For the Jets, the kiss of death apparently comes in the form of a public statement of support.
That’s not an uncommon phenomenon in sports, but it’s becoming increasingly common in New York.
The latest example? Right tackle Wayne Hunter. Last week, G.M. Mike Tannenbaum said he “expects” Hunter to return to the team as the starter in 2012. Now, Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News reports that the Jets have tried to trade Hunter.
Mehta says the Jets have talked to an unnamed NFC team about making a deal, but the discussions stalled. (Although trades can’t happen until March 13, teams can talk about possible transactions before the official opening of the new league year.)
Hunter may still be safe. As Mehta points out, the team doesn’t have much depth along the line. Also, there’s a chance Hunter’s play improves under new offensive coordinator Tony Sparano.
Even if Hunter stays, it’s further proof that the things said by NFL teams never can be taken at face value. Indeed, the Jets wouldn’t be sniffing around Peyton Manning if coach Rex Ryan was telling the truth when he said Mark Sanchez will be the starting quarterback for as long as Ryan is the head coach.
Manish talked in more detail about the Manning/Sanchez situation on Thursday’s PFT Live.