Thursday, July 8, 2004
Former WR gives Jets intriguing options
By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com
The New York Jets on Thursday signed unrestricted free agent tight end Mikhael Ricks, adding to the team's receiving arsenal a veteran who should provide an inside presence to the passing game, along with an occasional deep threat.
Contract details were not immediately available.
Ricks, 29, was released last month after two seasons in Detroit and after the Lions signed veteran free agent tight end Stephen Alexander. He had immediate marketability, as the Green Bay Packers and Washington Redskins joined the Jets in demonstrating interest. Ricks visited with New York officials about two weeks ago.
The six-year veteran gives the Jets, and quarterback Chad Pennington, an intriguing option. Because he is a former wide receiver, a player who didn't switch to tight end until 2001, Ricks runs excellent routes. By tight end standards, he has excellent speed and can split the safeties deep up the middle.
By utilizing Ricks in two-tight end formations with starter Anthony Becht, the Jets should be able to create advantageous matchups. Becht is certainly more a conventional tight end and a better in-line blocker. Ricks' career average of 12.5 yards per catch is indicative of his ability to make plays up the field.
A former Stephen F. Austin standout who entered the NFL as a second-round choice of the San Diego Chargers in 1998, Ricks was arguably among the best of the veterans who were still available in the free agent market. On paper, at least, his acquisition is a good one by the Jets heading into training camp.
Ricks will be joining his fourth team, having played previously with San Diego (1998-2000), Kansas City (2001) and Detroit (2002-2003). Despite starting just six games for the Lions in 2003, he had 37 catches for 434 yards and two touchdowns. It marked the third time in his career that Ricks posted 30-plus catches in a season.
For his career, Ricks has 155 receptions for 1,939 yards and eight touchdowns. He has appeared in 81 games and started 43 of them.
To create a roster spot, the Jets waived rookie tight end Michael Carter, who had been signed as an undrafted college free agent earlier this year.
Len Pasquarelli is a senior writer for ESPN.com
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