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Wadsworth

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (AP) -- The New York Jets signed defensive end Andre Wadsworth, out of football since 2000, to a contract Tuesday.

The 32-year-old Wadsworth, the No. 3 overall pick by Arizona in the 1998 draft, hasn't played in the NFL in six seasons after undergoing multiple knee operations. His rookie year was his only full season, and he was then hampered by the knee problems. Wadsworth had three operations on his right knee and one on the left when the Cardinals opted to not pick up the last three years of his six-year, $42.143 million contract when they released him in 2001.

Because of the health issues, Wadsworth appeared in just 36 games in three seasons, starting 30. The former Florida State standout has 119 tackles, eight sacks, three fumble recoveries and one interception in his career.

Wadsworth walked on to the Seminoles and developed into what was thought to be a can't-miss NFL prospect when he was drafted after quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Ryan Leaf.

He was expected to join a Cardinals defensive line that featured three first-round selections: Wadsworth, tackle Eric Swann (1991) and end Simeon Rice (1996). But Swann also had knee problems, and Rice and tackle Mark Smith were considered malcontents. As a result, the four never took the field at the same time.

just makes no sense to sign this guy..

Just what I thought when I read it.

only things I can think of:

1. Maybe Mangini knows something we don't
2. Perhaps Mangini isn't asking much of the guy, e.g. he doesn't have to penetrate, just hold the ground. That will save the knees a bit.
3. It costs the Jets nothing to bring him in and go through offseason workouts and OTA's and training camp. His spot will be a bottom of the roster spot until he proves otherwise.
4. If he isn't holding his own and maybe a bit more, he will likely get cut to make room for an UDFA by August.

Considering that it's Win-Win for the J-E-T-S, I can't fault them for giving the guy a look. Afterall, rosters can have up to 80 players on them until the first cutdown, so why not?

Prp has a point...I mean he had some talent at some time

I mean why not...probably signed next to nothing...If he helps them beat the Patriots I am all for it

Maybe there waterboy underwent off-season shoulder surgery and might not be back for the beginning of training camp....

My guess?

The guy is wanting to recapture his "Glory Days" and happens to be friends with someone with a token or two to cash with the front office there. Basically, a favor is called in as "Hey, just gimme a chance" and it gets passed to the FO as "Hey, could ya do this for me? The guy is a friend, and he just wants a shot at it one more time... it won't cost us anything is he doesn't make it". Next thing ya know, KFFL is reporting a league minimum signing with no signing bonus

THATS IT, I am coming out of retirement

What? The Arena Fartball League needs a new player!?!?!

*Looking around for my leather helmet*

Hey I hope the guy makes it. It makes a good underdog story.

Kinda wondered the same thing Merth,. I mean it's not like the guy was suspended or anything.. he had injury issues.. before those, he seemed to be on track for a pretty productive career..

If he can play, Mangini will look like a hero,, if he can't, no substantial loss..

Which by the way is why, after thinking about it for a while, I have no problem at all if the Browns brought Courtney Brown back into the fold.. League minimum,, if he can be productive,, cool,, if not.. Hey, no real problem and hardly any loss at all..

Again, CB was a great guy,, not a problem child... just injured all the time.. so no harm no foul..

I completely agree
If CB is to ever be healthy and play in this league, I think it would be sweet, poetic redemption for him to do it here.

We're due for some positive luck

oh, it's completely unlikely almost to the point of becoming an imposibility... but still wouldn't be a bad thing to do if we could do it.

But, those feet and knees just might not have it in them anymore.