Monday, February 11, 2013
Jets to part with Po'uha?
By Tim Kavanagh
Though they've had some big whiffs at other positions in the draft and free agency recently, the New York Jets have done well in scouting collegiate defensive linemen the past two seasons: Muhammad Wilkerson is a stud, while Quinton Coples flashed some serious potential in 2012, and should take the next step in 2013. They do have some unresolved issues on the D-line, however, and one of them involves NT Sione Po'uha.
Specifically, Po'uha is 34 years old and has back issues. Furthermore, he's going to count $6.2 million against the Jets' salary cap in 2013, a number they can reduce by $3.8 million if they release him, per Rich Cimini ESPNNewYork.com. Here's the scribe's breakdown of the situation:
Rich Cimini
Positional analysis: defensive line"When healthy, he's the ideal anchor in the 3-4. He's also a positive locker-room presence. On the downside, he's 34 with a back issue -- although it appears he will avoid surgery. Because of the growth of spread offenses, requiring defenses to play in nickel, the nose-tackle position no longer is an every-down gig. The Jets must decide if it's cost-effective to keep Po'uha. They should make every effort to do so, because he still has value and they can't trust Kenrick Ellis."
