Jets Cut Law, Restructure Martin’s Deal
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HEMPSTEAD, N.Y.-The Jets slashed their payroll yesterday by restructuring Curtis Martin’s contract, parting with Pro Bowl cornerback Ty Law, and cutting a host of other veterans, including quarterback Jay Fiedler, offensive tackle Jason Fabini, and fullback Jerald Sowell.
The team is about $26 million over the salary cap and must be at or under the cap by March 3, the opening day of free agency.
The deal with the 32-year-old Martin, the NFL’s fourth-leading career rusher, was expected. He underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in December and finished the season with 730 yards rushing and a 3.3 average. He was trying to become the first player in history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in his first 11 years.
Martin, the NFL’s rushing champion in 2004, may be one of the few high-profile survivors in the a cap-forced purge by new coach Eric Mangini, although it is likely the Jets will draft a running back for the future in April.They are still negotiating with quarterback Chad Pennington, who twice in the last two years had rotator cuff surgery,in an attempt to reduce a cap number that could be as high as $12 million.
Also cut yesterday were three reserves: linebacker Barry Gardner, defensive tackle Lance Legree, and wide receiver Harry Williams Jr.
The Jets said Law, 32, and the team agreed to part ways – he would have been due $11 million to trigger the final three years of his contract, something the Jets couldn’t afford under the cap. The cornerback spent his first 10 seasons with New England and tied for the NFL lead with 10 interceptions last year.
“We were very fortunate to have a player of Ty’s caliber in 2005,”new general manager Mike Tannenbaum said. “Ty is a warrior and a class act and we appreciate his contributions this past season.”
Fiedler, who signed with the team last season, injured his shoulder seven plays after Pennington was hurt in the third game last season and did not play again.
Fabini started his first 114 games at offensive tackle until he tore a chest muscle November 18 and was lost for the season. Sowell played for nine seasons.
