NY Jets Are Sniffing Around Willie McGinest’s Door?

by Xander Diaz on Jul 6, 2009 8:14 PM EDT Comment 2 comments

So much for this talk about Vernon Gholston getting a chance to strut his stuff during Calvin Pace’s suspension. Rumor mill has the New York Jets looking at former N.E. Patriot defensive staple, linebacker Willie McGinest.

Apparently, Vernon Gholston’s reported improvment at position under Rex Ryan, may be some what exagerated as the organization is rumored to be looking to add veteren linebacker to the roster so he can cover Calvin Pace’s 4 game suspension by the NFL.

Pace will be serving a 4 game suspension for violating the leagues banned substance policy. Pace will still play out the pre-season, his suspension is for the first 4 games of the regular season.

A vested veteran, McGinest would be entitled to receive his full salary as termination pay, if he’s on the opening-day roster and if he’s cut after Pace returns.

I said it before and I will say it again…is the clock ticking on Vernon Gholston’s career?

I admit that I am hoping the kid makes me eat every word and proves Rex to be everything they says he is...but I'm not holding my breath right now based on this news. It just doesn't say much about your skill and proficiency when the staff is talking about some old retired guy being a better option.

Here’s a look at Willie McGinest’s career highlights;

2× Pro Bowl selection (1995 & 2002)
Most Career Postseason Sacks (16)
3× Super Bowl champion (XXXVI, XXXVIII, & XXXIX)
Tackles – 582
Sacks – 86.0
INTs – 5

Xander Diaz is Editor-In-Chief at AFCBeast.com

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any other free agent targets at this point?

Im curious where the Jets stand in terms of salary cap. If we can afford to sign Willie McGinest (who i think would be a solid addition to the OLB mix for the 1st 4 games), can we afford to bring in other free agent help? We obviously have little to no depth at many positions, such as offensive and defensive line. Has anybody heard if Mike T is targeting anybody else this late into the offseason?

by joey d on Jul 6, 2009 11:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs