Watch CBS News

Jets Solidify Offensive Line, Bring Back Guard Willie Colon

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) --  A week ago the right side of the Jets' offensive line was in disarray.

But that's not the case anymore.

The team announced Wednesday it had re-signed guard Willie Colon. Terms were not officially announced, but various reports said the seven-year veteran received $2 million for one year.

Bronx born and Hofstra University bred, Colon spent his first six seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers before jumping to the Jets last season. The 30-year-old guard was rock-steady on the field all season and became a spokesman of sorts in the locker room, defending the Jets in the face of criticism while launching verbal barrages on rival opponents.

Colon suffered a torn biceps in the regular season finale at Miami, but is expected to be ready to go for training camp.

"I'm happy to be home," he told reporters during a conference call. "I always wanted to be back with the Jets. It's unfortunate that I got hurt. There was a time when I didn't know if it was going to happen, especially with me getting hurt again, but it all worked out in my favor."

The move came at a good time for the Jets, who were being hammered by their fans and the media for their relative inactivity in free agency, despite being tens of millions of dollars under the salary cap. The signing also might be an indication of more activity to come as the Jets are rumored to be interested in bringing back cornerback Antonio Cromartie, will reportedly meet with veteran quarterback Michael Vick this weekend and have been mentioned as a possible destination for disgruntled Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson.

The re-addition of Colon should alleviate the pressure on new right tackle Breno Giacomini, who won a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks last season and then signed a reported four-year deal with the Jets. That move was necessitated by free agent Austin Howard's departure to the Oakland Raiders.

You May Also Be Interested In These Stories

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.