Newsday: Jets QB Pennington sets deadline for a new deal

[TC4]

Looks like things could heat up with Jets QB Chad Pennington as far as his new contract goes:

http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/ny-spjets243905678jul24,0,6469852.story?coll=ny-sports-print

Pennington sets deadline for a new deal

Jets' QB, in final year of his contract, says negotiations will be put on hold if no agreement by the end of August

BY KEN BERGER

STAFF WRITER

July 24, 2004

Chad Pennington and the Jets have agreed to continue negotiations on his contract extension through the end of August, but then will break off talks until after the 2004 season if no agreement is reached.

"I have made it clear that once the month of August is over, negotiations will stop if nothing has been reached," Pennington said yesterday.

Pennington's agent, Tom Condon, met in person with Jets officials before the April draft, Pennington said. Since then, he said, "there wasn't too much discussion."

Pennington is entering the final year of the five- year contract he signed as a rookie in 2000. If the Jets don't sign him to an extension before the end of August, they will be in the same position next offseason that the Colts faced with quarterback Peyton Manning, who played last season on the final year of his deal.

Rather than apply the franchise tag to Manning in the offseason, which would have given him a salary of $18 million for 2004, the Colts signed Manning to a seven- year deal worth $98 million, including a $34.5-million signing bonus.

Pennington and Manning are represented by the same agent, Condon, who also represents Manning's brother, Giants quarterback Eli Manning.

"I'm taking Peyton's approach as far as just totally shutting things down when the season starts and being able to concentrate on getting my team to the Super Bowl," Pennington said.

It seems to make sense for both sides to proceed cautiously with Pennington's deal.

With the Jets at a critical juncture in the Herman Edwards-Terry Bradway era, waiting until next offseason would give Pennington more assurances about the direction of the organization. From the Jets' standpoint, they are eager to see Pennington perform as the starting quarterback for a full 16-game schedule for the first time.

Pennington also said he will no longer discuss his contract situation with reporters after Thursday, when the team reports for training camp.

"Next Thursday will be the last time I discuss it," Pennington said. "That's what I told Tom: Once I start [training camp], there is no conversation between he and I. I have to trust him. I can only control what I do on the field and let the organization take care of the rest. I feel comfortable with where I am. I love being a Jet. I love being in New York. I look forward to the '04 season without any reservations about '05."

:jetssuck: :jetssuck:

[Fred Jones]

I think this situation is going to get sticky. Pennington is not worth Peyton money. I believe he still needs to prove himself some more to earn the big QB money. He needs to play the whole season plus a playoff appearance or two to be considered for the big money.

Pennington is a good QB and the best the Jets have. Hopefully, he won't pull a Manning and make it all about the money and make it impossible for the Jets to keep all their good players.

[jimster]

Pennington seems like a smart guy and has skills - but yes, he's definately no Peyton Manning.

I'm surprised, especially after last year that they don't have a good back-up in place. Currently its Brooks Bollinger?

right now the Bucs have on roster

Brad Johnson

Chris Simms

Brian Griese

Jim Miller

Jason Garret

and some rookie - the first 2 will no doubt be on the team - they could pick from whoever gets cut.

[OrangeSkin]

Interesting situation, as Herm Edwards is very much on the hotseat...Another subpar year, and he's out the door. I wonder how that will play into the negotiations.