Patriots - Jets Rivalry Kicks Up A Notch?
Sunday, August 07, 2011
Ok, as if things needed spicing up between two rivals...the Patriots - Jets match-up certainly just became more interesting.
According to ESPN's NFL Insider Adam Schefter, long time Jets defensive end Shaun Ellis has signed a one-year deal to play for New England. Schefter quotes his information is gained from a source within the league. The contract is pending completion of a physical exam, which is expected to take place Sunday.
The Patriots have been looking to upgrade their defensive line since training camp began, under the premise of utilizing more of a 4-3 defensive front than in previous seasons. And upgrading the pass rush has been a priority for a team that was at the bottom of the league in that category a year ago. In Ellis, the Patriots bring in an 11-year veteran who was the 12th overall pick by the Jets in the 2000 draft, and racked up 72 1/2 career sacks - which ranks him 3rd all time in Jets history (behind Joe Klecko and Mark Gastineau).
Ellis, an unrestricted free agent, was reportedly offered a one-year deal to stay in New York at the veteran minimum of $910,000, according to his agent.
Most important for New England, Ellis has been a reliable, if not spectacular player at times in New York. He's missed just six games since becoming a starter for the Jets in 2001. Ellis became expendable, perhaps, as the Jets drafted defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson from Temple in April, and he has been lining up with the Jets first-team defense since practices began.
Photo courtesy: NYJets.com
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