The Jets swapped disappointing tackles with the Rams, shipping Wayne Hunter to St. Louis for Jason Smith.
The Jets announced the teams agreed to the terms of the deal, with both players having physicals today to complete it.
Rex Ryan demoted Hunter last Thursday, giving Austin Howard the starting right tackle job. Howard performed well on Sunday night against the Panthers, and a source said the Jets plan on keeping Howard in the starting role. Smith will be a blocking tight end and backup tackle, the source said.
Smith, the second overall pick in 2009, has been a bust for the Rams, losing his starting spot to Barry Richardson. The Jets added salary with the move. Smith is guaranteed $4 million this year, a high price for a backup lineman. Hunter’s deal was for $2.45 million. Concussions and other injuries have limited Smith to 29 games over three seasons.
Just four days after saying they were not trying to trade Hunter, the Jets sent him packing. A source said the Rams initiated the trade discussions. Hunter will be reunited with former Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer in St. Louis.
Things deteriorated quickly for Hunter this preseason after struggling last year, his first as a starter. He allowed 2 ½ sacks last week against the Giants and drew harsh criticism from media and fans. Hunter appeared to lose his confidence.
According to two sources, Hunter screamed at some fans who were heckling him late in Sunday’s game. It got so bad, the sources said, teammate Vlad Ducasse had to restrain Hunter from going after the fans.
* The Jets’ kicking competition ended with the team kicking Josh Brown to the curb.
For the second straight year, Nick Folk held off competition for his job and remains the Jets starter. The Jets released Brown yesterday morning.
Brown could not hit his field goals quite as consistently as Folk, and that seemed to be the deciding factor. Folk was 4-for-4 in the preseason and Brown was 3-for-4, missing wide left from 45 yards on Sunday night.
* The Jets waived/injured TE/FB Josh Baker as part of their roster cuts. An MRI exam revealed Baker tore the ACL in his right knee Sunday night in an ugly collision with a Panthers defensive back.
Since Baker is injured, he will be put on waivers and if no team claims him, he will be put on the Jets’ injured reserve list. He will receive his full salary or an injury settlement.
* Starting tight end Dustin Keller (hamstring) is expected to be fine, according to a source. Keller left Sunday’s game after two plays, but he is expected to be ready for the season opener Sept. 9 against the Bills. … In addition to Brown and Baker, the Jets cut LB Damario Ambrose, WR Wes Kemp, WR Stanley Arukwe and RB Jeremy Stewart. The Jets roster now has 74 players and must be down to 53 by 9 p.m. Friday.