The Jets are going to get a look at quarterback Kevin Kolb this season, just not in their own locker room as some thought they would.
The Bills were close to signing Kolb last night, according to ESPN. After the Cardinals released Kolb earlier this month in a salary cap saving move, there was immediate speculation the Jets might add him to their quarterback picture, because Kolb played for Jets offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg in Philadelphia.
Kolb was set to sign a reported two-year, $13 million deal.
The Jets did have internal discussions about Kolb, according to a source, but they never got serious about adding him to the quarterback group that includes Mark Sanchez, David Garrard, Greg McElroy, Tim Tebow and Matt Simms. All but Tebow are expected to go to training camp with the Jets, with Sanchez and Garrard competing for the starting job. There was a thought it would be impossible for the Jets to evaluate three veteran quarterbacks if they added Kolb, because there are only so many practice repetitions to divide up.
Kolb, 28, joins Tarvaris Jackson with the Bills as Buffalo tries to find someone to replace Ryan Fitzpatrick. Kolb appeared in just six games last season with the Cardinals due to injuries and losing the starting job initially to John Skleton. Kolb finished with 1,169 yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions.
The Jets could add another quarterback in next month’s Draft. It’s unlikely they will sign another veteran.
DOLPHINS: Cornerback Brent Grimes, who missed almost all of last season with an Achilles tendon injury, signed a one-year contract with Miami.
Grimes started 28 games for the Falcons in 2010-11 but was hurt in their opener last season. He declined to predict whether he will be able to take part in offseason practices beginning in May.
“I don’t have any restrictions right now,” he said. “I am running and everything. It’s just building up your strength and everything. That’s part of the process, but I have plenty of time. With the offseason workouts and getting everything in shape, I will be great.”
Grimes is expected to start for the Dolphins, who lost Sean Smith via free agency to the Chiefs.
“I picked Miami because I think they are building something great here,” Grimes said.
He was undrafted and broke into the NFL with the Falcons in 2007. He has 13 career interceptions, while Smith has five in four seasons.
“We are very excited that we were able to reach an agreement with Brent,” Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland said. The Associated Press contributed to this report.