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Defensive end Olivier Vernon signed with the Giants today. According to Albert Breer, the Jets made a run at the free agent.
Yes, the Giants beat out the Jags for Olivier Vernon. But another darkhorse emerged today -- the crosstown NY Jets. Simply got too pricey.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 9, 2016
When it comes to high end free agents, the desperate team usually wins. That is the team that will do what it takes to land a player. A year ago, the Jets were the desperate team when it came with cornerbacks and with good reason. Today the Giants were the desperate team. Final figures of Vernon's contract are not known for sure, but indications are the Giants paid quite a bit. The Jets could have used Vernon, but they do not have as big of a need.
The question is where the cap space might have come from had the Jets won in their bid. Would there have been a potential trade in the works involving another high priced defensive lineman?