Jets, QB Tuiasosopo reach an agreement
Veteran to compete for backup job
Thursday, March 22, 2007
BY DAVE HUTCHINSON
Star-Ledger Staff
The Jets have reached an agreement in principle with unrestricted free-agent quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo and a deal could be in place by the end of the week, according to someone with knowledge of the discussions.
The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the talks.
Tuiasosopo, who has played all six of his seasons with the Oakland Raiders, visited the Jets at the start of free agency this month. He also visited the Panthers and Browns.
The Jets, who released Patrick Ramsey earlier this month, were looking for a quarterback with NFL experience to challenge second-year pro Kellen Clemens for the backup job to starter Chad Pennington. Tim Rattay (Tampa Bay) and Anthony Wright (Bengals) were among those on the Jets' short list.
Tuiasosopo, who turns 28 today, was a second-round pick of the Raiders in 2001 out of the University of Washington. He has only two career starts, including a start against the Jets on Dec. 11, 2005. He completed 14 of 28 passes for 124 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions in a 26-10 loss at Giants Stadium.
Overall, Tuiasosopo, 6-1, 220 pounds, has completed 48 of 88 career passes for 550 yards with two touchdowns and seven interceptions. Last season, he completed six of 13 passes for 68 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in two games.
The Jets feel Clemens, who played in just two games last season (0-for-1 with four sacks) in mop-up duty, is the heir apparent to Pennington but they wanted someone with NFL experience to challenge him in training camp. Clemens was a second-round pick (49th overall) out of Oregon last April.
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Jets, QB Tuiasosopo reach an agreement
Jets, QB Tuiasosopo reach an agreement
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