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Hostile
06-01-2004, 09:07 AM
According to somethign I read today, when the NFL offices close at 4:00 PM Eastern then teams can officially release players.

*****

Testaverde's long stay should be over today
NFL's salary-cap scenario could find QB, 40, ending up with Dallas or New England

BY KEN BERGER
STAFF WRITER

June 1, 2004


Vinny Testaverde's run with the Jets is expected to end today when the quarterback is released in a long-anticipated salary-cap move.

Testaverde, 40, is all but assured of being one of several high-profile names on the NFL's annual list of June 1 cuts. Teams can defer a substantial portion of salary-cap charges for players released after 4 p.m. today.

Other notable veterans expected to be released today include Rams quarterback Kurt Warner, who figures to land with the Giants; Broncos defensive tackle Daryl Gardener, who is headed to Cincinnati; Redskins linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, who could wind up with his former team, the Eagles; and Steelers linebacker Jason Gildon.

It's still possible that the Titans can reach an agreement with Eddie George that will keep the running back in Tennessee.

Testaverde, who led the Jets to the AFC title game in the 1998 season before injuries, age and the emergence of Chad Pennington ended his run as the starter, figures to quickly sign with the Cowboys and reunite with his former coach, Bill Parcells. Bill Belichick and the Patriots could make a late pitch for Testaverde's services, too.

By releasing Testaverde as early as 4:01 p.m. today, the Jets will save $1.25 million on this year's salary cap. Testaverde will count $3.5 million on the '04 cap instead of $4.75 million. Additionally, he will count $4 million in '05.

With first-round pick Jonathan Vilma apparently ready to take Sam Cowart's starting middle linebacker job, it would be tempting for the Jets to release Cowart and reap $2 million in cap savings. But it's not likely, considering the Jets paid Cowart a $1-million roster bonus in March - money that owner Woody Johnson could have used for his West Side stadium bid.

The Jets are expected to begin negotiations with Vilma, the 12th overall pick, in the next two weeks. The talks are expected to come down to the wire before players report for camp July 29, a person close to the linebacker said.

Today also is the deadline for the Jets to decide whether to retain the rights of defensive back Jamie Henderson, who is recovering from head injuries suffered in an April 3 motorcycle accident.

Doomsday101
06-01-2004, 09:10 AM
The release happened just like expected but I have yet to hear anything from Vinny or his agent about Vinny still wanting to play, whereas guys like Warner and some others who are expected to be released have been in the press quite a bit looking for greener pasters

Nors
06-01-2004, 09:25 AM
Has stated he's happy where he lives now.
Would rather retire than a major move.

The Pats might be the real player for his services, or the Giants.