Chris Ivory soon may be off and running to another team.
The Jets’ free agent, the 2015 AFC rushing champion, has received a lot of attention on the open market. But as teams prepare for the official start of free agency at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Ivory’s asking price appears far too steep for many of them. Especially the Jets, who with less than $7 million in salary-cap space likely will be priced out of the Ivory sweepstakes.
According to a league source, Ivory is seeking a minimum three-year deal that pays roughly $6.5 million annually. That may seem like a lot for someone who signed a three-year, $6-million deal in 2013. But Ivory’s punishing style and hard-to-tackle frame make him an attractive option for teams looking to inject toughness into their running game.
At least seven teams, including the Texans, Raiders and Bucs, reportedly expressed interest in Ivory this week during the NFL’s legal tampering period. Ivory, who turns 28 this month, ran for 1,070 yards (fifth in the league), averaging 4.3 yards per carry with seven touchdowns. He also improved his pass-catching, with 30 receptions for 217 yards and a TD.
Houston released four-time Pro Bowl selection Arian Foster last week, and fellow running back Jonathan Grimes, his former Texans teammate, is expected to explore free agency, according to his agent. Oakland would like to pair a back with Latavius Murray, and Tampa Bay is devising a contingency plan in case its lead back, Doug Martin, walks. Like Ivory, Martin and Dolphins running back Lamar Miller are eager to cash in.
Jets eye Pacman, Prince. According to ProFootballTalk.com, the Jets are among several teams that have expressed interest in Adam “Pacman” Jones.
He was rated the 15th-best cornerback by ProFootballFocus.com last season, when he had three interceptions and 12 passes defensed. But his biggest issue is Jones’ behavior on and off the field. He has had repeated run-ins with the law and was suspended for the entire 2007 season and part of 2008. He also helped the Bengals self-destruct in a wild-card game against the Steelers with a last-minute personal foul.
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The Jets also have shown interest in Giants free-agent cornerback Prince Amukamara, according to Fox Sports 1. Amukamara had one interception and 10 passes defensed.
But it’s unclear if the Jets will be able to snag Jones or Amukamara, given their cap situation. After parting with Antonio Cromartie, Todd Bowles now can choose from among Buster Skrine, Marcus Williams and Dee Milliner as the cornerback starting opposite Darrelle Revis.
- Newsday