For those Jets fans fretting or bemoaning the loss of LaMont Jordan to the Raiders, let Jordan’s replacement, Derrick Blaylock, tell you what’s in store this coming season.
“They’ll see. Once they see me on the field and see what I can do, they’ll understand that they have a good thing in Derrick Blaylock,” Blaylock told The Post yesterday.
The Jets signed Blaylock to a five-year, $11.1 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $3.2 million, a nice chunk of change for a backup running back. Blaylock will be more than worth the investment if he can provide for Curtis Martin what Jordan did, which is a solid alternative in the running game.
Blaylock is accustomed to playing behind Pro Bowl-type runners, as he spent his first three NFL seasons in Kansas City watching, learning and getting the ball behind Priest Holmes. Now he gets to be Martin’s caddy and he can hardly wait.
“Oh man, it’s going to be great,” Blaylock said. “He’s a guy I have a tremendous respect for. In my eyes he is the most consistent running back in the game right now. I learned a lot from Priest and Tony Richardson, but I feel I can learn a lot from Curtis.”
The Texans and Buccaneers had interest in Blaylock, 25, and the Chiefs wanted him back. Last season was by far his best, as he had 539 yards and eight touchdowns for the Chiefs. He also caught 25 passes. The 5-9, 210-pound Blaylock was a 2001 fifth-round draft pick out of Stephen F. Austin with excellent speed.
“They promised to feature him in a way where I think he’s still going to get 10-15 carries and still have a significant role on the team,” said Blaylock’s agent, Michael Huyghue. “I think they think he’s a companion back.”
That’s exactly what Blaylock believes he is.
“Basically I’m going to be the guy to spell Curtis. We’re going to be like the ‘1-2 punch,” he said. “It’s gonna be very interesting. I feel great, I feel like it’s going to be a great upcoming season. I’m a fast back, can catch the ball out of the backfield and just being able to get out there and make guys miss and score on the big play.”
Blaylock had ties to the Jets, as GM Terry Bradway was in Kansas City when Blaylock arrived there and the Jets new running back coach, Dick Curl, was also with the Chiefs from 2000-2002.
The on-again, off-again trade for Laveranues Coles had more than a flicker of hope yesterday. The Jets and Redskins said they’re determined to complete the difficult deal.
COMINGS & GOINGS
A look at some of the dealings during day two of the free-agent signing period:
POS. PLAYER NEW TEAM OLD TEAM
LB Morlon Greenwood Dolphins Texans
DE Reggie Hayward Broncos Jaguars
DT Martin Chase Giants Jaguars
LT Jonas Jennings Bills 49ers
G Marco Rivera Packers Cowboys
DT Pat Williams Bills Vikings
LB Chris Claiborne Vikings Rams
G Mike Wahle Panthers Packers
CB Ken Lucas Panthers Seahawks
WR Seth Payne Re-Signed with Texans
WR Larry Ned Claimed by Vikings Waived by Cardinals
LB Rhett Nelson Claimed by Vikings Waived by Cardinals