Dearth Saddened by Jets Letting Him Go

by John B on Jun 5, 2010 8:56 PM EDT

James Dearth is disappointed he has probably played his last game in a Jets uniform.

Unemployed and unwanted after nine seasons with the Jets, the free-agent long snapper recently put his house in New Jersey up for sale and his playing career on hold. While the team prepares for what it hopes will be a Super Bowl run, the 34-year-old Dearth is suddenly an ex-Jet. Signed as a free agent in 2001, Dearth was the second-longest-tenured member of the team behind Shaun Ellis. But the Jets have decided to go younger at several positions, including Dearth's, and signed unproven Tanner Purdum in February. "Yeah, it does hurt, actually, because that's all I've known for the past nine years," Dearth said.

It's sad to see Dearth go. A lot of people never heard of him, let alone knew he was the second longest tenured Jet behind Shaun Ellis.

Even so I understand why the Jets want to go in a different direction. Suspect snaps on field goals played a key role in two losses last season.

Expect Florio to write an article using this as further "proof" the Jets don't take care of their own in the next day or two.

Tweet Comment 3 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Good move by the Jets...

…big difference in “not taking care of your own” and “getting rid of a long tenured player for the betterment of the team.”

This is definitely a case of the latter.

Pats Pulpit

by Richard Hill on Jun 5, 2010 9:55 PM EDT reply actions

If they don’t feel satisfied, they have every right to cut him unless they’re clearly being unreasonable.
The long snapper has exactly one thing to do (ok, two with blocking). If he doesn’t do it right, his job is in danger.
Good luck to you, James.

"Verde que te quiero verde..."
Το πράσινο είναι ζωή!
That's right, I bleed green multiculturally
"if you shut someone down with class, it's more effective" - Udalango

by Rabbit T on Jun 5, 2010 11:46 PM EDT reply actions