JETS, PENNINGTON RE-WORK DEAL
Chad Pennington agreed to restructure his contract with the New York Jets, keeping him with Gang Green for a guaranteed $3 million in 2006. His original deal called for him to make $9 million next season, leading to speculation that Pennington would be cut. The $6 million difference can be made up through incentives as the quarterback looks to bounce back from two serious shoulder operations.
It’s a good compromise for both sides. The Jets were never going to pay $9 million due to the salary cap implications and concerns about Pennington’s health. The Jets offered $1 million last month, which the former Marshall star turned down. But the sides met in the middle, with the team saving a boatload of guaranteed money and the player getting the chance to win it back. It also gives him the best chance to start.
“If the Jets didn’t think I could be the starting quarterback, I don’t think they would be interested in signing me at all. I thought coming back to New York would give me the best chance to be a starter in this league. If I went to a team that already had a starter, then I’d have to be a backup. I want to be on the field,” Pennington told the New York Times.
If he is, he is a respectable fantasy play in any league. But be wary of his injury history and don’t put too much stock in him early in your draft.
