Jets Reportedly Contacting Teams About Trading For A Tackle
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - Jets right tackle Wayne Hunter has been benched and Austin Howard is the starter for now.
That much we know.
But who will start at right tackle when the Jets host the Bills in Week 1 at MetLife Stadium?
That has yet to be set in stone.
The Jets confirmed on Thursday that they have no intention of trading Hunter. And head coach Rex Ryan said that he doesn't believe that making an acquisition to fill the spot is the answer.
"Right now, I'm thinking that we're going to be OK," Ryan said on Thursday. "I don't know exactly what's out there. We don't know who's going to be cut from other teams. I don't believe you're going to find somebody right now that can be a starting right tackle ahead of who we have."
The Jets may still not be willing to part with Hunter, but general manager Mike Tannenbaum and his staff may be on the lookout for help outside the organization.
The Jets have contacted teams to inquire about trading for a tackle, the New York Daily News reported on Friday.
Howard, a third-year player who was previously cut by both the Philadelphia Eagles and the Baltimore Ravens, is currently starting on a trial basis.
"I view it as an opportunity," Howard told the newspaper. "I view it as something that I have to take advantage of."
When Hunter received the unfortunate news from Ryan, he admitted that it was likely just a matter of time.
"I wasn't surprised," Hunter told reporters. "The whole New York City knows that I've been struggling for the last year, and the last game (I) didn't do much better. I was waiting for it, to be honest with you. I knew I was struggling. I knew everything was kind of going south for me."
Hunter has been with the Jets since 2007, and signed a four-year, $15 million contract extension with New York in 2011.
Jets fans, have any realistic trade ideas that you think would make sense for Tannenbaum and staff? Share your proposals in the comments section below...
