Jets Sign Pool, Will Host Tomlinson Friday

The Jets have signed free agent safety Brodney Pool, formerly of the Cleveland Browns. Pool will contend for the starting safety spot that was held priorly by Kerry Rhodes. What’s alarming, not only in a football sense but a health sense in general, is that it is being reported that Pool has suffered four concussions while his agent says he has suffered just one known concussion. The 25-year old safety and former Oklahoma Sooner was a second round pick by the Browns in 2005. From what has been written about Pool, he seems like a guy that will fit well with the Jets defense as long as health isn’t an issue and he can remain on the field. He signed a one-year deal worth $1.3 million.

LaDainian Tomlinson left Minnesota without a contract and will be visiting with the Jets on Friday. Tomlinson was reportedly “wowed” by the Vikings, but didn’t sign a contract. Interesting. Although I’m not in favor of the Jets signing Tomlinson, there are some benefits of signing him such as for his locker room presence, his pass-catching ability as a third-down back, and his ability to gain short yards (am I talking myself into liking an LT signing?). I would have liked the Jets to sign a younger running back that didn’t have as many miles on him, but if signing LT means the Jets can draft a different position with their first two picks other than a running back, I’d have to be in favor of it. I’d like for them to select a slot receiver in the second round rather than sign Laverneus Coles for the third time. If signing LT gives them that ability and flexibility, then I’m on board with the move. I don’t, however, see him being super-productive anymore, but as a third-down back, he may be able to get it done behind one of the NFL’s best offensive lines.

If LT were coming in to be the premiere back then I’d have a major problem with it. But as a running back to compliment Shonn Greene, it may be a good signing. The key is that strong offensive line. We’ll see if he decides the Jets are a good fit for him and what kind of money the Jets offer him.