow the Jets to delay $4 million toward the cap to 2005.

Testaverde lost his starting job to Pennington early in the 2002 season, and Pennington led the Jets from a 2-5 start into the playoffs. When Pennington broke his wrist last summer, Testaverde took over and went 2-5 as a starter before Pennington returned.

In 1998, Testaverde made the Pro Bowl and guided the Jets to the AFC title game. But he tore his Achilles' tendon in the first game of the next season.

In 2001, the first year under Edwards, Testaverde led the Jets to a 10-6 record and a wild-card playoff berth. Last season, Testaverde became the ninth quarterback in NFL history to pass for over 40,000 yards.

``In discussions with the Jets' organization, they have been very positive and supportive of me,'' Testaverde said. ``I really appreciate the opportunity to have come back to New York, my home, and have enjoyed being part of some of the most successful and exciting years the Jets have had.''

 

[KingLouieLouie]

Originally posted by Stout
All well and good...for those convinced McCown is unquestionably, without a doubt, the answer. I'm not convinced he's not, but neither am I anywhere near close to assuming he is.

Also, you shouldn't even come close to thinking having two quality QBs like that is a waste. Such an opinion is faulty, at the least. At worst, we'll have a quality backup in case McCown gets hurt and, with his style of play, it's more than possible-you get #1 draft picks or more in exchange for them. Also, McCown's salary is very low for a starter, giving us even greater flexibility. If they both turn out really good, it won't be nearly as tough as you paint it to be...in fact, it'd be quite a good position to be in.

I know we've discussed our philosophies on the QB situation before and both have brought up our agreements/disagreements in a rational manner.....

My angle is that McCown hasn't really had a chance to fully prove himself and I believe that the best solution for now is to sign a "stop-gap" QB in the interim (at least for a 1-yr deal) to serve as McCown's back-up....If McCown doesnt succeed in that role, then the questions I've posed on here a couple of times immediately applies....

What are the top QBs that will be available in the '05 draft and who will '05's FA crop of QBs be of better quality than of this years?


I just don't want to invest into some long-term while they may already have someone who can quite possibly guide them into the Super Bowl w/in the next couple years.... I fault McGinnis for not playing McCown towards the end of the '02 season and also for not benching Blake in favor of him a lot sooner this past season......

When does McCown's contract expire? If next year, then he might demand/warrant a 4-yr, $20 mil contract contingent on how he does in '04....If they already have another QB signed to a long-term and McCown proves himself worthy, then they've essentially squandered a tremendous amount of money for nothing......

People say that competition for McCown wouldnt necessarily affect him (it could actually improve his play), but I feel that if theydraft or sign a highly-profiled QB before the start of this season, that would cause a QB controversy and perhaps knock McCown off-track.....

Do I feel McCown merits the starting role based on the playing time he received last season? Not necessarily.....But do I feel he deserves a chance to start in '04 and prove himself capable?
Absolutely......If he fails, then in the "big-picture", there are still other options....

 

[Stout]

Originally posted by KingLouieLouie
What are the top QBs that will be available in the '05 draft and who will '05's FA crop of QBs be of better quality than of this years?

For the most part, though I disagree with you, you present a reasonable argument. Except for the above. In theory, it's nice to say, 'well, if McCown doesn't pan out, there's always 2005 to get a franchise QB'. In reality, this is backward thinking that would cost us several years of futility at the least, should McCown fail.

First, you'd have to hope to finish with a horrendous enough record, and hope there are enough blue chip QBs entering the draft, to even be in the possible position to select one of those guys next year.

Second, instead of having a few good young QBs to bank upon, (sorry, but Parsons has shown nothing to indicate he's possibly a franchise QB) you have nothing, should McCown fail. If he succeeds, great, you have traid bait and two good QBs. If he fails, there is no bridge before a new kid comes in.

It's not often a team will be in a position to draft a franchise QB, and it's even less common 2 years in a row. We had a shot at Lefty, and damn well should have taken him. If we get the chance this time and pass up, and McCown doesn't pan out the way we hoped, this team will be set back, at the very least several years.

You may want to place all your chips on McCown right now, although it sounds as if you're not entirely sold. I do not, and I'd love to have Ben or Eli here to groom.

 

[KingLouieLouie]

Originally posted by Stout
It's not often a team will be in a position to draft a franchise QB, and it's even less common 2 years in a row. We had a shot at Lefty, and damn well should have taken him. If we get the chance this time and pass up, and McCown doesn't pan out the way we hoped, this team will be set back, at the very least several years.

I think that's primarily where I tend to differ with you and mostly everyone else on the QB debate, which is "franchise" QB....

What qualifies/quantifies a "franchise" QB? Does Eli's (yeah, I know those discussions in which Ive reiterated constantly that him being a Manning doesnt automatically make him HOF calibre) or Ben's success at the college level guarantees that they'll replicate that in the NFL.......

Is possible that having an "adequate" QB (ala Tom Brady) can lead them into the "promise land"? I'm not comparing McCown to Brady or anyone by any means, but I'm getting at that if he is surrounded with probowl type players at the skilled positions (he does have Boldin and Jones and I hope they add another WR and a cpl OL via the FA route), and with coaches such as Green and Kruczek mentoring him, he should be destined for positive results.. Sure, it's based on a lot of hypotheticals and "what-ifs", which is typical around this type of year and makes this type of speculation quite enjoyable....

The Cardinals dont have to finish with horrible record in '04 to still draft "blue chip" or decent QB if in fact McCown doesn't "pan out"....If the '05 talent pool of QBs is deeper than just the 2-4 above-average QBs coming out this Apr, then there might be one available from the 15th-20th pick in '05......

Free-agency is another issue for '05....If anyone knows the contract status of QBs (whose contracts expire at the end of '04) please feel free to add to this discussion.....

If they get just one "stop gap" veteran QB to serve as McCown's back-up, its more of a calculated risk than anything.... I'm not anointing Parsons as 2nd string because unfortunately McGinnis and Co. should have given him at least one start last season, but that's insignificant now.....

As I have said before.....If you want to use the word "franchise", it's best when it applies to the headcoach, and they definitely have a "franchise" headcoach in Denny Green.....