Cleveland's Offer to Elam Matched

The Jets have matched Cleveland's offer on restricted free agent Abram Elam, meaning Elam will return for a third season as a Jet.

Elam was an unrestricted free agent who started nine games last season, his second with the Jets. Browns coach Eric Mangini already has signed four of his former Jets players, and Cleveland signed Elam to an offer sheet last week, reportedly for one year and $1.5 million, that New York matched Tuesday.

Elam's cover skills leave something to be desired from a starter, but he does enough well in run support and as a blitzer to warrant a roster spot for depth. His skill set in addition to a knack for producing impact plays should have a home in Rex Ryan's attack defense and made him worth keeping at a low price.